2012 BMW X5

2012 BMW X5

Overview

The X5 was BMW's first foray into the lucrative SUV market way back in 1999. Instead of going for the off-road angle, BMW marketed the X5 as a sporty on-road utility vehicle, and coined the term SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle). The term hasn't yet caught on with the general public (and perhaps it never will), but the X5's philosophy of design remains intact. The 2012 X5 is an SUV that serves its utility with a side of affluent suburbanite appeal. Face-lifted in 2011, the second-generation X5 now blends in seamlessly with the rest of BMW's lineup. On the road, however, the X5's characteristic BMW styling helps it to stand out from the endless sea of other SUVs. Three engines are available, including a 300-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6, 265-hp turbodiesel I-6, and two flavors of twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8, with one producing 400 hp in the xDrive50i and the other making a fire-breathing 555 hp in the X5 M. The interior is highlighted by a large central display screen, which can host BMW's ConnectedDrive infotainment system. Leather is the predominant interior upholstery, and provides the cabin with what seems like acres of soft-touch surfaces. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is standard on all models.

The Range

Body style: SUV
Engines: 3.0L turbocharged I-6, 3.0L diesel I-6, 400-hp 4.4L twin-turbo V-8, 555-hp 4.4L twin-turbo V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
Models: xDrive35i, xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Activity, xDrive35d, xDrive50i, X5 M

What's New

For 2012, the X5 gains new standard equipment across the board, excluding M Models. Non-M models receive roof rails, a cargo cover, iPod/USB adapter and hi-fi audio system, and LED corona rings around the headlights as standard equipment. X5 xDrive35i Premium trim levels and above receive lumbar support adjustment in the front seats, auto dimming mirrors, ambient lighting, heated seats, and BMW's Park Distance Control system as standard. Models equipped with the V-8 get privacy glass, navigation, and a universal garage door opener as standard. The diesel-powered xDrive35d also gets privacy glass, but now comes with standard leather and a power tilt/telescope steering wheel.

Exterior

The X5 benefited from a facelift last year, which brought its styling more in line with the rest of BMW's lineup. The front end is now blunted compared to the last model, with the trademark BMW dual kidney grilles looking more upright. The flanking dual-round headlights complete the BMW look, and now come standard with LED corona rings surrounding the lamps within the housings. In the rear, the taillights still feature that characteristic step seen on past BMW SUVs, but the lenses have been updated to look more like the lights seen on the 5 and 7 Series sedans, with horizontal lines running through them.

Interior

Inside, the X5 gets an interior treatment similar to that of other cars in BMW's lineup, with a simple line of trim underlying the dashboard. Genuine Nevada leather is the standard upholstery material for xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Active, xDrive35d, xDrive50i, and X5 M models. A synthetic leatherette comes standard with the xDrive35i base model, though Nevada leather is available. The cargo area is versatile, with a split folding tailgate that facilitates easier loading of large objects. Providing ample space with the rear seats down, the X5 is just as suited for runs to your local bulk-sale grocery store as it is for camping expeditions in the great outdoors.

Performance & Handling

While the X5 is a reasonably capable off-roader, BMW intended for it to be the ultimate on-road SUV - hence the brand's attempt at distancing the model from the term, with the invention of the "SAV" (Sport Activity Vehicle) moniker. No matter what kind of activities you'll be partaking in with the X5, its equipment is up for the task in most cases. The xDrive35i models get the now-familiar turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6, producing 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The xDrive35d gets the same turbodiesel I-6 engine as the 335d sedan, which displaces 3.0 liters and produces 265 hp and 425 lb-ft. A twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 powers the xDrive50i, producing 400 hp and 450 lb-ft, while a more potent version of that motor is stuffed into the engine bay of the X5 M, pumping out 555 hp and 500 lb-ft. All non-M models get BMW's new eight-speed automatic transmission, which improves fuel economy over the outgoing six-speed auto--still offered in the X5 M.

Safety

The X5 gets dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags with passenger seat sensor, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and an automatic crash response system as standard equipment. All safety features are controlled by BMW's Advanced Safety System. An ABS system along with BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system comes standard. A rear-view camera is available with the Park Distance Control system, while BMW's Top View camera is available as a stand-alone option. This system uses cameras on the mirrors to create a composite birds-eye view of the car, which aids in parking. BMW's radar-based Active Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure Warning Systems are also available.

EPA Fuel Economy

35i: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
35d: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway
50i: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway
M: 12 mpg city/17mpg highway

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