2009 BMW X5: Tester's Comments
2009 BMW X5 ▼
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- MSRP: $47,500 - $56,200
- Invoice: $43,700 - $51,705
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2009 BMW X5. See if the 2009 BMW X5 is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2009 BMW X5 |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | xDrive30i/35d |
| Arrival Date: | 04/19/2009 |
| Engine: | Turbodiesel dohc I6 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | Yes |
| Base Price: | 51,200 |
| Price as Tested: | 65,620 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 7341 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 8484 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 1143 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 31.859 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 23.92 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Cold Weather Package (Heated Steering Wheel, Ski Bag, Heated Front Seats, Heated Rear Seats, Retractable Headlight Washers), Premium Package (Automatic Tailgate Operation, Universal Garage Door Opener, Digital Compass Mirror, Auto-Dimming Mirrors, Lumbar Support, BMW Assist), Premium Sound Package (Premium Hi-Fi System, 6-Disc DVD Changer), Technology Package (Rear-View Camera, Park Distance Control, Navigation System), Comfort Access System, Running Boards, Dark Burl Walnut Trim, Comfort Seats w/ Lumbar Support, Automatic Air Conditioning, iPod and USB Adapter, Head-Up Display, Satellite Radio w/ 1-year Subscription
From the Back Seat
David Hall
For an SUV, it's great at imitating a sports car. It corners well, is solidly built, and has many creature comforts, once you can figure out how to work some of them via iDrive. The diesel is great, and low-end torque is useful in everyday driving.
Don Sikora
The xDrive 35d is the best version of the X5 if you ask me. The diesel engine is a bit loud at idle, but otherwise quite smooth and powerful, and the best part is how frugal it is, nearly 26.5 mpg in my mostly highway test.
Ed Piotrowski
This sucker for V8-powered, sport-leaning SUVs is mighty impressed with this BMW diesel. Naturally, the vehicle tested here comes with the usual complement of frivolous BMW add-ons. Shoppers can eliminate most of them to get this vehicle comfortably under $60,000. At that price, this X5 is a compelling combination of stump-pulling torque and fuel economy that's more miserly than Scrooge McDuck and C. Montgomery Burns during an audit.
Tom Appel
Sporty SUV drivers celebrate! Your guilt-free ride has arrived. This diesel pulls with most of the gusto of the available V8, but breaks 20 mpg in vigorous around-town motoring. If I had the coin, I'd buy this thing.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2009 BMW X5 xDrive30i |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | xDrive30i/35d |
| Arrival Date: | 04/02/2009 |
| Engine: | dohc I6 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | Yes |
| Base Price: | 47,100 |
| Price as Tested: | 61,720 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 3971 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 4698 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 727 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 39.666 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 18.33 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Cold Weather Package (Heated Steering Wheel, Ski Bag, Heated Front Seats, Heated Rear Seats, Retractable Headlight Washers), Premium Package (Automatic Tailgate Operation, Universal Garage Door Opener, Digital Compass Mirror, Auto-Dimming Mirrors, Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror, BMW Assist), Premium Sound Package (Premium Hi-Fi System, 6-Disc DVD Changer), Technology Package (Rear-View Camera, Park Distance Control, Navigation System), Comfort Access System, Rear Seat Entertainment, iPod and USB Adapter, Head-Up Display, Satellite Radio w/ 1 Year Subscription
From the Back Seat
Jennifer Geiger
There's no need for the V8 with a 6 this smooth and powerful. However, X5 can get pretty pricey when the options start adding up--this loaded V6 is well into X5 V8 territory.
John Biel
The xDrive30i at least holds out the promise of some fuel-cost savings thanks to better gas mileage than the V8 48i delivers, but you'll need what you save at the pump to offset the cost of options. Our test 30i's $47,100 base price ballooned to $61,720 with options and delivery. If you like gadgets, wear your pants with the deep pockets when you visit the dealership.
Tom Appel
As with Mercedes's mighty S-Class, the base vehicle here may be the best. This crazy smooth 6-cylinder is a charmer, doesn't want for power, and returns mileage about 3 mpg better than the 48i. Likewise, the base wheels and tires provide the best balance of ride and handling. I've enjoyed every X5 that I have had the chance to drive, but I enjoyed this one most.
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