2009 BMW X5

Review

On the highway, the 2009 BMW X5 delivers a dream-like performance and envelops its passengers in a plush and indulgent interior-just don't expect much if you want to take the X5 off-road. In spite of its nimble handling, power, and loads of useful features, the BMW X5 does not perform well relative to other luxury midsize SUVs. By most standards, the X5 is overpriced and has too many confusing controls and too little space to stand out in its segment. Read our BMW X5 road test to find out if you'll make the same conclusion.

Improvements from 2008 BMW X5

For 2009, BMW has made few changes to the X5. The automaker has changed the naming convention of the SUV in an effort to focus more on xDrive and to distinguish performance levels. A space-saving spare tire is optional with both trims for the new model year, and BMW has shuffled the features included in the X5's option packages.

Performance

Only BMW could make a midsize SUV handle like a sports sedan, which is what the 2009 X5 accomplishes. This amply powered vehicle comes with a 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower on the xDrive30i version. The xDrive48i version comes with a V8 that puts out 350 horsepower. For 2009, BMW has added the xDrive35d diesel X5, which significantly boosts the SUV's fuel economy. The one consistent complaint auto reviews seem to have about the 2009 X5 is its firm ride due to its sports-minded suspension.

Exterior Features

Evident from photos of the SUV's exterior, the 2009 BMW X5 is athletic-looking and attractive, both qualities that seem standard on all BMW vehicles. The X5 has sharp lines that give it a sporty look and a muscle-bound stance. For 2009, the X5 is available in three trim levels: the xDrive30i, the xDrive 48i, and the xDrive35d.

Interior Features

The features of the X5's cabin boast cutting-edge technology and greatly enhance the comfort and convenience of the vehicle. As with most BMWs, the X5's interior is a perfect combination of sport and opulence. Reviewers are in agreement that the 2009 X5's seats are comfortable, but the second row lacks legroom unless the seats are pushed all the way back. The X5 can seat seven with the optional third-row seat, but the third row is so cramped it can barely accommodate children, let alone adults. The most-hated feature of the BMW X5's interior is the iDrive control system that handles the entertainment and climate control system. Drivers have called the 2009 X5's iDrive system everything from confusing to annoying.

Safety and Specifications

The federal government gave the 2009 BMW X5 car safety crash test scores of five stars for driver safety and four out of five stars for passenger safety in front-impact tests. In side-impact crash tests, the 2009 X5 earned perfect scores on both front- and rear-seat safety. The X5's safety equipment includes traction control, an anti skid system, ABS, rollover sensors, and hill descent control. Front-side airbags come standard, as do side-curtain airbags in the first two rows of seats that deploy upon sensing a rollover situation. A summary of the BMW X5's specs follows.

• Car pricing: $47,500 - $56,200 MSRP; $43,700 - $51,705 invoice
• Engine: xDrive30i: 260-hp, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine; xDrive48i: 350-hp, 4.8-liter V8
• Transmission: six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic manual shift mode
• Acceleration: xDrive30i: 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds; xDrive48i: 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds; xDrive35d: 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds

Upgrade Options

Stand-alone options on the 2009 BMW X5 include upgraded leather seats, active steering, keyless ignition, an iPod interface, satellite and HD radio, and a rear-seat entertainment system. A third-row seating option is also available on all trim levels. The BMW X5 also has a number of optional packages available to buyers who want even more luxury, such as the premium package, the sport package, and the technology package. The premium package includes items like auto-dimming mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, leather upholstery, and a power liftgate.

How the 2009 X5 Compares to Other Luxury Midsize SUVs

In spite of the compelling performance of the 2009 BMW X5, the SUV is largely dismissed in most car reviews because it is overpriced for its segment and suffers from BMW's confusing iDrive control system. These shortcomings help explain the X5's abysmal dead-last ranking on U.S. News and World Report's ratings of 16 luxury midsize SUVs. The fuel economy of the 2009 X5 varies considerably by model. The 30i gets 15/21 mpg city/highway, the 48i gets 14/19 mpg city/highway, and the 35d (the diesel model) gets 19/26 mpg city/highway.

New car guide information estimates the BMW X5's Intellichoice 5 year cost of ownership for the 2009 model at $70,215, a terrible figure for a midsize SUV. The X5's anticipated ownership costs factor in car insurance premiums, gas expenses, typical maintenance, depreciation, and similar costs. The 5 year cost can be lowered by taking initiative and searching for cheap auto insurance. Reliability is not exactly excellent on the 2009 BMW X5, as the SUV earned a lackluster score of 6.0 out of ten on the J.D. Power Quality Ratings for predicted reliability. The BMW X5's warranty is very good, with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and free maintenance for the first four years or 50,000 miles.

Conclusion: Is the X5 a Smart Buy?

Despite its power, luxury, and sports sedan-like handling, the 2009 BMW X5 is probably not worth its staggering price tag. The luxury midsize SUV segment is filled with more affordable, more impressive SUVs that offer better off-road performance, a softer ride, and a roomier interior. On the other hand, if you're willing to fork over the cash, the BMW X5 is probably the best-handling midsize luxury SUV on the market regardless of its many other shortcomings.