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2011 BMW X5

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 BMW X5

Overview

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2011 BMW X5 Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 5.6

When BMW introduced its first "crossover" SUV (CUV) in 2000, its marketers called it a "SAV" for "Sports Activity Vehicle." The point was to separate it from other sport utilities of the time and position it as a BMW-appropriate blend of performance and handling with practicality, versatility and all-weather capability. For the most part, it worked, for both the positioning and the vehicle. The original X5 was not the roomiest or most practical of SUVs, but piloting it down a twisty two-lane ribbon of road was a revelation. It drove like a taller version of the 5 Series Sedan, which, in many ways, it was. The 2011 version is all of that, and roomier, as well.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you would be driving an upscale German sport sedan such as a BMW 5 Series but want or need more utility, better ground clearance along with all-wheel-drive security, this may be the right fit for your garage.

You May Not Like This Car If...

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.

What's New for 2011

For 2011 the X5's gasoline engines have been updated and are now paired with an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. Along with subtly tweaked styling, the 2011 model includes new options like active cruise control and a lane departure warning system.

Driving the X5

Driving Impressions Despite its size, weight and optional third-row seats, the 2010 BMW X5 remains one of the few largish sport utilities that can be fun to drive for serious drivers. This...

is due to its sophisticated suspension (double-pivot front and multi-link rear), H-rated all-season tires, variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering and powerful four-wheel disc brakes. We're still not huge fans of BMW's electronic shifter or iDrive multifunction controller, but, once underway, the X5 goes, stops, steers and holds the road like a luxury sport sedan. BMW's ultra-responsive Active Steering and larger wheels and tires, up to a 20-inch performance set, are available on the 50i with Sport Package.

Favorite Features

xDrive Full-Time All-Wheel Drive
With limited ground clearance and all-season tires, the X5 has few off-road aspirations, but it does have one of the best all-weather all-wheel-drive systems out there, which electronically varies front-to-rear torque and traction control to optimize grip.

Xenon Adaptive Headlamps
These are auto-leveled and steered in response to steering angle, vehicle speed and turning rate to light more of the road through curves and dips, and all four are encircled by luminous rings that serve as parking and (if desired) daytime running lights.

2011 BMW X5 Details

Interior

The X5's beautifully crafted interior has good leg and shoulder room with fold-flat second-row seats and a generous cargo capacity. The glovebox has unique upper and lower electrically powered doors that lock and unlock with the central locking system. A multi-function keyless remote and a start/stop button replace the conventional ignition switch and key, while a console switch for the electromechanical parking brake replaces the traditional lever. The three-spoke steering wheel has multi-function controls, including enhanced dynamic cruise control and two programmable switches. An optional third row is offered on all but the lowest trim, expanding the X5's capacity from five occupants to seven.

Exterior

The 2011 X5 morphs BMW's current crease-sided design language into a tall wagon shape larger in all dimensions than the original model, yet not much different in appearance. The signature twin-kidney grilles are prominent between a sculpted power-dome hood and a body-colored lower fascia with large intakes and a matte-silver protection plate. Clear lenses cover quad round headlamps encircled by luminous rings that double as parking lamps and daytime running lamps. The outboard fog lamps also serve as cornering lamps. In back, a functional roof spoiler houses the high-mounted brake lamp, and large dual exhausts are imbedded in the lower fascia.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The X5's generous allotment of standard features includes xDrive all-wheel drive, all-season run-flat tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon adaptive auto-leveling headlamps with automatic control, power tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, dynamic cruise control, 10-way power front seats with memory, leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and AM/FM/CD/MP3 12-speaker audio with auxiliary input and HD Radio. Standard safety equipment includes Dynamic Stability Control, Hill Descent Control, trailer stabilization, rollover protection system and two-stage front, front seat-mounted side and front and rear head-curtain airbags. All versions of the X5 get BMW Ultimate Service, which includes roadside assistance and all recommended maintenance for four years/50,000 miles.

Optional Equipment

Many X5 options are grouped into packages, including an Active Ventilated Seat Package with 20-way adjustable multi-contour front seats, a Premium Sound Package, a Rear Climate Package with four-zone climate control and privacy glass, a Cold Weather Package, an M Sport Package (larger wheels, sport seats, electronic damping control, active roll stabilization), a Technology Package (Park Distance Control, rearview camera with Top View and navigation system with Real Time Traffic information), a Convenience Package (power tailgate, auto dimming mirrors, ambient lighting) and a Premium Package with power tailgate, BMW Assist with automatic collision notification. The long list of stand-alone options includes Active Steering, third-row seat, Head-up Display, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, rear-seat entertainment system, Nevada or Nappa leather, heated front and rear seats, Park Distance Control, navigation, performance tires and 20-inch wheels.

