Acceleration

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	7	7	5.1

Satisfying to sizzling. Test 4.4i X5 did 0-60 mph in just 7.0 sec; a 4.6is is noticeably quicker. Manual-transmission 3.0i feels almost as strong as 4.4 model, while test 3.0i with automatic clocked 8.2 sec 0-60. Automatic transmission provides super-quick shifts. Smooth manual-transmission gear changes require a firm hand and careful clutch coordination.

Fuel Economy

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
3	4	3	3	3.3

Test 4.4i averaged 14.1 mpg, same as test 4.6is. Test 3.0i averaged 14.8 with automatic transmission, 17.6 with manual. N All X5s require premium fuel.

Ride Quality

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	3	3	4.3

Base chassis' absorbent, comfortable ride is firmer than a Lexus RX 300's, softer than that of a Mercedes ML320/ML430. Low-profile 19-inch performance tires on test 4.4i induced jiggle and rumble on rough pavement; the 4.6is with its 20-inch tires feels even less-forgiving.

Steering/Handling/Braking

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	6	6	7	4.2

The sports sedan of SUVs, despite some body lean in fast turns. Even with AWD, the 19-inch tires have poor grip in snow, and the 4.6is tires could have even less, but both stick like glue on dry roads. Simulated emergency stops are short and fairly level in 3.0i, a bit longer in heavier V8 versions.

Quietness

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	4	4	4.5

Pleasantly calm, save coarse-surface thrum from the 4.4i optional 19-inch tires and 4.6is's 20-inch tires. V8 exhaust note can be wearing, too.

Controls

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	4	4	4.7

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.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	7.3

Plenty of head and leg room on firm, supportive seats. Typical high-rise SUV driving stance. Heated steering wheel available on all models. 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.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	6.2

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 impede entry/exit. Heated rear seats optional on 4.4i, standard 4.6is.

Cargo Room

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7.4

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.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	5	3	2	4.5

The SUV of choice for sporty on-road driving. But BMW's strong resale values don't fully offset stiff prices. Among alternatives, Lexus's RX 300 lacks the X5's Euro-breeding, but is a better value in a carlike 5-passenger SUV. Ditto Acura's MDX with its three-row seating and extra cargo space.

Total Score

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/Sport Pkg., nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
57	59	50	50	51.5

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		37
Average Score		51
High Score		64