What’s New?
After launching its version of a sport utility vehicle for the 2000 model year, BMW has redesigned its X5 as a virtually all-new model for 2007. One of the most significant changes is the addition of a third-row seat to allow seating for seven occupants.

Overview
BMW doesn’t call the X5 a sport utility vehicle, because its merging of handling and performance with utility and off-road capability makes it what BMW calls a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). For 2007, the X5 has been redesigned and re-engineered. Among the changes are room for more people and cargo. The new and slightly larger body design not only provides room for a third-row seat, but adds nearly five more cubic feet of cargo capacity as well. Both the second and third-row seats fold flat into the cargo floor. The vehicle’s interior also has been redesigned and made even more practical while remaining upscale. The SAV now incorporates BMW’s iDrive technology that allows all audio, climate, navigation, and similar functions to be controlled by a computer-style mouse device.

The X5 is available in two models. The X5 3.0si has a new 260-hp, inline 6-cylinder engine, while the X5 4.8i gets BMW’s 350-hp, 4.8-liter V-8. Both come with 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmissions and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

The X5 comes with a long list of standard equipment, including a complete set of safety technologies, both active—such as dynamic stability control (DSC)—and passive, including side curtain air bags covering all three rows. Eight-way power front seats are standard, with 20-way power seats available. The center console now has two large cupholders. Automatic climate controls are standard equipment, as is a 12-speaker audio system. As expected, various special option packages are available, including a Premium package with 4-way, front-seat lumbar support, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, a digital compass, a storage package, a hands-free telephone interface, and more.

The Competition
The BMW X5 competes in the Midsize Premium Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment, which consists of 14 models. Buyers in this segment look for quality, reliability, and performance, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Lexus RX Series (108,348 units sold), Acura MDX (54,121), and Volvo XC90 (33,200). The BMW X5 sold 26,798 units in 2006, a decrease of 28.7 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Midsize Premium CUV segment include the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Infiniti FX-Series, Cadillac SRX, Mercedes-Benz R-Class, and Porsche Cayenne. Joining the segment in 2007 is the Lincoln MKX.