2007 BMW X5 Review | Buyer Guide
Bigger X5 Adds 3rd Row Seat
If you see the new 2007 BMW X5 on the street, you may not realize that it has been completely redesigned this year. The overall look is similar to last year’s model, but the ‘07 is over seven inches longer. It’s also taller and wider. This X5 can accommodate an optional third-row seat.
On the inside, the 2007 X5 looks a lot like the old one too. The dash is cleanly sculpted and trimmed with brushed silver accents. The seats are firm and supportive, especially for those up front. The second row isn’t overly roomy, but is adequate. The optional third row is supposed to accommodate small adults, but is really only suitable for small children. BMW still doesn’t make leather standard—it’s a $1450 option. Even though this X5 is bigger, the cargo capacity, at 61.8 cu-ft, is still the smallest in its class.
The X5 is over 300 hundred pounds heavier this year, so BMW has given it more horsepower. The 3.0-liter, inline-six now generates 260 horsepower, compared to 225 previously. The V-8 equipped model now gets the 4.8-liter, 350-hp engine that was optional last year. My test car had the six, and like BMW engines from time in-memoriam, it was strong and as smooth as silk. For most drivers the six will be more than adequate for their needs. Teamed with both engines is a six-speed automatic gearbox with a manual shift mode. Like the BMW engines, the transmission is smooth and refined.
BMW loads the X5 with high tech equipment—some may even say it’s overloaded. The ignition key is electronic. You stuff it into the dash and push a button to start the engine. The shifter is electronically controlled. You nudge it slightly to engage gears. The parking brake is electronic. It operates on a switch on the console. Then, there is the much-maligned iDrive system to operate the air conditioning, telephone, navigation system and the radio. There is a definite learning curve with the iDrive, and you will need to master it do simple tasks, like changing a radio station manually. A conventional knob on the dash would be a lot easier.
While some of the high-tech features may seem like “over-kill,” there are others that are really significant. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system shifts power to the wheels that need it most, and works hand-in-hand with the anti skid system and Dynamic Brake Control. Furthermore, if you order the optional Sport package, you will get active roll stabilization and electronic damping control. These automatically adjust the anti-roll bar and the shock absorbers to provide even more precise handling.
Handling, of course, is where BMWs excel. The X5 gets the control-arm type suspension up front this year to improve the driving dynamics. Even without the Sport package, the X5 handles twisty roads remarkably well. It transitions from one turn to another with poise and very little body roll. The steering, which feels a bit heavy when parking, feels just right once you build up speed. The ride is less stiff this year too. Only when you hit rough pavement do you experience rocking motions. Freeway travel is very comfortable.
Pricing for the BMW X5 (3.0si) starts at $46,595. My well-optioned test car had a bottom line of $56,995. The V8 powered 4.8si has a base price of $55,190.
Snapshot Review
Optional 3rd Row seat
Better handling
High learning Curve
Pricey when optioned
Specifications
Base Price (3.0si) $46,595
Engine 3.0-ltr, DOHC, 6-cyl
Horsepower 260
Transmission 6-sp auto
Brakes disc, ABS
Gas Mileage 17-23 mpg
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