BMW X5, 1999 - 2007
4513Rating3.810% worse than average rating of competitors (4.2)Review number: 13 RecommendsYes 0% No 100%
The BMW X5 is a mid-size SUV produced with all-wheel drive and linear 6-cylinder or V8 petrol and diesel engines. The BMW X5 is described as a SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) rather than an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) with an emphasis on off-road performance rather than off-road capabilities. Like its competitors Lexus RX 300 and Mercedes M-Class, the X5 is designed like a car, not a real SUV. With BMW's acquisition of the Rover, BMW engineers took over Rover's many years of experience in SUV development, a major step in the X5's development process. As a result, the X5 uses a hill descent control system, a two-part rear door (similar to the Land Rover). Most of the electronics are taken from the BMW E39 5 Series to reduce development costs. Unlike the Range Rover models, the X5 was designed as a sporty road car with poor SUV performance. The X5 (unlike SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne) does not have off-road systems such as a lowered transmission, locked differential, adjustable suspension height, waterproof air intake, and more. Despite the fact that the X5 is all-wheel drive, 62% of the engine torque is delivered to the rear wheels, giving the impression that the car is rear-wheel drive. Many owners notice that the car is like a BMW 5 Series with all-wheel drive.