By: Matthew Milford

Matthew Milford — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:49:12 +0000

I tested the 2009 BMW X5 xDrive48i just a week ago. It has its ups and downs. Let’s start with the ups. The 09 BMW X5 xDrive48i comes with a standard 350 horsepower 4.8 liter V8. That’s even MORE powerful than the Mercedes-Benz GL450 full-size SUV, with a very disappointing 335 horsepower 4.5 liter V8. This big engine allows for a sporty ride – a 0 to 60mph run of 6.4 seconds. That’s equivalent to the Cayenne S’s run of 6.4 seconds. Not only is the X5 considerably sporty and quite powerful, but it’s also luxurious. Standard features of the base X5 include a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel w/ radio controls, air conditioning w/ dual-zone automatic climate controls, 6-disc CD changer, power front seats, and leather upholstery. But the X5 xDrive48i adds on remote engine start, heated front seats, power sunroof, tri-zone climate controls, and premium sound. But the xDrive48i also has some downs, which includes the EPA estimated 14mpg in the city and 19mpg on the highway. I thought that BMW’s low-emissions goal would get the xDrive48i’s fuel economy to reach 16mpg city and 20mpg highway, but I also consider the fact that BMW’s big engine might not allow that. I found in both the base X5’s and xDrive48i’s that the ride was very firm. The car feels a little bit too much like a high-performance SUV, and not quite enough as a mix of power and luxury, as that is BMW’s goal for the xDrive48i. I also found out pretty quickly that the X5’s interior is pretty noisy. You can sure hear that V8 yelling “Let’s go!”, which makes conversations slightly more difficult. The last down is competition. Is the 350 horsepower 4.8 liter V8 worthy enough to compete with the Cayenne S’s 385 horsepower 4.8 liter V8? Is the X5’s engine worthy enough to compete with the Mercedes ML550’s 382 horsepower 5.5 liter V8? So, the X5 is powerful, sporty, and luxurious. It’s also gas-eating, hard to drive, loud, and weak (compared to its competitors). The 87% that the X5 gets is a reasonable score, and we think that BMW will work on the downs more effectively in the future.

By: Compressed Chi

Compressed Chi — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:47:34 +0000

I recently leased the 2009 X5 with a larger engine that most mentioned is a must when driving such a heavy car, and that makes it a lot of fun to drive. Like all BMWs, this X5 handles beautifully and looks sharp. The gadgets I am still in the process of learning how to use–make sure the dealer shows you how all the bells and whistles work! We considered the Range Rover, but the handling and sportiness of the X5 swayed us and we are overall very happy with our new ride. The four year complementary servicing also makes driving this car over others more affordable.

Comments on: 2009 BMW X5 Reviews and Buying Tips

By: Matthew Milford

By: Compressed Chi