EDMUNDS.COM 2004 BMW X5
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
If you want a vehicle that looks utilitarian but doesn''t drive that way, you can''t do much better than the X5 -- just don''t expect much in the way of practicality.
Pros
Rides and drives like a BMW sedan, multiple drivetrain choices, top safety scores, high-end cabin furnishings.
Cons
Less interior volume than a 5 Series wagon, price goes up quickly with options, poor fuel economy in the city.
What''s New for 2004
The high-performance X5 4.6is is discontinued. The 3.0i and 4.4i receive an exterior update, as well as a new all-wheel-drive system called xDrive. A six-speed manual transmission is now standard on the 3.0i, and a six-speed automatic is standard on the 4.4i. The 4.4i also receives a new 4.4-liter engine with Valvetronic and a fully variable intake system. Both models can add Sirius Satellite Radio and Bluetooth hands-free cell phone capability as dealer-installed accessories.
Overview
Introduction:
With an ever-increasing demand for luxury SUVs, BMW bowed to the gods of market share and introduced the X5 for the 2000 model year. But BMW knows that most luxury SUV buyers spend about as much time off-roading as they do in the 99-cent store. These customers are looking for a palatial and secure environment to carry them between business meetings and little league games. Here the X5 scores, with leather and wood interior surfaces, a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, advanced active safety technology, front and rear power seating adjustments, rear climate controls, a DVD-based navigation system and a total of 10 airbags. Crash testing of the X5 has allowed it to set new standards in front- and side-impact protection. Purely from a safety standpoint, the X5 is an impressive vehicle. Exterior dimensions put this BMW at roughly the same size as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its short overhangs and compact size (it''s 4.5 inches shorter than a 5 Series sedan) add to the sport-activity vehicle''s maneuverability claims. Unfortunately, these same dimensions add up to less interior space than a 5 Series wagon, which costs less and, being a car, offers superior handling. Of course, the X5 still features the BMW styling cues we''ve come to expect, including a twin kidney-shaped grille, quad headlights and L-shaped taillights. Those with budgetary concerns will be glad to know that even the base engine is world-class in terms of its power delivery. Moreover, despite the utilitarian image these vehicles attempt to convey, the emphasis is on driving, not practicality. Certainly, you can transport five people in comfort with an X5, but it wouldn''t be a good choice for home improvement projects or any other activity that requires serious cargo capacity. So long as you''re fine with that limitation -- and don''t mind giving up a little handling prowess for the sake of a tall ride -- you''ll like the X5.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The X5 is offered as a four-door sport-utility in two levels of trim -- the 3.0i and the 4.4i. Standard features on the 3.0i include 17-inch wheels, a power driver seat, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power-folding and reclining rear seats, one-touch windows, manual climate controls, a CD player and a full-size spare tire. The 4.4i adds 18-inch wheels (losing the full-size spare), leather upholstery, wood interior trim, a power front-passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control and rear climate controls -- all this stuff is optional for the 3.0i. Additional options for both models include 20-inch wheels; a sport suspension; automatic xenon headlights; an Alcantara/napa leather combo or full napa; heated, power front sport seats; heated rear seats; rain-sensing wipers; auto-dimming mirrors; front and rear parking sensors; a moonroof; a premium sound system; and a cartridge-style CD changer. Other notable options include a DVD-based navigation system and an adjustable ride height suspension that enables the X5 to better tackle light off-roading.
Powertrains and Performance:
The 3.0i is powered by a 225-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline six that comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission; a five-speed automatic is optional. Although its numbers don''t indicate it, this engine has surprising vigor, given its broad, smooth power band. Power fiends can go with the 4.4i and its new 315-hp, 4.4-liter V8. This engine only comes with a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy is nothing to brag about -- the 3.0i is rated at 15 mpg city/21 highway; the 4.4i''s efficient V8 allows it to post a slightly better 16/22 rating. Towing capacity is 5,953 pounds for both models. A new all-wheel-drive system dubbed xDrive assures maximum stability and grip through the use of a more sophisticated computer control system that better utilizes input from multiple sources.
Safety:
Every X5 has stability control, dynamic brake control, Hill Descent Control, front side-impact airbags, head protection airbags for front and rear occupants and an extra set of brakelights that activates during panic stops. In government crash testing, the BMW earned a perfect five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. In side-impact testing, it earned four stars for front-occupant protection and five stars for the rear. The X5 earned a "Good" rating (the highest possible) in IIHS offset crash testing.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
When it''s time to haul the family, the X5 isn''t much better than a typical luxury sedan. Rear-seat accommodations are average at best, with the Acura MDX, Lexus RX 300 and Volvo XC90 offering more space and comfort. With the second-row seats folded, the X5''s maximum cargo capacity peaks at a very disappointing 54.4 cubic feet.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Ground clearance is limited and there is no low-range transfer case -- so the X5 is definitely an all-weather vehicle rather than an all-terrain vehicle. Accept it as a fast, agile, stylish vehicle for spirited runs through the suburbs, and you won''t be disappointed.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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