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2008 BMW X5-Series Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

The car experts at TheCarConnection.com studied Web reviews of the new 2008 BMW X5 to bring you this conclusive review. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the 2008 BMW X5 to bring you more details on its performance, styling, features, safety, and quality to help you decide which reviews to trust and to explain why other reviews of the new BMW X5 might have differing opinions.

Likes:

  • Expanded utility
  • Sharp handling
  • Well-balanced steering

Dislikes:

  • Styling is same-old, same-old
  • Stiff tariff for a family vehicle
  • iDrive controller

Buying Tips:


The 2008 BMW X5 won't win any friends with its fuel economy, but a couple of solutions may be on the way. BMW is said to be planning both a diesel and a hybrid version of the X5, and both could be in showrooms within a year or two. The six-cylinder version of the X5 is quick enough for most drivers, but adding the third-row seat and navigation system can jack up the sticker price quickly. BMW's iDrive controller for audio, navigation, and climate control is frustrating--try it before you own it.

The 2008 BMW X5 carries on the German automaker's sport-utility brand after receiving an extensive redo last year. The BMW X5 is now larger and more powerful than before, and it has a different face to show the world.

The base engine is a 3.0-liter, 260-horsepower six-cylinder, while the optional 4.8-liter V-8 makes 350 horsepower. Both use a six-speed automatic transmission to get power to all four wheels via standard all-wheel drive. And both versions will accelerate to 60 mph in 8 seconds or less, even though they're heavy vehicles that can tow up to 6,000 pounds.

Exterior styling hasn't changed much even with last year's improvements, and the X5 was never one of the most handsome vehicles in its class, anyway--but it is inoffensive. Inside, it's fairly austere and decked out with gadgets like the infuriating iDrive controller that operates the audio, navigation, and climate controls. The 2008 BMW X5 is also capable of transporting seven passengers, now that BMW's fitted a third-row seat to its interior, and interior room is good for all occupants now.

The X5's handling and ride have been improved. The automatic shifts with authority, but is smooth at cruising speeds and in Sport mode alike. With or without the optional Sport package (which adds 19-inch wheels, run-flat all-season tires, and BMW's AdaptiveDrive stability and automatic damping control system), anything like legal speed driving doesn't begin to challenge the X5's composure. And if you keep leaning on it, the X5 leans right back, with the all-wheel-drive and electronic stability-enhancing systems always maintaining an even keel.

The 2008 BMW X5 scores high with federal and insurance-industry crash tests, earning mostly five-star ratings, save for a four-star side-passenger impact rating and a four-star rollover rating. It earns the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick award.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 BMW X5, also consider:

Reason Why:

The world of full-size luxury SUVs is jammed with high-dollar names like the Brit-cool Land Rover Range Rover, which is also considerably more expensive than the BMW X5. The Lexus GX 470 is a slightly smaller choice in this group, while Infiniti's QX56 is a big SUV in the American mold, down to its unimpressive trim in the back two seating rows. Porsche's Cayenne seats only five and has drab styling, but great handling for an SUV. The Cadillac Escalade out-blings all these vehicles and has a smooth powertrain to go with its high price tag and low fuel economy, though a Hybrid edition is coming. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class matches the X5 in seating and off-road capacity, and to our eyes, it's more handsome than the BMW.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 BMW X5 is better than ever, but could use more dramatic styling and an iDrive transplant.

