I had the 2010 BMW X5 this week. It’s been a long time since I have had the X5 and notice a lot of improvement from the earlier versions. BMW’s tag line of the Ultimate Driving Machine holds true with the X5. This SUV handles like a dream.
Like most BMW products, the X5 is aggressive in looks and my Vermillion Red test vehicle is striking to look at. The 18” tires appear larger and fill the entire wheel well which gives the vehicle a really sporty appearance. You cannot help but notice the largeness of the windows, which gives it terrific visibility when driving.
The X5 comes with a 3.0 liter 6-cylinder and the 4.8 liter V8, which is what I evaluated. As standard equipment, the vehicle comes with all-wheel drive, all the latest safety features, leather interior, Xenon headlights, panoramic moonroof, and a host of other items that are extra cost on many vehicles.
The interior is pure luxury and the dash and driver controls are exceptional. Truly, it is one of the nicest cabins I have ever been in, especially for the driver. There is plenty of room in the front seat and unusually good room for the rear seat passengers. The cargo area also has a lot of room including load height.
This vehicle has the technology package, which includes a terrific navigation system. It also has bluetooth, and an excellent sound system.
From a performance standpoint, the vehicle feels heavy to me and transmission shifts a little odd to me. But I am getting used to it the more I drive it.
As you can tell, I really like the X5 as an SUV. Everything is perfect…until you get to the price and that’s where it all falls apart. If you listen to the show, you know I always drive a vehicle for a few days, guess what MSRP is, and THEN look at the window sticker. Based on other SUVs I have driven, I thought I was being generous to guess the MSRP to be $55000. I was WAY off. This vehicle has a window sticker price of almost $70,000. As much as I like it, I just cannot recommend it.
What I liked most: The looks and handling.
What I’d change if I could: Lower the price by a lot.
Price as tested: $69,375 MSRP.
Fuel economy: 14 City/19 Highway which it really gets.
BMW X5 in a few words: GREAT SUV, horribly overpriced.
