- suv 81,463
- 1,722 below average
- 12,995 good
- Harvey, IL
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- autoshopper.com
- 1,722 below average suv 81,463 gasoline automatic
2009 bmw x5 review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Diesel now available for bimmer's big suv. introductionthe bmw x5's calling card isn't off-road capability or cargo capacity. It's driving dynamics. This sport-utility isn't quite as refined or holistic as bmw's best sedans, but the comparison is generally on the mark. Think of the x5 as a 5 series sedan with more headroom and a bit more cargo space. for 2009, bmw x5 gets some changes in nomenclature that has no bearing on the vehicles themselves. All three x5 models officially add xdrive to the name, reflecting the marketing label for bmw's fulltime all-wheel drive system, which was already standard equipment. For example, the entry model is now called the bmw x5 xdrive30i, while the v8 model is called the xdrive48i. More significant is introduction of the x5 xdrive35d, with a slick new diesel engine that's as clean as any of its gasoline counterparts. The diesel improves mileage nearly 25 percent compared to the six-cylinder x5 xdrive30i, yet it accelerates more quickly and tows more. This is the same diesel engine offered in the 2009 bmw 3 series sport sedan, but we like this engine more in the x5. the x5 emphasizes the sport half of the sport-utility equation, even with the diesel engine. As opposed to hauling acres of equipment and gear, the x5 provides the equipment enthusiast drivers expect when they want to enjoy the art of driving as much as they're able. Just plan to travel light. all three x5 engines deliver plenty of usable torque for good acceleration. The gasoline engines also feature turbine-like smoothness. The 4. 8-liter v8 in the xdrive48i is the chest-beater, but the inline six-cylinder in the xdrive30i still delivers the kind of response we expect in a sports sedan, and it shouldn't leave owners pining for the v8. the x5 is styled in obvious bmw fashion, only taller, with traditional bimmer cues like the twin-kidney grille and dual-beam headlight clusters. The back seat is more than roomy enough for two adults, three in a pinch, and there's enough cargo space in back for a two-day family outing. The x5 can expand to seven-passenger capacity with an optional third-row seat, but that third seat won't look particularly inviting to anyone asked to ride in it, and it wipes out the cargo space. the x5 is not a traditional suv. Bmw shuns the suv tag entirely, describing the x5 with it own copyrighted label: sport activity vehicle, or sav. The gas-powered models aren't class leaders in fuel economy. And sport in the x5 context does not mean off-road capability. The xdrive all-wheel-drive system was developed for slippery roads and sporty driving characteristics rather than sand dunes and rutted hillsides. Indeed, the x5's strength is its ability to get down the road in the step-on-the gas, shove-through-corners fashion of a genuine sports sedan. yet the x5 can tow a substantial 6,000 pounds, and the all-wheel-drive can be a great friend in a blizzard. Those sound like the credentials of an suv. the x5 gets high marks for safety. It performs well in both government and insurance industry crash tests, and it has been designated one of the top safety picks by the insurance institute for highway safety. lineupthe 2009 bmw x5 comes in three variations, including a new diesel-powered model, all with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard xdrive all-wheel-drive. the bmw x5 xdrive30i 47,500) is powered by a 3. 0-liter inline six-cylinder engine delivering 260 horsepower. It comes well equipped, with a 12-speaker, single-cd stereo, niceties such as a choice of wood trim, rain-sensing wipers, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, driver's seat memory and a power sunroof. The standard upholstery is bmw's leatherette vinyl, and the wheels measure 18 inches in diameter. the x5 xdrive35d 51,200) is powered by a 3. 0-liter turbodiesel six in the same inline configuration. The diesel generates 265 horsepower and a whopping 425 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates more quickly than the gasoline six-cylinder, yet its epa mileage rating are nearly 25 percent higher. It also qualifies for a federal tax credit of roughly $1,500. the bmw x5 xdrive48i 54,800) is powered by a gasoline v8 with 350 horsepower. It also adds leather upholstery. popular options are clustered in several packages, which have been re-aligned slightly for 2009. The technology package 2,600) includes park distance control, rearview camera and a navigation system with voice command and real time traffic information. Active safety features include electronic stability control and advanced anti-lock brakes with a pre-loading and water-sweeping feature. All x5 models come standard with run-flat tires, which allow operation at 50 mph for up to 90 miles when completely flat. The insurance institute for highway safety designated the 2008 x5 a top safety pick, and it performs better than many suvs in the insurance industry's crash tests. walkaroundthe x5 sport-utility vehicle is bmw through and through. On the road, that means an emphasis on sporty driving dynamics, even if it comes at the expense of utility. Sitting still, it means the x5 looks like a taller, ganglier bmw sedan. The diesel-powered x5 xdrive35d, new for 2009, looks the same as its gasoline-powered siblings from its twin-kidney grille to the clamshell hatch in back. there's no mistaking the x5's classic bmw look. It starts in front, with that trademark grille and familiar dual-dual lamp clusters. Super-bright adaptive xenon headlights come standard. On the x5, they're ringed with led circles that serve as the daytime running lights (and look really cool). These headlights level themselves when the x5 bounces over bumps, and turn slightly with the steering wheel. The standard fog lights also work as cornering lamps, lighting when the corresponding directional signal is selected. in profile, the x5's big wheels and short overhangs promote an agile look, while the roof and taillights trail into a slightly flanged lip. These so-called separation edges smooth air as it rushes over the back of the vehicle. That means a slight improvement in fuel economy, and probably more significantly, less wind noise inside the x5. indeed, with a drag coefficient of 0. 34, the x5 is an aerodynamically efficient vehicle, as tall, boxy suvs go. Its underbody is smoothed with various fairing devices. The front spoiler directs air around the front tires, reducing resistance as the x5 punches a substantial hole in the air. bmw tried to increase the x5's utility when it redesigned it for 2007, stretching it seven inches to add rear legroom and cargo space. The lower third drops down, once the upper portion has been lifted up. On the plus side, the split design is handy for dropping smaller packages in the back. The problem is that the upper portion includes not only the glass, but also half the metal that comprises the rear of the vehicle. In other words, it's the heavier, more substantial portion of the gate. It takes more effort to operate than it would if only the glass opened up and down. The optional power tailgate helps in this respect, and we recommend getting it. interiorthe x5 cabin has typical bmw ambience: a combination of sporting, character, wood-trimmed luxury and lots of things to adjust. nothing inside the x5 makes it feel like an suv, beyond its relatively high seating position. Measured by overall fit and finish, the x5 compares favorably to luxury brands such as infiniti and mercedes. panels and pieces inside the x5 fit impeccably. Most surfaces have a rich feel, and the seats are perforated to enable the active. CD Changer✔ Climate Control✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Sport Package✔ Climate Package✔ DVD Entertainment System✔ Navigation System✔ Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Bluetooth
12,995 Harvey, ILHarvey, IL at autoshopper.com