2011 BMW X5

If you intend to buy an SUV but wanting for something bigger than the compact SUV, the 2011 BMW X5 is one of the top twenty Luxury Midsize SUV’s today. Similar with most vehicles produced by the BMW, the X5 possess similar features in terms of driving performance, engine quality and luxurious design. The new model actually costs a thousand dollars less than the 2010 model but it is still quite a lot to pay when compared with other vehicles of the same class. They cost even more especially if you decide to avail of the best trim level such as the xDrive 50i would have an additional cost, pretty steep for a single SUV although if you have an eye out for an SUV that fuses luxury, sport and lifestyle then the 2011 BMW X5 is the ideal vehicle for you.

Features

X5 can seat up to seven people since there is an optional third row which makes this SUV an ideal family vehicle at the same time still having the comforts of any luxury car. It also has the best city/highway ratings among its competition since BMW added an extra two miles to its miles per gallon conversion to the 2011 model. The new X5 has a 17 city /25 highway mpg rating which is quite impressive for a luxury vehicle. Also, the X5 boasts a drive system of all-wheel, standard xDrive.

With minor revisions from the previous model, the 2011 X5 has incorporated the most recent version of the iDrive system created by BMW. The Active Cruise Control and lane departure warning system are among the new options included in the model. The BMW X5 comes in three different trim levels, namely the xDrive35i, xDrive50i and diesel-powered xDrive35d. The former, xDrive35i, comes in two sub-trims, the Premium and Sport Activity.

Performance

The engine performance and driving dynamics of the X5 are indeed intended to sporty driving and its new engines give the vehicle more practical fuel economy without compromising the power of the engine. Even the diesel-powered model has an impressive performance. The interiors and exteriors of the X5 are as stylish as most other models of the class; sporty and masculine yet still has a hint of luxury. The seven seat capacity is not the only attractive quality that the X5 possesses, it also has a lot of other up to date high tech facets although, the radio and climate controls are as not as user friendly as they should be. In terms of safety, the X5 lives up to its name in the quality of safety it gives the buyers.

Comparisons

If you want to look into other models from the same class and compare their features to the new 2011 BMW X5, a good contender with a fairly reasonable price would be the Acura MDX (MSRP $42,930; 16 city / 21 hwy) which costs about $4,400 less than the X5 and also has some similar features such as the three row seating and a standard all-wheel drive system but when looking at fuel efficiency, the X5 still is the better choice. Another option that you can look into is the Lexus RX 350 (MSRP $39,075; 18 city / 25 hwy), inexpensive and slightly more fuel efficient, this SUV can surely save you a few extra bucks. It compares in fuel economy to the X5 with a rating of 18/25 mpg and is the most inexpensive midsize luxury SUV in the market. The downside to this model is that it does not have a third row seating option so it does have a smaller area in terms of seating capacity although, in an overall view, it is the much practical choice.

Overall Rating
66 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 BMW X5 offers impressive handling and features, but lacks the styling and interior that makes competitors pop, while the X5 M offers nearly sports car levels of performance with all the utility of a standard X5.”Car Connection

“X5 M is one of the most potent SUVs you can buy, and its throttle response is excellent.”Consumer Guide

“Athletic handling, potent and efficient engines, luxurious and comfortable interior, huge list of features, steadfast high-speed stability.”Edmunds

“Because the X5 is substantially more expensive than competitors with similar capabilities, and its ride and handling balance is biased toward firmer road handling, you may be happier with something softer-riding and more affordable.”KBB

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Base Price: $47,200.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 22.5 gallons (85 liters) Miles Per Gallon: 16 city / 23 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 191.1 in. (485 cm) Width: 76.1 in. (193 cm)
Height: 69.9 in. (177.5 cm) Curb Weight: 4960 lbs (2249.8 kg)
Wheel Base: 115.5 in. (293 cm) Ground Clearance: 8.3 in. (21 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 23.2 cu ft Maximum Seating: 7 people
Performance
Engine: 3.0L 24-valve, DOHC inline-6 Compression Ratio: 10.2 : 1
Horsepower: 300 HP Max RPM: 6250 RPM
Torque: 300 lb-ft @ 1300-5000 rpm Transmission: 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic
0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds Max Towing Capacity: 6000 lbs (2721.6 kgs)
Available Trims & Engine
Option:xDrive35i Premium Turbo MSRP: $54,800; MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy
Option:xDrive35i Sport Activity MSRP: $57,300; MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy
Option:xDrive35d Turbo-Diesel MSRP: $51,800; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy
Option:xDrive50i AWD Twin-Turbo MSRP: $63,800; MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy

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