Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

2008 BMW X5
Date Published: 11/27/08

2008 BMW X5
More Photos

MSRP:
$45,900 - 54,500

Invoice:
$42,230 - 50,140

Class:
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
2008 BMW X5
Expert Rating Summary
Category 4.8i Rating (See All
Ratings)
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle Average Rating
Acceleration 7 6.2
Fuel Economy 2 3.2
Ride Quality 5 5.7
Steering/Handling/Braking 6 5.6
Quietness 6 6.6
Controls 6 6
Details 7 7
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 7 7.4
Room/Comfort (rear) 6 6.2
Cargo Room 8 8.4
Value within Class 5 5.8
Total Score: 65 68.1
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
2008 BMW X5 BUYING RESOURCES
Free New Car Quote
Trade-In Calculator
Sell Your Car
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.

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:
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: