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2008 BMW X5-Series Features Review

July 28, 2008

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

The X5 will not disappoint
Cars.com

Can get quite expensive with options
Car and Driver

Many of these packages included less-than critical items
MyRide.com

The iDrive system still annoys many drivers with its complexity
Edmunds

The 2008 BMW X5 comes with a lot of options, though some reviewers consulted by TheCarConnection.com suggest that BMW designers need to work on few of them.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the BMW X5's "generous allotment of standard features includes six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission, xDrive full-time all-wheel drive, all-season run-flat tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon adaptive auto-leveling headlamps with automatic control, [and] panoramic sunroof." Also included on all 2008 BMW X5s are "remote operating one-touch power windows, dual-zone automatic climate control and AM/FM/CD/MP3 12-speaker audio with auxiliary input." The 4.8i model "features numerous additional items, including leather and a choice of wood trims."

"A large information screen sits front and center," says Cars.com, although they warn that it's operated by the "confounding iDrive," but luckily the whole system can be bypassed using the "six programmable buttons on the center stack."

Cars.com notes that the BMW X5's optional features "include front and rear heated seats, front and rear parking sensors, Comfort Access keyless entry and ignition, a head-up display and a panoramic moonroof that's made of two large glass panels and includes a power sunshade." The Premium Package of the 2008 BMW also includes "leather upholstery (3.0si), power lumbar support, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and Bluetooth," according to Edmunds. The navigation system can also receive delay warnings, and it receives directions through an FM broadcast from Clear Channel Communications, says Cars.com. There is also the optional six-CD changer, though its "outdated design" of being "located in the glove box" sets it back a bit. There is also the optional rear-seat entertainment center with an eight-inch screen in this 2008 BMW.

Conclusion

The 2008 BMW X5 has plenty of standard features, and options include the latest in high-tech gadgetry.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:The X5 will not disappointCars.comCan get quite expensive with optionsCar and DriverMany of these packages included less-than critical itemsMyRide.comThe iDrive system still annoys many drivers with its complexityEdmunds The 2008 BMW X5 comes with a lot of options, though some reviewers consulted by TheCarConnection.com suggest that BMW designers need to work on few of them. According to Kelley Blue Book, the BMW X5's "generous allotment of standard features includes six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission, xDrive full-time all-wheel drive, all-season run-flat tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon adaptive auto-leveling headlamps with automatic control, [and] panoramic sunroof." Also included on all 2008 BMW X5s are "remote operating one-touch power windows, dual-zone automatic climate control and AM/FM/CD/MP3 12-speaker audio with auxiliary input." The 4.8i model "features numerous additional items, including leather and a choice of wood trims." "A large information screen sits front and center," says Cars.com, although they warn that it's operated by the "confounding iDrive," but luckily the whole system can be bypassed using the "six programmable buttons on the center stack." Cars.com notes that the BMW X5's optional features "include front and rear heated seats, front and rear parking sensors, Comfort Access keyless entry and ignition, a head-up display and a panoramic moonroof that's made of two large glass panels and includes a power sunshade." The Premium Package of the 2008 BMW also includes "leather upholstery (3.0si), power lumbar support, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and Bluetooth," according to Edmunds. The navigation system can also receive delay warnings, and it receives directions through an FM broadcast from Clear Channel Communications, says Cars.com. There is also the optional six-CD changer, though its "outdated design" of being "located in the glove box" sets it back a bit. There is also the optional rear-seat entertainment center with an eight-inch screen in this 2008 BMW. ConclusionThe 2008 BMW X5 has plenty of standard features, and options include the latest in high-tech gadgetry. 2008 BMW X5 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Car and Driver: "It doesn't look radically different from its predecessor" Cars.com: "The X5's skin shows no drastic styling rebirth" MyRide.com: "The BMW X5 looks like pretty much any other crossover" Edmunds: "Luxurious and handsome interior" ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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.

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See the BMW X5-Series in Other Years:

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

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