Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

2007 BMW X5 Full Review
Date Published: 6/05/08
Also in the 2007 BMW X5 Review:
5. 
BMW X5 Photos

6. 
BMW X5 Full Review

7. 
All BMW X5s

8. 
All BMWs


2007 BMW X5 Review
BMW redesigns the larger of its two SUVs for 2007, making it bigger and offering seven-passenger seating. Compared to the 2000-2006 models, the 2007 X5 is 4.5 inches longer in wheelbase, 7.4 inches longer overall, 2.4 inches wider, and 2 inches taller. It is offered in two models. The 3.0si has a 260-hp 6-cyl engine and replaces the 225-hp 3.0i. The 4.8i has a 350-hp 4.8-liter V8 and replaces the 315-hp 4.4i. Both come only with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Standard seating is for five, but an optional 3rd row expands capacity to seven. All X5s have all-wheel drive without low-range gearing, traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors, and hill descent control. Front side airbags are standard, as are curtain side airbags that cover the first two seating rows and include rollover deployment. All X5s have steering-linked xenon headlights and BMW's iDrive that uses a single knob to control entertainment, communication, navigation, and climate functions. An available sport package includes driver-adjustable suspension and BMW's Active Roll Stabilization that counters body lean. BMW's Active Steering, designed to quicken low-speed steering response, is optional. Other options include a navigation system, head-up instrument display, DVD entertainment, rearview camera with front/rear obstacle detection, and BMW Assist concierge service with wireless cell phone link.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 the Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Chrysler Aspen, and Lincoln MKX.
News
The just-redesigned X5 shouldn't see much near-term change, but does set the stage for BMW's first crossover SUV. Expected to be called X6, it's due to arrive in calendar 2008 as a rival to the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, which has proved a tough sell. X6 was first rumored as a "four-door coupe" with all-wheel drive and aggressive styling, but recent spy photos of lightly disguised prototypes indicate a wagon-like profile, plus a lower stance than X5. X6 reportedly seats four only, but shares the basic X5 platform and is built in the same South Carolina plant. Powerteams and many other features will be shared too, but X6 will likely be pitched upstream in price and luxury. Keep checking back with us for late news.
   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 BMW X5 Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Navigation-system controls
Build quality Fuel economy
Cargo room
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

4.8i w/Sport Pkg. 4.8i w/3rd-row seat 4.8i w/3rd-row seat, nav. sys. Class Average
7 7 7 6.2

Only 4.8i models made available for test so far. They're not fast off the line, but build speed quickly for good high-speed response. BMW says 4.8i does 6.4 sec 0-60 mph. Transmission smooth, alert.
Fuel Economy

4.8i w/Sport Pkg. 4.8i w/3rd-row seat 4.8i w/3rd-row seat, nav. sys. Class Average
3 3 3 3.6

Test 4.8i averaged 13.9-14.8 mpg. All X5s require premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

4.8i w/Sport Pkg. 4.8i w/3rd-row seat 4.8i w/3rd-row seat, nav. sys. Class Average
4 4 4 5.7

Surprisingly firm with base suspension. Little comfort difference in models with sport suspension, 19-inch tires vs those with base suspension, 18s. No opportunity to test with 20-inch tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking

4.8i w/Sport Pkg. 4.8i w/3rd-row seat 4.8i w/3rd-row seat, nav. sys. Class Average
7 6 6 5.6

Outstanding balance, grip make X5 feel more like a sport sedan than an SUV. Minimal body lean in turns, especially with Sport Package. Models equipped without Active Steering required surprising effort to turn at low speeds. Strong brakes, excellent pedal feel.
Quietness

4.8i w/Sport Pkg. 4.8i w/3rd-row seat 4.8i w/3rd-row seat, nav. sys. Class Average
6 6 6 6.5

Some engine noise, coarse surface tire thrum. Otherwise, X5 pleasantly quiet. Sport Package's 19-inch tires not noticeably louder than standard 18s.
Controls

