2010 BMW X5-Series
DriverSide OverviewBMW’s nomenclature is getting a bit wordy as of late. What used to be nothing more than a few numbers and the ubiquitous “i" denoting fuel injection has recently morphed into an awkward amalgamation of marketing non-words and alphanumerics. More worrying still, the numbers appearing on the Bavarian automaker’s badges have begun to correlate to the engine’s displacement with relative infrequency. Take for example the 2010 BMW X5 xDrive35d. It’s a BMW X5, that part is easy enough. And xDrive stands for BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, which isn’t too much of a stretch. Then things get ugly. 35d. Under old BMW rules we would assume that meant a 3.5-liter engine, but unfortunately that rulebook was thrown out a few years ago in favor of partial anarchy. What 35d stands for – and it’s actually really quite good, so pay attention – is 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder twin-turbo diesel, and it’s a big part of what makes this car so great. While the X5 has always been a great all-around package, one area in which it lacked was in the fuel economy department. But with diesel efficiency that’s all changed, as the X5 is now capable of delivering 26 mpg on the freeway while maintaining the low-down grunt that SUV buyers love.
What's to Like
The broad powerband of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine matches the bulky X5’s demeanor perfectly, delivering plenty of torque throughout the rev range. The handling is taught and predictable, bestowing upon this 5,000-lb-plus beast a hint of agility. Interior comfort is right up there with the best in the luxo-SUV business. Buyers can take advantage of up to $1,800 in alternative fuel tax credits.
What's Not to Like
Pricing is the Achilles’ heel of the modern BMW, and unfortunately the X5 xDrive35d is no exception to the rule. Despite the generous list of standard features, most will want to tack on a few options, which, incidentally, don’t come cheap either. Ride quality may prove slightly too rigid for some SUV buyers.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
If you typically think of SUVs as overweight, lumbering vehicles with slow responses, you may want to consider recalibrating your impressions before jumping behind the wheel of the X5. While the diesel engine might not be the last word in outright revs, it more than makes up for its lack of peaky power with brutal low-down torque. With 425 lb-ft available at a lowly 1,750 rpm, the engine engine’s massive twist is able to haul the 5,225-lb X5 from 0-60 mph is just 6.9 seconds. While that might sound lackadaisical to your average M3 driver, for a diesel-powered SUV it is deeply impressive. Steering is typical BMW, by which we mean well weighted, accurate and quick to respond. Grip is ample – thanks in no small part to the xDrive system – and body roll is minimal, leading to relatively flat and predictable cornering balance. Not that you’ll be hustling around a racetrack or anything.
Engine and Drivetrain
The X5 xDrive35d gets its power from a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine that puts out 265 horsepower and an impressive 425 lb-ft of torque. Power is driven to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift override feature that should please micromanagers.
Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
If you plan on taking some off-road excursions in the X5 – and the xDrive system should be up to the task – Hill Descent Control will prove useful. The system modulates the vehicle’s brakes down steep slopes to ensure optimal grip and control on steep descents. A two-piece panoramic moonroof also comes standard, filling the cabin with natural light on even the gloomiest of days.
Key Technology Evaluation
Despite the inclusion of the iDrive screen from the get-go, you’ll still have to shell out for a tech package to get navigation with real time traffic. Still, the system works great with iPods and represents a significant improvement over BMW’s initial iDrive offering. The tech package also includes Park Distance Control, a cool technology that not only beeps as you approach objects, but graphically displays the radar returns around an image of the car.
Green Evaluation/Gas Mileage
Despite its high torque output, the BMW X5 xDrive35d manages 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway thanks to the efficiency of its diesel engine. While that may not initially come across as supremely impressive, keep in mind this SUV does in fact weigh a portly 5,192 lbs without passengers.
A Closer Look: Vehicle Details
Interior
Like most BMWs, the interior of the X5 is ergonomically sound and most controls are centered around driver interactivity. Four different colors of leather as well as perforated options are offered, and if none of those suit the fancy of your backside you can always opt for the ultra-cushy Nappa leather.
Exterior
The X5 xDrive35d is set apart from the 3.0-liter gasoline car by its lighter colored grill – which is also present on the 4.4-liter model – and a few xDrive35d badges. Exterior design remains relatively timid now that the obnoxious X6 has been with us for a few years, but the flared wheel arches do lend a sense of aggression to the X5.
Market Segment and PricingAt $51,300, the BMW X5 xDrive35d may sound pricey, but that represents a price premium of $5,500 over the base model X5. Factor in a $1,800 tax credit and that premium shrinks below the $4K mark. Its main diesel competitors include the
Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC ($49,700),
Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Premium ($50,900) and
Volkswagen Touareg TDI ($44,350).
What We Think
The X5 xDrive35d looks to be the short-term solution for fuel-conscious luxo-SUV buyers. We understand that some people will always want a big car with a powerful, loud V-8, but aside from its diesel drone the 3.0-liter diesel delivers similar low-end grunt at a more reasonable price. Add to that a tall SUV chassis that’s actually somewhat nimble and you’ve got a winning package all around.