2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d

We averaged 23.9 mpg in BMW's 2009 X5 diesel.

BMW makes this list a second time with its new-for-2009 X5 diesel. The all-wheel-drive xDrive35d shares its 265-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine with the 335d. It joins 6-cylinder and V8 versions.

According to the EPA, xDrive35d achieves a fuel economy rating of 19/25 city/highway mpg. In Consumer Guide testing, the d averaged a respectable 23.9 mpg during a mix of slightly more highway than city driving. In comparison, a two-week test of BMW’s 30i with the 260-horsepower 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine netted a fuel economy average of just 18.3 mpg. CG’s long-term X5 V8 averaged 15.9 mpg over the course of its 15,040-mile evaluation.

Click here to read our xDrive35d Notes from the Parking Lot.

As with the 335d, BMW’s diesel X5 exhibits all the handling prowess of its gasoline-powered stablemates, while delivering improved fuel economy and loads of torquey power. However, it is louder than Q7 during acceleration, but the diesel clatter fades into the background at cruising speeds. It can get pricey, too. Plan to pay around $3,700 extra for the diesel powertrain. A base X5 30i starts at $47,500 and a comparably equipped xDrive35d starts at $51,200.

Click here to read our review of the 2009 BMW xDrive35d.