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2009 BMW X5-Series Features Review

June 17, 2009

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

confounding iDrive
Cars.com

The iDrive system still annoys many drivers with its complexity
Edmunds

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

Can get quite expensive with options
Car and Driver

The 2009 BMW X5 has plenty of standard features, and options include the latest in high-tech gadgetry.

For the new model year, an automatic tailgate is added to the Premium Package; to the Cold Weather Package come heated rear seats; the X5 xDrive48i’s Premium Sound Package now includes an iPod/USB adapter, and deleted from the 48i’s list of standard equipment is the rear self-leveling suspension.

Included on all 2009 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." 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."

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

Edmunds reports the Premium Package of the 2009 BMW includes "leather upholstery (3.0si), power lumbar support and an auto-dimming rearview mirror." The navigation system can also receive delay warnings, and it gets directions through an FM broadcast from Clear Channel Communications, says Cars.com. There is also the optional six-CD changer, though its "outdated design" means it's "located in the glove box," thus setting it back a bit. In addition, you can opt for a rear-seat entertainment center with an eight-inch screen in this 2009 BMW. 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."

Conclusion

The 2009 BMW X5 comes with a lot of options, though the iDrive interface can still be troublesome.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:confounding iDriveCars.comThe iDrive system still annoys many drivers with its complexityEdmundsMany of these packages included less-than critical itemsMyRide.comCan get quite expensive with optionsCar and Driver The 2009 BMW X5 has plenty of standard features, and options include the latest in high-tech gadgetry. For the new model year, an automatic tailgate is added to the Premium Package; to the Cold Weather Package come heated rear seats; the X5 xDrive48i’s Premium Sound Package now includes an iPod/USB adapter, and deleted from the 48i’s list of standard equipment is the rear self-leveling suspension. Included on all 2009 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." 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." According to Cars.com, "a large information screen sits front and center," although they warn that it's operated by the "confounding iDrive," but the whole system can be bypassed using the "six programmable buttons on the center stack." Edmunds reports the Premium Package of the 2009 BMW includes "leather upholstery (3.0si), power lumbar support and an auto-dimming rearview mirror." The navigation system can also receive delay warnings, and it gets directions through an FM broadcast from Clear Channel Communications, says Cars.com. There is also the optional six-CD changer, though its "outdated design" means it's "located in the glove box," thus setting it back a bit. In addition, you can opt for a rear-seat entertainment center with an eight-inch screen in this 2009 BMW. 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." ConclusionThe 2009 BMW X5 comes with a lot of options, though the iDrive interface can still be troublesome. 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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