2011 BMW X5 Reviews

The new BMWx5 cars get the fresh exterior and interior colors combined with latest iDrive and different light alloy wheel designs complete the makeover. The occupants in the 3rd row lack adequate leg room.

The important modifications though are hidden under the bonnet since the 2011 X5 gets the latest generation of turbocharged diesel (xDrive35d) and gasoline engines (xDrive35i and xDrive50i) as well as BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. All of engines now are available turbocharged, including the flagship xDrive50i, which packs a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8, the xDrive35i powered by the new N55 single-turbo 3.-liter straight six engine, and the xDrive35d with a twin-turbocharged 3.-liter diesel six.

The X5 xDrive50i develops 400 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 450 pound-feet of torque at 1,750-4,500 rpm and is capable of a 60 mph sprint time of just 5.3 seconds. The vehicle’s 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque see it reach 60 mph from rest in 6.9 seconds while returning an EPA-estimated fuel saving of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

For the latest model year, exterior colors include metallic Deep Sea Blue, Platinum Grey, and Sparkling Bronze are now available for the BMW X5. Furthermore, the new inline-6 of the X5 xDrive35i is the first BMW inline-6 to combine BMW's Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, High Precision direct fuel injection and turbocharging.

New standard equipment includes 1-inch light alloy wheels, roof rails and panoramic moonroof, power adjustable steering column, iPod / USB adapter interface and privacy glass. For the first time, Premium trim also includes standard Nevada Leather.

In addition, buyers of the Premium model may choose up to four packages, including the Active Ventilated Seat Package, Convenience Package, Cold Weather Package and Technology Package. The X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity trim level has an MSRP of $54,600 including destination and handling and additional standard equipment over the Premium model. The Premium trim level's 19-inch wheels are replaced with 20-inch light alloy wheels, sport seats, Shadowline exterior trim and Anthracite headliner. In addition to the packages available on the Premium model, customers may add the popular M Sport Package to the X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity model.

Torque output is 425 lb-ft at 1750-2250 rpm, along with peak power output of 265 horsepower. A lengthy list of options is available on all models, including satellite navigation, rear seat entertainment system, back-up camera, full-roof sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, driver's seat massage, front and rear climate zones, and many others. A Sport Package includes anti-roll stability control and run-flat tires.

Safety equipment includes two-stage dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, front-seat side-impact air bags, anti-lock brakes with electronic traction control, adaptive headlights, and cornering lights.

The X5 is available in five trim levels: xDrive35i, xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Activity, xDrive35d and xDrive50i. The xDrive35i variants get a new single-turbo 300-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, while the xDrive35d carries over the 265-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder diesel. The xDrive35i and xDrive50i get a new eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, while the xDrive35d retains its six-speed automatic; both transmissions are equipped with Steptronic manual shift mode. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, run-flat tires, bi-xenon adaptive headlamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, leatherette upholstery and a CD player with MP3 capability; additional trim-specific features include a Panorama glass moonroof, 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, genuine wood trim and a USB port.