4.8i w/Sport Pkg. 4.8i w/3rd-row seat 4.8i w/3rd-row seat, nav. sys. Class Average
7 7 6 6.5

Frequently used audio, climate controls thankfully separate from iDrive. Any functions governed by iDrive require a long look from the road. Navigation system operation a frustrating ordeal with complex control, cryptic markings. Interior materials a nice blend of durability, luxury; are assembled with care. One test vehicle suffered from several squeaks and rattles in the dashboard and rear-seat area.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4.8i w/Sport Pkg. 4.8i w/3rd-row seat 4.8i w/3rd-row seat, nav. sys. Class Average
7 7 7 7.3

Great leg room, though taller drivers will be cramped for head room beneath sunroof housing. Seats with optional upgraded upholstery harder, less comfortable than standard buckets. Adjustable thigh support a comfort plus. Rear headrests partially block view astern, but visibility good otherwise, aided by available front, rear obstacle detection. Note that screen of available DVD entertainment system folds and rests atop center console armrest, rather than dropping from the ceiling. Some testers find their elbows frequently bump against the folded screen.
Room/Comfort (rear)

4.8i w/Sport Pkg. 4.8i w/3rd-row seat 4.8i w/3rd-row seat, nav. sys. Class Average
5 6 6 6.3

Decent head room. Leg, knee space unexceptional in five-passenger versions. Second-row seat reclines on all X5s, slides fore/aft in seven-seat models, increasing comfort for those passengers. Third row suits kids only, and even they will be cramped unless 2nd-row seat fully forward. Entry/exit to 3rd-row seat requires contortions.
Cargo Room

4.8i w/Sport Pkg. 4.8i w/3rd-row seat 4.8i w/3rd-row seat, nav. sys. Class Average
8 8 8 7.8

With 3rd-row seat up, enough room for a row of grocery bags. Very good space behind 2nd row. All seatbacks fold flat to further increase capacity. X5 liftgate has a clamshell design that creates a drop-down tailgate section. High liftover means the tailgate must be dropped to load even moderately sized items. Interior storage nothing special.
Value within Class

4.8i w/Sport Pkg. 4.8i w/3rd-row seat 4.8i w/3rd-row seat, nav. sys. Class Average
5 5 4 5.9

X5 is noteworthy primarily for its sporty handling. Kudos to BMW for simplifying key functions in its iDrive control system. However, the navigation system is confounding, the available 3rd-row seat is a token gesture, and X5 is pricey, particularly in V8 form. The price premium, though, is partially offset by strong resale values.
Total Score

