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2008 BMW X5 Full Review
Date Published: 9/30/08
Also in the 2008 BMW X5 Review:
2008 BMW X5 Review
After a redesign last year, the 2008 BMW X5 receives only minor changes. This midsize SUV seats up to seven and is offered in two models. The 3.0si has a 260-hp 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine. The 4.8i has a 350-hp 4.8-liter V8. Both come only with automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 6000 lb. 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 control, antiskid system 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 BMW's iDrive that uses a single knob to control entertainment, communication, navigation, and climate functions. Available features include Active Roll Stabilization, which counters body lean; Active Steering, designed to quicken low-speed steering response; and steering-linked xenon headlights. Also available are 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, Buick Enclave, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Buick Enclave.
Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Buick Enclave.
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.
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2008 BMW X5 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (4.8i) | Navigation-system controls |
| Build quality | Fuel economy |
| Cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Only 4.8i models have been made available for test so far. Testers complained about non-linear throttle response but not the V8's smooth, strong power, particularly in high-speed passing. BMW says the 4.8i does 6.4 seconds 0-60 mph. The transmission shifts smoothly, with alert downshifts.
| 4.8i | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.1 |
Only 4.8i models have been made available for test so far. Testers complained about non-linear throttle response but not the V8's smooth, strong power, particularly in high-speed passing. BMW says the 4.8i does 6.4 seconds 0-60 mph. The transmission shifts smoothly, with alert downshifts.
Fuel Economy
Extended-use 4.8i is averaging 16.3 mpg over its first 6626 miles. Other 4.8i models averaged 13.9-14.8 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. All X5 models require premium-grade gas.
| 4.8i | Class Average |
| 2 | 3.3 |
Extended-use 4.8i is averaging 16.3 mpg over its first 6626 miles. Other 4.8i models averaged 13.9-14.8 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. All X5 models require premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
The 4.8i exhibits a surprisingly firm ride with the base suspension; some testers complained of harshness and bounding over sharp bumps and jiggling over rough pavement. A brief test showed little comfort difference with sport suspension and 19-inch tires vs. the base suspension and standard 18s. We've had no opportunity to test an X5 with the available 20-inch tires.
| 4.8i | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.9 |
The 4.8i exhibits a surprisingly firm ride with the base suspension; some testers complained of harshness and bounding over sharp bumps and jiggling over rough pavement. A brief test showed little comfort difference with sport suspension and 19-inch tires vs. the base suspension and standard 18s. We've had no opportunity to test an X5 with the available 20-inch tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Outstanding balance and grip make the X5 feel more like a sport sedan than an SUV. There's minimal body lean in turns, especially with the Sport Package. Models without Active Steering required surprising effort to turn at low speeds. Test vehicles exhibited strong braking with excellent pedal feel.
| 4.8i | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.4 |
Outstanding balance and grip make the X5 feel more like a sport sedan than an SUV. There's minimal body lean in turns, especially with the Sport Package. Models without Active Steering required surprising effort to turn at low speeds. Test vehicles exhibited strong braking with excellent pedal feel.
Quietness
There's some engine noise and coarse-surface tire thrum, but otherwise, the X5 is pleasantly quiet. The Sport Package's 19-inch tires were not noticeably louder than the standard 18s.
| 4.8i | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.6 |
There's some engine noise and coarse-surface tire thrum, but otherwise, the X5 is pleasantly quiet. The Sport Package's 19-inch tires were not noticeably louder than the standard 18s.
Controls
Frequently used audio and climate controls are thankfully separate from the iDrive system, but those adjustments governed by iDrive require a long look from the road. The optional navigation system demands frustrating interaction with complex controls and cryptic markings.
| 4.8i | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 |
Frequently used audio and climate controls are thankfully separate from the iDrive system, but those adjustments governed by iDrive require a long look from the road. The optional navigation system demands frustrating interaction with complex controls and cryptic markings.