Under the Hood

The 2010 BMW X5 is available in 35i, 35d and 50i models. The 35i is powered by a 300-horsepower turbocharged in-line six, while the 50i is driven by a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter all-aluminum V8. Both engines feature direct injection, variable valve timing and BMW Brake Energy Regeneration, a system that, under most circumstances, disengages the alternator during acceleration. When combined these technologies contribute to better-than-expected fuel efficiency for such performance-oriented vehicles. A carryover from 2010, the 3.0-liter diesel, employs twin turbochargers to produce V8-like power with V6-equivalent fuel economy.

3.0-liter in-line 6
300 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
300 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25

3.0-liter in-line 6, turbodiesel
265 horsepower @ 4200 rpm
425 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26

4.4-liter V8
400 horsepower @ 5500 rpm
450 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used BMW X5 vehicles for sale near you.

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2011 BMW X5 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.9

Out of 10

Based on 144 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

7.9/10

Quality

8.2/10
Reliability

8.1/10

Performance

8.6/10
Comfort

8.5/10

Styling

8.8/10

Decimates Luxury SUV Competitors HANDS DOWN!

By BostonBWMOwner (MA) on Tuesday, January 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Appealing aesthetics justify the premium price"

Cons: "Nothing as such"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I simply admire the superior engineering of the BWM SAV which leaves its japanese competitors far behind.Even its German & US competitors find it hard to hold candle to it when its comes to confidence oozing drivability,unsurpassed quality,pure luxury,and sporty performance of it.Don't look anywhere else if you want a perfect all weather & all terrain SUV (BMW=SAV). Unrivalled overall performance and will stay miles ahead to its league!That's why Its truely called "ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE"."

11 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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The best SUV you can get that acts like a car.

By FrankNJ1 (NJ) on Wednesday, January 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, value, features."

Cons: "Never enough time to drive it."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Hand down this is the best SUV you can get in this class. It handles like you are driving a car. The amount of interior space is excellent. We didn't opt for the 3rd row as we diden't need it and by seeing it I feel it is a waste. We went with the Premium edition and loaded it up with a nice amoutn of options. Must have options are the Multi-Contour seats and the Premium Sound."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Think twice before you buy an BMW X5 Premium

By LoveBMWs (IL) on Sunday, January 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,500

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 2/10
Performance: 2/10
Styling: 4/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "nice lines and very responsive about 15 mph"

Cons: "This is not BMW quality."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"This is my third BMW in a row I have owned. The 2013 X5 Premium is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. It is physically exhausting to drive because the steering is so tight on the vehicle. If your normal driving route includes stop and go's, you will find the transmission frustrating because it hesitates off the line, the road noice is louder than my toyota pickup truck, not to mention the ride is stiffer than my pu truck. Don't make the same mistake I did by taking it for a test drive around the block. Do yourself a big favor and get the dealer to loan you the vehicle for a weekend and drive it in your normal environment. I own 4 vehicles and this is the last one out of the garage!"

5 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Great SUV.

By BMW Leaser (AL) on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,200

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Masculine, Great Performance, fun to drive"

Cons: "Can be a little loud during exceleration"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have leased BMWs and other luxury vehicles for that past 15 years and am very pleased with the X5 diesel. It has the performance characteristics for the 335 with a lot of extra space. If you enjoy the driving experience of a BMW you will love this vehicle. If you are more of a soft ride Cadillac person, this vehicle will not meet your needs."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Worst vehicle I have every owned,expensive repairs

By Bmw previous owner (AZ) on Sunday, September 23, 2012

I owned and sold this car
Reason: Worst car I have ever owned, expensive out of warranty repairs, extremely unreliable. - My approximate mileage is 82,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Loved the look, drove well"

Cons: "Worst vehicle I have owned, poor reliability,"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"This was my first BMW, expected more from this auto manufacturer since BWM is a luxury vehicle. I was in the shop for many repairs during the warranty period. My major issues started after warranty expired. I needed to replace the radiator, followed by water pump, thermostat, fuel gauge, brakes were fixed many times and had 3 sets or run flat tires by 60 thousand miles. No one ever tells you that these tires need to be replaced every 20 thousand miles. The car was a beauty but it will be the last BMW I will every buy. The rear camera was the worst I have ever seen it had poor resolution and stayed on while I drove forward. The voice connectivity was poor, I could never use it."

46 people out of 54 found this review helpful

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Major improvements over previous model.

By RJG (IL) on Wednesday, August 08, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "performance, handling, fuel economy."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I went from an Infiniti to the X-5. Night and dy difference. The X-5 handles like a real sports car. Steering, acceleration is unbelievable. German technology way different than the Japanese. Both have their pros and cons! I real enjoy driving the BMW. The 3.5 has unbelievable performance and super unbelievable gas mileage, 23.8 on the highway."

10 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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See all 144 reviews