4.8i w/Sport Pkg. 4.8i w/3rd-row seat 4.8i w/3rd-row seat, nav. sys. Class Average
59 59 57 61.4
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
54
Average Score
61
High Score
82
   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 BMW X5 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/15/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
3.0si 4-door wagon $45,900 $42,230 $775
4.8i 4-door wagon $54,500 $50,140 $775
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
3.0si
Powertrain
3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front- and 2nd-row curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, hill descent control, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
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, 10-way power front bucket seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors w/passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers w/heated washers, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, cargo cover, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights, fog lights, cornering lights, roof rails, rear spoiler.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
255/55HR18 tires, alloy wheels.
4.8i adds to 3.0si:
Powertrain
4.8-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, wood interior trim.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Load-leveling suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
3.0si
$4,050
$3,685
4.8i
$2,650
$2,410
Leather upholstery (3.0si), front seat lumbar adjustment, wood interior trim (3.0si), power panorama sunroof, BMW Assist system w/four years service, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, compass, universal garage door opener, additional interior lights.
Sport Pkg.
3.0si, 4.8i
$3,600
$3,275
Sport seats, sport steering wheel, black headliner, shadowline trim, driver-adjustable and Active Roll Stabilization Suspension, 255/55R19 run-flat tires, unique alloy wheels. 3.0si requires leather upholstery or Premium Pkg.
Sport Pkg. w/20-Inch Wheels
4.8i
$4,550
$4,140
Sport Pkg. plus 275/40R20 front and 315/35R20 rear run-flat tires.
Technology Pkg.
3.0si, 4.8i
$2,600
$2,365
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system, navigation system w/voice recognition, rearview camera, traffic information.
Cold Weather Pkg.
3.0si, 4.8i
$900
$820
Heated front seats and steering wheel, ski sack, headlight washers.
Rear Climate Pkg.
3.0si, 4.8i
$700
$635
Rear dual-zone automatic climate controls, side sunshades, rear privacy glass.
Active Ventilated Seat Pkg.
3.0si, 4.8i
$2,100
$1,910
20-way power multicontour ventilated front seats. Requires Cold Weather Pkg. or heated front seats. 3.0si requires Premium Pkg. or leather upholstery.
Premium Sound Pkg.
3.0si, 4.8i
$1,800
$1,640
Premium sound system, glovebox-mounted 6-disc CD changer.
Safety
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
3.0si, 4.8i
$700
$635
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
3.0si, 4.8i
$1,900
$1,730
Includes voice recognition, traffic information.
BMW Assist system
3.0si, 4.8i
$750
$685
Includes four-years service, wireless cell phone link.
Power panorama sunroof
3.0si, 4.8i
$1,350
$1,230
DVD entertainment system
3.0si, 4.8i
$1,800
$1,640
Upgraded sound system
3.0si, 4.8i
$500
$455
Satellite radio
3.0si, 4.8i
$595
$540
High definition radio
3.0si, 4.8i
$500
$450
iPod connector
3.0si, 4.8i
$400
$365
Leather upholstery
3.0si
$1,450
$1,320
Upgraded leather upholstery
3.0si
$2,450
$2,230
3.0si w/Premium Pkg., 4.8i
$1,000
$910
20-way power multicontour front seats
3.0si, 4.8i
$1,200
$1,090
3rd-row stowable split folding seat
3.0si
$1,700
$1,545
4.8i
$1,200
$1,090
3.0si includes load-leveling suspension.
Heated front seats
3.0si, 4.8i
$500
$455
Heated rear seats
3.0si, 4.8i
$350
$320
Requires Cold Weather Pkg. or heated front seats. 3.0si requires leather upholstery or Premium Pkg.
Wood interior trim
3.0si
$500
$455
Special interior wood trim
3.0si, 4.8i
$0
$0
3.0si requires Premium Pkg.
Keyless access and starting
3.0si, 4.8i
$1,000
$910
Power liftgate
3.0si, 4.8i
$500
$455
Head-up instrument display
3.0si, 4.8i
$1,200
$1,010
Requires Technology Pkg. or navigation system.
Rear sunshades
3.0si, 4.8i
$250
$230
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Active steering
3.0si, 4.8i
$1,400
$1,230
Requires Sport Pkg.
Running boards
3.0si, 4.8i
$300
$275
   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 BMW X5 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification BMW X5 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 115.5
Overall Length, in. 191.1
Overall Width, in. 76.1
Overall Height, in. 69.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 4982
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 75.2
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 22.5
Seating Capacity 7
Front Head Room, in. 39.3
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40.0
Rear Head Room, in. 39.0
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 36.6
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I6 dohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.0 /182 4.8 /293
Horsepower @ rpm. 260 @ 6600 350 @ 6300
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 225 @ 2750 350 @ 3400
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
6-speed automatic 17/23 15/21
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
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
   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2007 BMW X5 Review:
5. 
BMW X5 Photos

6. 
BMW X5 Full Review

7. 
All BMW X5s

8. 
All BMWs


Car Buying Resources

Trade-In Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth

Trade-In Calculator



Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer
Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.



What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn things



Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance



Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers
Sell Your Car


   Locate a Dealer
    Sell Your Car
Powered by: