Base price: 3.0i, $40,195; 4.4i, $50,045; 4.6is, $67,495
Vehicle type: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive; 5-door 5-passenger wagon
Interior volume, F/R (cu ft) 51/45
Cargo volume, seats up/maximum (cu ft) 16/55
Wheelbase 111.0 in
Length/width/height 183.7/73.7/67.2–67.5 in
Turning circle 39.7 ft
Curb weight 4500–4850 lb
EPA city/highway mpg 13–15/17–21
Fuel-tank capacity/range 24.6 gal/320–369 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger front, side, and head airbags; rear head and side (opt) airbags
POWERTRAIN
3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve 6-in-line, 225 hp; 4.4-liter DOHC 32-valve V-8, 290 hp; 4.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V-8, 340 hp; 5-sp man, 5-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R ind, multilink, coil or air springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/disc or vented disc
ABS standard
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BMW X5
New in 1999, the X5 is designed to deliver athletic handling and excellent on-road performance. It delivers. But the 3.0-liter six and 4.4-liter V-8 models pale in comparison with BMW’s new-for-2002 4.6is. This model has a 4.6-liter high-performance V-8 producing 340 hp. The package also includes 20-inch wheels, a sporty interior, and various spoilers and body add-ons. The 4.6is is fast but pricey. All X5s use full-time four-wheel drive. The system splits power front/rear 38/62 percent and uses selective brake intervention to deliver grunt to the wheels with grip. There’s plenty of room inside, but cargo space is limited, as is off-road ability. The X5 lacks low-range gearing. If what you need is an on-road commuter, the X5 is the best-handling SUV yet. The addition of a standard rear-seat head-protection airbag system is the only significant change for 2003.
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