2003 BMW X5 Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2003 BMW X5 includes a full evaluation of the 2003 BMW X5 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 BMW X5, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 BMW X5 help you decide if a 2003 BMW X5 is right for you.

2003 BMW X5 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Navigation-system controls

Build quality	Fuel economy

Cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	7	7	5.8

Test 4.4i X5 did 7 sec 0-60 mph; 4.6is noticeably quicker. Test automatic-transmission 3.0i did 8.2 sec 0-60, while manual 3.0i feels almost as strong as the 4.4i. Automatic transmission provides quick shifts. 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/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
3	4	3	3	3.1

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. All X5s require premium fuel.

Ride Quality

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	4	3	4.6

Base chassis' absorbent, comfortable ride is firmer than a Lexus RX 330's, softer than a Mercedes M-Class'. Low-profile 19-inch performance tires on test 4.4i induced jiggle and rumble on rough pavement; 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/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	6	6	7	5.1

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/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	4	4	5.4

Pleasantly calm, save coarse-surface thrum from 19- or 20-inch tires. V8 exhaust note can be wearing, too.

Controls

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	4	4	5.7

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/19-in. wheels, 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 3.0i and 4.4i. 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/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.9

Plenty of 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 on 4.6is.

Cargo Room

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7.5

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

Value within Class

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/ Sport Pkg., man.	4.4i w/19-in. wheels, nav. sys.	4.6is w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	5	3	2	5.2

The SUV of choice for sporty on-road driving. But BMW's strong resale values don't fully offset stiff prices. Among alternatives, the Lexus RX 330 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