2006 BMW X5 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

BMW's American-built SUV comes in three models: the 3.0i with a 225-hp 6-cyl engine, the 4.4i with a 315-hp V8, and the 4.8is with a 355-hp V8. X5s have all-wheel drive without low-range gearing, ABS, and traction/antiskid control. Also standard are front side airbags and front and rear head-protecting tubular side airbags. Rear side airbags are optional. The 3.0i offers manual and automatic transmissions. V8s come with an automatic. The automatics have a manual shift gate. Standard on V8s and optional on the 3.0i are load-leveling suspension, leather upholstery, front and rear obstacle detection, and steering-linked xenon headlights. Other available features include adjustable ride-height suspension, heated rear seats, navigation system, and BMW Assist emergency and concierge system.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.

Our Best Buys include Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.

New or significantly redesigned models include Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Saab 9-7X.

News

It may be tagged an '07 or an '08 model, but a redesigned X5 is due very soon. Late reports say it wraps cautiously evolved styling around a longer, wider and taller package with room for an available two-place fold-flush 3rd-row seat. The current engine trio will probably carry over with improvements, joined perhaps by BMW's new 300-hp twin-turbo 6-cyl. BMW also hints at a first-time U.S. diesel X5 with either a largish six or a smallish V8. There's also talk of a hot X5 M to take on Mercedes' high-performance ML63. Sources say all engines will mate to 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions and a new generation of BMW's all-wheel xDrive. Upper-end models reportedly have a standard height-adjustable air suspension. Options are said to include BMW's electronically-controlled Active Steering and the Active Roll Stabilization system designed to reduce body lean in corners.

The next X5's "L4" platform will also serve a luxury-performance crossover wagon to answer the Mercedes-Benz R-Class. Expected in calendar '07 or '08, it will be built in South Carolina alongside X5s, reportedly in 2-row "V5" and longer 3-row "V7" versions. Engineering is said to mix elements of the 5-Series and flagship 7-Series cars. L4 is also the reported basis for an AWD "Sport Activity Coupe" with a high stance and very sleek, 2-dr styling. Its timing is less clear, but signs seem to point to a mid-2008 U.S. debut.

2006 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.	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

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		52
Average Score		61
High Score		73

2006 BMW X5 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/30/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

3.0i 4-door wagon	$42,500	$38,855	$695

4.4i 4-door wagon	$53,600	$49,955	$695

4.8is 4-door wagon	$71,100	$64,880	$695

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

3.0i

Powertrain

3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, side head-protecting airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, hill descent control, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, 12-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers w/heated washers, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, cargo cover, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, roof rails.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Full-size spare, 235/65HR17 tires, alloy wheels.

4.4i adds to 3.0i:

Powertrain

4.4-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Safety

Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Rear climate controls, leather upholstery.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Load-leveling suspension, 255/55HR18 tires.

4.8is adds to 4.4i:

Powertrain

4.8-liter V8 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heated front and rear seats, power reclining rear seat, ski sack, heated steering wheel, BMW Assist system w/one year service, power sunroof, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, compass, side sunshades.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Headlight washers, rear privacy glass.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Deletes: full-size spare tire.

Sport suspension w/adjustable ride height, 275/40R20 front tires, 315/35R20 rear tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
4.4i	$2,500	$2,275
Power sunroof, BMW Assist system w/one year service, wireless cell phone link, power reclining rear seatbacks, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, compass.

Sport Pkg.
3.0i	$2,500	$2,275
4.4i	$1,600	$1,455
Sport seats, sport steering wheel, anthracite headliner, titanium-colored grille insert, shadowline trim, black-chrome exhaust tips, sport suspension, 255/55HR18 tires (3.0i), unique alloy wheels. 3.0i requires leather upholstery or Premium Pkg.

Cold Weather Pkg.
3.0i, 4.4i	$750	$685
Heated front seats, ski sack, headlight washers.

Rear Climate Pkg.
3.0i	$600	$545
4.4i	$400	$365
Rear climate controls (3.0i), side sunshades, rear privacy glass. 3.0i requires Premium Pkg.

Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
3.0i	$1,275	$1,210


Safety
Rear side airbags
3.0i, 4.4i, 4.8is	$385	$350


Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
3.0i	$700	$635


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
3.0i, 4.4i, 4.8is	$1,800	$1,640
Replaces CD player w/cassette player. 3.0i, 4.4i require Premium Pkg.

BMW Assist system
3.0i, 4.4i	$750	$685
Includes one year service, wireless cell phone link.

Power sunroof
3.0i, 4.4i	$1,350	$1,230


Premium sound system
3.0i, 4.4i	$1,200	$1,090
Std. 4.8is.

Heated steering wheel
3.0i, 4.4i	$150	$135
Requires Cold Weather Pkg.

Leather upholstery
3.0i	$1,450	$1,320


Comfort seats
3.0i, 4.4i	$1,200	$1,090
Std. 4.8is.

Heated rear seats
3.0i, 4.4i	$350	$320
Requires Cold Weather Pkg. 3.0i requires leather upholstery or Premium Pkg.

Special interior wood trim
3.0i, 4.4i, 4.8is	$0	$0


Automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors
3.0i	$350	$320
Includes compass.

Retractable load floor
3.0i, 4.4i, 4.8is	$380	$345


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights
3.0i	$800	$730


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Load-leveling suspension
3.0i	$700	$635


Adjustable ride-height suspension
4.4i	$500	$455
3.0i	$1,200	$1,090
3.0i includes load-leveling suspension.

Star-spoke alloy wheels
4.4i	$950	$865
255/50R19 front tires, 285/45R19 rear tires. Requires Sport Pkg.

2006 BMW X5 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	BMW X5 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	111.0

Overall Length, in.	183.7

Overall Width, in.	73.7

Overall Height, in.	67.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	4652

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	69.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	24.6

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	39.3

Rear Head Room, in.	38.5

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I6	dohc V8	dohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.0 /182	4.4 /268	4.8 /293

Horsepower @ rpm.	225 @ 5900	315 @ 5400	355 @ 6200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	214 @ 3500	324 @ 3600	360 @ 3400

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed manual	15/21	--/--	--/--

5-speed automatic	16/21	--/--	--/--

6-speed automatic	--/--	16/22	16/21

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	BMW X5 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	12/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	4/50,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive

< 2006 BMW X5 Photos

Also in the 2006 BMW X5 Review:

BMW X5

BMW X5 Road Test

BMW X5 Prices & Equipment

BMW X5 Specs & Safety

BMW X5 Photos

BMW X5 Full Review

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