Details
Interior materials exhibit a nice blend of durability and luxury and are assembled with care. One test vehicle suffered from several squeaks and rattles in the dashboard and rear-seat area.
| 4.8i | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 |
Interior materials exhibit a nice blend of durability and luxury and 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)
There's ample legroom, though taller drivers may find headroom tight beneath the housing of the standard sunroof. Standard seats are comfortable, aided by an adjustable thigh support, but some of the optional seats proved too firm, so try before you buy. Some testers complained that entry and exit was hindered by protruding lower door sills and small door openings. Rear headrests partially block the view astern, but visibility is good otherwise, aided by available front and rear obstacle detection. Note that when in use, the screen of the available DVD entertainment system rests atop the center console armrest rather than dropping from the ceiling; some testers found their elbows frequently bumped against the raised screen.
| 4.8i | Class Average |
| 7 | 7.5 |
There's ample legroom, though taller drivers may find headroom tight beneath the housing of the standard sunroof. Standard seats are comfortable, aided by an adjustable thigh support, but some of the optional seats proved too firm, so try before you buy. Some testers complained that entry and exit was hindered by protruding lower door sills and small door openings. Rear headrests partially block the view astern, but visibility is good otherwise, aided by available front and rear obstacle detection. Note that when in use, the screen of the available DVD entertainment system rests atop the center console armrest rather than dropping from the ceiling; some testers found their elbows frequently bumped against the raised screen.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Second-row occupants have decent headroom, but legroom is unexceptional in five-passenger versions. The 2nd-row seat reclines on all X5s but slides fore and aft only in seven-seat models, which can increase 2nd-row legroom. The cramped 3rd row suits kids only, and even they won't have much knee space unless the 2nd-row seat is fully forward. Entry and exit to the 3rd-row seat requires contortions.
| 4.8i | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.4 |
Second-row occupants have decent headroom, but legroom is unexceptional in five-passenger versions. The 2nd-row seat reclines on all X5s but slides fore and aft only in seven-seat models, which can increase 2nd-row legroom. The cramped 3rd row suits kids only, and even they won't have much knee space unless the 2nd-row seat is fully forward. Entry and exit to the 3rd-row seat requires contortions.
Cargo Room
With the 3rd-row seat up, there's enough room behind for a row of grocery bags; with it folded, there's good space behind the 2nd row. All seatbacks fold flat to further increase capacity. X5's 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 is nothing special, and with the optional DVD system, a lowered screen prevents the "bomb bay" console lid--which some testers found inconvenient--from being opened.
| 4.8i | Class Average |
| 8 | 8.6 |
With the 3rd-row seat up, there's enough room behind for a row of grocery bags; with it folded, there's good space behind the 2nd row. All seatbacks fold flat to further increase capacity. X5's 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 is nothing special, and with the optional DVD system, a lowered screen prevents the "bomb bay" console lid--which some testers found inconvenient--from being opened.
Value within Class
X5 excels for its sporty handling and doesn't suffer as much as some BMWs from 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.
| 4.8i | Class Average |
| 5 | 6.1 |
X5 excels for its sporty handling and doesn't suffer as much as some BMWs from 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 | Class Average |
| 65 | 68.9 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 60 | |
| Average Score | 68 | |
| High Score | 80 |
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2008 BMW X5 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/27/2008
| 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
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
|
|
|||
| X5 | 1.9%-2.9% financing. | Customer | 10/31/08 |
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, front-seat active head restraints.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, adaptive cruise control, vinyl upholstery, 10-way power front bucket seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, 2nd-row 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, power panorama sunroof, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, tachometer, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers w/heated washers, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, 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.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
255/55HR18 run-flat tires, alloy wheels.
4.8i adds to 3.0si:
Powertrain
4.8-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
3.0si
|
$2,750
|
$2,505
|
|
4.8i
|
$1,750
|
$1,595
|
|
Leather upholstery (3.0si), front seat lumbar adjustment, 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, cargo net.
|
||
|
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
|
$900
|
$820
|
|
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
|
$1,850
|
$1,685
|
|
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.
|
||
|
DVD entertainment system
|
||
|
3.0si, 4.8i
|
$1,800
|
$1,640
|
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
3.0si, 4.8i
|
$595
|
$540
|
|
High definition radio
|
||
|
3.0si, 4.8i
|
$350
|
$315
|
|
iPod adapter
|
||
|
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
|
|
3.0si requires Sport Pkg. or 20-way power multicontour front seats.
|
||
|
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
|
|
Includes adjustable 2nd-row split folding seat.
|
||
|
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.
|
||
|
Special interior wood trim
|
||
|
3.0si, 4.8i
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
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
|
|
3.0si requires Technology Pkg. or navigation system.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Active steering
|
||
|
3.0si, 4.8i
|
$1,400
|
$1,230
|
|
Requires Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
Running boards
|
||
|
3.0si, 4.8i
|
$300
|
$275
|
|
|
||
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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 | 14/19 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| 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
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Also in the 2008 BMW X5 Review:
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