2006 BMW X5: Road Test
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2006 BMW X5 ▼
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- MSRP: $42,500 -$71,100
- Invoice: $38,855 -$64,880
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Our road test for the 2006 BMW X5 includes a full evaluation of the 2006 BMW X5 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 BMW X5, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 BMW X5 help you decide if a 2006 BMW X5 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 3.0i, auto. | 4.4i | 4.4i w/19-in. whls., nav. sys. | 4.8is | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.2 |
Powerful V8s best-suited to these heavy SUVs. The 6-cyl labors in some situations. Test automatic-transmission 3.0i did 8.2 sec 0-60 mph. V8s excel at highway passing, merging, though some testers say movement off the line is too lazy. Test 4.4i did a quick 6.8 sec 0-60 mph. Test 4.8is felt equal to BMW's claim of 5.9 sec 0-60. Automatics are smooth shifters.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 3.0i, auto. | 4.4i | 4.4i w/19-in. whls., nav. sys. | 4.8is | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3.4 |
Test automatic-transmission 3.0i averaged 14.8 mpg. Test 4.4i models averaged 14.0-16.6 mpg, 20.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 4.8is averaged 13.5 mpg. All X5s require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 3.0i, auto. | 4.4i | 4.4i w/19-in. whls., nav. sys. | 4.8is | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5.5 |
Base suspension the best choice: quite comfortable and softer than Infiniti FX's. Sport Package includes firmer sport suspension that registers bumps more readily. The 4.4i's optional low-profile 19-inch performance tires induce jiggle and rumble on rough pavement. Ride sports-car firm in 4.8is, though falls short of punishing.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 3.0i, auto. | 4.4i | 4.4i w/19-in. whls., nav. sys. | 4.8is | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 5.7 |
Among similarly priced SUVs, only Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX, and Porsche Cayenne rival X5's sporty road manners. Balance, grip outstanding, despite some body lean in fast changes of direction. Steering effort rather high in parking lots and around town, but near perfect at freeway speed. AWD system does excellent job apportioning power to minimize wheelslip, though be aware that available 19- and 20-inch tires have poor traction in snow.
QUIETNESS
| 3.0i, auto. | 4.4i | 4.4i w/19-in. whls., nav. sys. | 4.8is | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 6.6 |
Coarse-surface thrum from available 19- and 20-inch tires. Pleasantly calm otherwise.
CONTROLS
| 3.0i, auto. | 4.4i | 4.4i w/19-in. whls., nav. sys. | 4.8is | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 6.6 |
Mostly handy and precise, but confounding navigation and audio systems take time to master. Some testers would prefer that automatic transmission's manual shift action work as on most other vehicles: A forward push to upshift, a rearward tug to downshift. X5's works in the reverse. Cabin materials a study in stylish quality.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 3.0i, auto. | 4.4i | 4.4i w/19-in. whls., nav. sys. | 4.8is | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.5 |
Generous head and leg room on firm, supportive seats. Typical high-rise SUV driving stance. Rear headrests slightly impede aft visibility. Available front and rear obstacle detection a plus.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 3.0i, auto. | 4.4i | 4.4i w/19-in. whls., nav. sys. | 4.8is | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.3 |
Plenty of head clearance, but leg space tight with front seats pushed more than halfway back. Intrusive rear wheel housings preclude three-abreast comfort for adults. Tall step-up, tight doorways impede entry/exit. Heated rear seats available on all models.
CARGO ROOM
| 3.0i, auto. | 4.4i | 4.4i w/19-in. whls., nav. sys. | 4.8is | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.9 |
Less overall volume than most competitors, rear seat up or down. High liftover, but separate-opening glass a convenience. Flimsy cargo cover seems cheap at X5's price level.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 3.0i, auto. | 4.4i | 4.4i w/19-in. whls., nav. sys. | 4.8is | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 5.8 |
Along with the more expensive Porsche Cayenne, X5 is the premium midsize SUV of choice for sporty on-road driving. Absence of 3rd-row seating, modest rear-passenger room, and limited cargo volume reveal it as basically a high-riding midsize all-wheel-drive wagon--albeit one with BMW spirit. Prices are steep but are partly offset by strong resale values.
Total Score
| 3.0i, auto. | 4.4i | 4.4i w/19-in. whls., nav. sys. | 4.8is | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 60 | 54 | 52 | 61.5 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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