2007 BMW X5 4.8i Road Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 14, 2009

3:10 min

We�re not certain BMW fully �gets� the American SUV and all of its truckish glory but that actually works in the new X5�s favor. Although it�s taller and longer and boasts more SUV-like usefulness, the X5 is still first and foremost a BMW. Everything about the 2007 X5 is either new or improved. For example, BMW�s wonderful 4.8 liter V8 is standard and now has variable valve timing. BMW says the 350 hp engine can push the SUV from 0-60 in 6.4 seconds -- 7 seconds flat was the best time we could manage. Still, that equals the Range Rover Sport�s 0-60 time and easily tops the Acura MDX and Audi Q7. BMW�s xDrive all wheel drive has also been revamped. It sends 60 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels. The system adjusts torque delivery to help stabilize the vehicle when sensors read a loss of traction. While xDrive offers an obvious advantage in wet or snowy weather, it also helps the X5 get through the slalom at 62.9 miles per hour � again better than the Q7, Range Rover Sport and Acura MDX. And with the sport button engaged, the X5 shows almost no body roll. 18-inch alloy wheels are standard but 19 and 20 inchers are available with the sport package. Behind those wheels are new, larger brakes. They bring the 5,000 lb SUV to a stop from 60 miles per hour in just 117 feet. Repeated hard stops revealed no brake fade. But the new X5 isn't above ride comfort and passenger pampering. In comfort mode, the suspension displays a pleasing compromise between ride quality and handling control. The X5�s stiffer body and upgraded suspension do their work in proper BMW style, muting the pavement�s ripples and bumps but still providing a supple ride. Inside, the longer wheelbase adds extra rear seat legroom and there an available third row of seats. Those rear seats fold flat opening up 75 cubic feet of cargo space �still a little less than the competition. Like the rest of the X5, the interior is all new and now includes iDrive. The instrument panel uses 5-series style gauges and the center stack is angled slightly toward the driver � there are also large cupholders and a three spoke steering wheel with redundant controls is standard. Bigger is rarely better. Still, there�s no way around it � this new, bigger X5 is better in almost every way. Just as before, the BMW X5 is a sports sedan in a different suit of clothes, but now it has some real utility. The new X5 doesn�t feel any bigger than the old X5; it just feels better.