The car experts at TheCarConnection.com studied Web reviews of the new 2008 BMW X5 to bring you this conclusive review. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the 2008 BMW X5 to bring you more details on its performance, styling, features, safety, and quality to help you decide which reviews to trust and to explain why other reviews of the new BMW X5 might have differing opinions. Likes:Expanded utilitySharp handlingWell-balanced steeringDislikes:Styling is same-old, same-oldStiff tariff for a family vehicleiDrive controllerBuying Tips: The 2008 BMW X5 won't win any friends with its fuel economy, but a couple of solutions may be on the way. BMW is said to be planning both a diesel and a hybrid version of the X5, and both could be in showrooms within a year or two. The six-cylinder version of the X5 is quick enough for most drivers, but adding the third-row seat and navigation system can jack up the sticker price quickly. BMW's iDrive controller for audio, navigation, and climate control is frustrating--try it before you own it. The 2008 BMW X5 carries on the German automaker's sport-utility brand after receiving an extensive redo last year. The BMW X5 is now larger and more powerful than before, and it has a different face to show the world. The base engine is a 3.0-liter, 260-horsepower six-cylinder, while the optional 4.8-liter V-8 makes 350 horsepower. Both use a six-speed automatic transmission to get power to all four wheels via standard all-wheel drive. And both versions will accelerate to 60 mph in 8 seconds or less, even though they're heavy vehicles that can tow up to 6,000 pounds. Exterior styling hasn't changed much even with last year's improvements, and the X5 was never one of the most handsome vehicles in its class, anyway--but it is inoffensive. Inside, it's fairly austere and decked out with gadgets like the infuriating iDrive controller that operates the audio, navigation, and climate controls. The 2008 BMW X5 is also capable of transporting seven passengers, now that BMW's fitted a third-row seat to its interior, and interior room is good for all occupants now. The X5's handling and ride have been improved. The automatic shifts with authority, but is smooth at cruising speeds and in Sport mode alike. With or without the optional Sport package (which adds 19-inch wheels, run-flat all-season tires, and BMW's AdaptiveDrive stability and automatic damping control system), anything like legal speed driving doesn't begin to challenge the X5's composure. And if you keep leaning on it, the X5 leans right back, with the all-wheel-drive and electronic stability-enhancing systems always maintaining an even keel. The 2008 BMW X5 scores high with federal and insurance-industry crash tests, earning mostly five-star ratings, save for a four-star side-passenger impact rating and a four-star rollover rating. It earns the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick award. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 BMW X5, also consider:Land Rover Range RoverLexus GX 470Infiniti QX56Porsche CayenneCadillac EscaladeMercedes-Benz GL-ClassReason Why:The world of full-size luxury SUVs is jammed with high-dollar names like the Brit-cool Land Rover Range Rover, which is also considerably more expensive than the BMW X5. The Lexus GX 470 is a slightly smaller choice in this group, while Infiniti's QX56 is a big SUV in the American mold, down to its unimpressive trim in the back two seating rows. Porsche's Cayenne seats only five and has drab styling, but great handling for an SUV. The Cadillac Escalade out-blings all these vehicles and has a smooth powertrain to go with its high price tag and low fuel economy, though a Hybrid edition is coming. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class matches the X5 in seating and off-road capacity, and to our eyes, it's more handsome than the BMW. The Bottom Line:The 2008 BMW X5 is better than ever, but could use more dramatic styling and an iDrive transplant. The car experts at TheCarConnection.com studied Web reviews of the new 2008 BMW X5 to bring you this conclusive review. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the 2008 BMW X5 to bring you more details on its performance, styling, features, safety, and quality to help you decide which ...

Other Choices:

The world of full-size luxury SUVs is jammed with high-dollar names like the Brit-cool Land Rover Range Rover, which is also considerably more expensive than the BMW X5. The Lexus GX 470 is a slightly smaller choice in this group, while Infiniti's QX56 is a big SUV in the American mold, down to its unimpressive trim in the back two seating rows. Porsche's Cayenne seats only five and has drab styling, but great handling for an SUV. The Cadillac Escalade out-blings all these vehicles and has a smooth powertrain to go with its high price tag and low fuel economy, though a Hybrid edition is coming. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class matches the X5 in seating and off-road capacity, and to our eyes, it's more handsome than the BMW.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 BMW X5-Series

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 BMW X5-Series

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 BMW X5-Series near you

See the BMW X5-Series in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999

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