2008 BMW X5
The Consumer Guide staff recently welcomed a 2008 BMW X5 to our extended-use fleet. Adding a vehicle to our extended-use fleet gives us a chance to evaluate it over the course of a year. We will put X5 through its real-world paces, evaluating it as we drive to the grocery store, commute to work, and travel on road trips. We'll even get a sense of its all-weather capabilities, thanks to Chicago's unpredictable weather. The Windy City's typically hostile winters should provide a challenging test for X5's all-wheel drive.
About CG's Test 2008 BMW X5
The X5 is a premium midsize SUV that can seat up to seven passengers. It's available in two different forms, each with its own powerplant. The 3.0si has a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine that makes 260 horsepower while the 4.8i--which is the model we chose for our test fleet--gets a 4.8-liter V8 that makes 350 horsepower. Both are only available with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Maximum towing capacity for the X5 is 6000 pounds. EPA estimated fuel economy numbers are 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the 4.8i. BMW's iDrive control system comes standard, along with hill descent control, cruise control, adaptive self-leveling headlights, and a sunroof.
Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags and curtain side airbags.
Creature Comforts and Safety Equipment
Our extended-use X5 4.8i arrived equipped with the available $1,200 third-row seat and a $900 Cold Weather Package that includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. We also added the Premium Package--which includes front seat lumbar adjustment, BMW Assist, a wireless cell phone link, a universal garage door opener, and a cargo net. That package runs $1,750. The $2,600 Technology Package we selected includes front- and rear-obstacle detection, a navigation system with voice recognition and real-time traffic information, and a rearview camera.
We also chose the $1,000 Comfort Access remote keyless entry and starting system. Also selected was a $400 iPod and USB adapter, a $350 high-definition radio, and satellite radio for $595. Nineteen-inch wheels with all-season tires are included. The destination fee ran $775, which helped boost our as-tested price to $64,070 from a base price of $54,500.
Initial Impressions
So far, the X5 has drawn raves for its V8 muscle, AWD capability, and BMW's trademark handling prowess. Complaints have centered on a lack of interior space, fussy controls, and an insatiable thirst for premium gas.
Is X5 an appealing alternative to other premium-priced competition? Or is it merely a fast SUV that is heavy on sport and short on utility? Keep checking back with us to find out.
2008 BMW X5
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