2001 BMW X5 Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2001 BMW X5 includes a full evaluation of the 2001 BMW X5 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 BMW X5, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 BMW X5 help you decide if a 2001 BMW X5 is right for you.

2001 BMW X5 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Navigation system controls

Build quality	Fuel economy

Cargo room

Exterior finish

Interior materials

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	7	5

Test V8 X5 showed ample punch from any speed and ran 0-60 mph in just 7.0 sec. Manual-transmission 3.0i feels almost as quick, while 3.0i with automatic clocked 8.2 sec 0-60, aided by super-quick shifts. Smooth manual-transmission gear changes depend on deliberate lever movement, good clutch coordination.

Fuel Economy

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
4	3	3	3.3

Performance has its price. Test V8 X5 averaged 14.1 mpg, the 3.0i automatic 14.8, though the 3.0i manual returned 17.6. All require premium fuel.

Ride Quality

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	3	4.2

Standard chassis is firmer than RX 300's, softer than M-Class's, and is absorbent and comfortable. Low-profile high-performance tires in V8 Sport Package induce jiggle and rumble on rough pavement.

Steering/Handling/Braking

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
5	6	6	4.3

The sports car of SUVs, despite some body lean in tight, fast turns. V8 Sport Package tires have poor grip in snow. Hard stops short and almost nosedive-free with 6-cyl, a bit longer in heavier V8 models.

Quietness

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	4	4.1

Pleasantly calm, save coarse-surface thrum from the 19-inch tires in the V8-model Sport Package. V8 exhaust note can be wearing, too.

Controls

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	4	4.4

Mostly handy and precise, but the confounding navigation system takes time to master. Cabin materials are a study in stylish quality.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	8	7.2

Plenty of head and leg room on firm, supportive seats. Typical high-rise SUV driving stance. Rear headrests slightly impede aft visibility. Optional obstacle-warning system a plus.

Room/Comfort (rear)

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5	5.6

Generous head room, but leg space gets tight with front seats pushed fully aft. Intrusive rear wheel housings preclude three-abreast comfort for adults. Tall step-up, tight doorways frustrate entry/exit.

Cargo Room

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7	7.3

High liftover, and less volume than RX, M-class, or BMW's own 5-Series wagon. Flimsy accordion-style cargo cover seems cheap at X5's price level, but separate-opening liftgate glass is a convenience plus.

Value within Class

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	Class Average
3	4	2	4

The SUV of choice for sporty on-road driving. But BMW's strong resale values don't fully offset stiff prices. The RX 300 lacks X5's breeding, but is a better value in a carlike SUV. Ditto Acura's MDX with its three-row seating and extra cargo space.

Total Score