2011 BMW X5 Review

With a full 40 inches of legroom in the front and 61.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, the 2011 BMW X5 is a large, strong SUV that's both agile and responsive. It features standard seating for five adults and suggested retail pricing between $45,800 and $58,400. The X5 sets the bar for this new group of highly-demanded SUV's that are designed with heavy emphasis placed on comfort, luxury and safety appointments. There are 5 trims available for 2011, all featuring the BMW xDrive AWD system and optional seating for 7.

With competition stemming in part from the Lincoln MKT and the Volvo XC90, xDrive 35i trims of the 2011 X5 from BMW feature a 3.0L I6 engine that is equipped with a single intercooled turbocharger. It whips up 300 horses at 5800 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at a low, low 1200. The xDrive35d carries over into 2011 with the same 3.0L 265hp 425 lb-ft inline 6-cylinder twin-turbo diesel. And the new star of the lineup, the xDrive50i with its street-shredding 4.4L twin-turbo DOHC V8 that cranks out 400 ponies and a whopping 450 lb-ft of twist. xDrive35i and xDrive50i X5's also feature an entirely new 8-speed "Sport" automatic gearbox while the xDrive35d remains satisfied with its 6-speed auto. Both transmissions feature BMW's Steptronic manual shifting mode technologies. Further, all trims except for the xDrive35d feature BMW Brake Energy Regeneration technologies.

The list of standard equipment offered on the 2011 X5 BMW is lengthy and impressive. All trim levels feature stock:

• 18 inch alloy wheels;
• 2-zone automatic climate control;
• CD/MP3 compatibility;
• Bi-xenon adaptive headlights;
• Run flat tires;
• Leatherette upholstery;

And of course, as the eloquence of the trim levels increases, purchasers are presented with features including:

• 19 or 20 inch alloy wheels;
• Heated seats, front and rear;
• Bluetooth;
• 12 GB hard drive, voice-activated navigation;
• Real leather seating;
• Genuine wood trim;
• USB Port;
• Loads more...

Although it has not yet been rated by the NHTSA, the X5 BMW 2011 also comes very well stocked with standard safety features including Dynamic Stability Control, electronic traction control, anti-whiplash frontal head restraints, rollover sensors, 4-wheel antilock braking, individual tire pressure monitoring, and of course loads of airbags including overhead curtains for all seating rows. And don't forget about the Active Cruise Control and the newly available Lane Departure Warning system.

With a freshened exterior styling scheme in place, the 2011 BMW X5 measures 191.2 inches in length, 76.1 inches in width and 69.9 inches in height. It travels on a long wheelbase of 115.5 inches and has a reported gross vehicular weight of 6371 pounds. All trim levels feature a payload rating of 1290 pounds and maximum towing capacity of 6000 pounds. It also requires 21 feet of turning radius and is able to deliver 19/26 mpg city/highway. Ultra-comfortable, appreciably fuel efficient, able to tackle rough terrain and still very affordable, the new X5 is sure to excite you.