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2009 BMW X5-Series Review

June 17, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

exterior sheet metal mimics other designs
Edmunds

you are surrounded by a combination of luxury and truckness
MyRide.com

The X5's skin shows no drastic styling rebirth
Cars.com

It doesn't look radically different from its predecessor
Car and Driver

While the 2009 BMW X5 is attractive for a crossover vehicle, it does not bring much new styling.

Commenting that the "BMW X5 looks like pretty much any other crossover," MyRide.com notes that the 2009 BMW's "taller cabin and cargo space" allows for larger windows and large outside mirrors. Car and Driver adds that the second-generation X5 is both longer and wider. Overall, the 2009 BMW has taken styling cues from other Bimmers; Edmunds says the "exterior sheet metal mimics other designs by BMW stylist Chris Bangle, though here the flanks seem less chiseled, the creases more softly hewn." According to Edmunds, the 2009 BMW X5 is a "midsize luxury SUV available in two trim levels: 3.0si and 4.8i." As the trims refer to engine size, there are no significant exterior styling differences between the two. Both trims, reports Kelley Blue Book, sport "signature twin-kidney grilles...prominent between a sculpted power-dome hood and a black lower fascia," while in the back "a functional roof spoiler houses the high-mounted brake lamp, and large oval dual exhausts are imbedded in the black lower fascia."

Edmunds calls the interior of the 2009 BMW X5 "one of the most elegant BMW has ever built," noting that the "dash is gently curved, with handsome wood inlays, generously sized air vents, oversized instrumentation and a truly gorgeous soft-feeling top that unifies the whole design." Cars.com says, "like other BMWs, the X5's cabin is sleek and purposeful without a lot of extra frills to get in the way of driving." MyRide.com remarks "when you sit in the driver's seat, you are surrounded by a combination of luxury and truckness."

Conclusion

Most reviewers consulted by TheCarConnection.com find the 2009 BMW X5 attractive but not particularly compelling inside or out.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:exterior sheet metal mimics other designsEdmundsyou are surrounded by a combination of luxury and trucknessMyRide.comThe X5's skin shows no drastic styling rebirthCars.comIt doesn't look radically different from its predecessorCar and Driver While the 2009 BMW X5 is attractive for a crossover vehicle, it does not bring much new styling. Commenting that the "BMW X5 looks like pretty much any other crossover," MyRide.com notes that the 2009 BMW's "taller cabin and cargo space" allows for larger windows and large outside mirrors. Car and Driver adds that the second-generation X5 is both longer and wider. Overall, the 2009 BMW has taken styling cues from other Bimmers; Edmunds says the "exterior sheet metal mimics other designs by BMW stylist Chris Bangle, though here the flanks seem less chiseled, the creases more softly hewn." According to Edmunds, the 2009 BMW X5 is a "midsize luxury SUV available in two trim levels: 3.0si and 4.8i." As the trims refer to engine size, there are no significant exterior styling differences between the two. Both trims, reports Kelley Blue Book, sport "signature twin-kidney grilles...prominent between a sculpted power-dome hood and a black lower fascia," while in the back "a functional roof spoiler houses the high-mounted brake lamp, and large oval dual exhausts are imbedded in the black lower fascia." Edmunds calls the interior of the 2009 BMW X5 "one of the most elegant BMW has ever built," noting that the "dash is gently curved, with handsome wood inlays, generously sized air vents, oversized instrumentation and a truly gorgeous soft-feeling top that unifies the whole design." Cars.com says, "like other BMWs, the X5's cabin is sleek and purposeful without a lot of extra frills to get in the way of driving." MyRide.com remarks "when you sit in the driver's seat, you are surrounded by a combination of luxury and truckness." ConclusionMost reviewers consulted by TheCarConnection.com find the 2009 BMW X5 attractive but not particularly compelling inside or out. 2009 BMW X5 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "exterior sheet metal mimics other designs" MyRide.com: "you are surrounded by a combination of luxury and truckness" Cars.com: "The X5's skin shows no drastic styling rebirth" Car and Driver: "It doesn't look radically different from its ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

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 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. Porsche's Cayenne seats only five and has drab styling, though it handles well. The Lexus GX 470 is a slightly smaller choice in this group. The Brit-cool Land Rover Range Rover is another stylish option, though it's also considerably more expensive than the BMW X5.

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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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