Car maker Motor Show and Auto Review

2006 BMW X5

The all-wheel-drive midsize X5 was the first of a small group of sport utility vehicles that skew heavily toward sporty on-road performance and handling. Competitors include the Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX and Porsche Cayenne — although the latter is capable of extreme off-roading as well.
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Changes for 2006 include making the formerly optional onboard trip computer standard, adding chrome rings to instrument dials with the available Sport Package and a new 18-inch alloy wheel design as part of the 4.4i Sport Package. Stratus Gray has been added to the exterior-color palette.
The X5 debuted as a 2000 model and was last updated in 2004, when it received cosmetic tweaks and BMW's then-new xDrive AWD system. Unlike most models in its class, the X5 offers neither a third-row seat, nor a rear DVD entertainment system to help quell unruly kids.
The base 3.0i version has a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that generates 225 horsepower. That's barely enough to bring this large, nearly 5,000-pound vehicle briskly up to speed.
The midlevel X5 4.4i is much more pleasing to drive thanks to its lustier 315-hp 4.4-liter V8. Meanwhile, the 4.8is offers even more power with its 355-hp 4.8-liter V8. Despite being considerably stronger than the six-cylinder, the two V8s are no less fuel efficient than the six-cylinder, averaging around 19 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the base (3.0i) version, with a five-speed automatic transmission optional. The V8 models come with a sophisticated six-speed automatic gearbox. All three versions of the X5 can tow a maximum of 6,000 pounds.
BMW's "intelligent" xDrive AWD system permits infinitely adjustable front-to-rear power distribution for surefootedness on wet or snowy pavement and loosely packed dirt roads, as well as added prowess in favorable road conditions. Dynamic Stability Control adds another layer of safety by automatically adjusting throttle and/or brakes to help keep the X5 on track during extreme or emergency maneuvers.
A four-wheel independent suspension gives the X5 lively handling, which is what one expects from a BMW. There's still no getting around its heft, which you feel when the body leans through corners and resists being tossed around. The suspension on the 4.4i and 4.8is is self-leveling and can raise and lower the vehicle at the push of a button. This air suspension is optional on the 3.0i.
Seventeen-inch wheels and tires are standard, with rims and rubber as large as 20 inches in diameter available (generally speaking, the larger the wheel diameter, the shorter the tire sidewall). Lower-profile tires offer better handling but often at the expense of ride comfort.
The X5's interior is tasteful and handsome without being too dressy and offers a choice of three wood treatments at no extra cost. A wealth of standard features includes front-side and head-curtain airbags, power seats and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Notable options include a large, dual-panel Panorama sunroof and a navigation system that swaps a cassette deck for the standard CD player.
MSRP Price Range: $42,500-$71,100

posted by zanetadickson @ 5:27 PM