X

2012 BMW X5 xDrive35i (pictures)

The BMW X5 is one of the most high-tech SUVs on the market. Its advanced all-wheel-drive system contributes to handling, and an available adaptive suspension helps keep it grounded. The 2012 X5 features BMW's latest connected cabin tech.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
35303113_OVR.JPG
1 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
The largest SUV in BMW's fleet, the X5 is made for America. Originally a five-seater, recent enhancements add a third-row-seat option.
35303113_FT.JPG
2 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
The 2012 X5 is the second generation of the model. It shows BMW's traditional kidney grille, but otherwise is a hulking beast.
35303113_SS01.jpg
3 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
In the xDrive35i trim, the X5 gets BMW's inline 3-liter six-cylinder engine, topped by a twin scroll turbo. It makes 300 horsepower, adequate for the 4,500-pound SUV.
35303113_SD.JPG
4 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
BMW calls its X5 a Sports Activity Vehicle, or SAV, although it is still technically classified as an SUV.
35303113_SS02.jpg
5 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
The X5 comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system, which offers some advanced electronics to enhance handling.
35303113_SS05.jpg
6 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
The rear hatch has a unique clamshell design, with a lower section that can serve as a bench when folded down.
35303113_SS06.jpg
7 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
The interior of the X5 comes well-appointed, with luxury materials and quality switchgear.
35303113_SS07.jpg
8 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
The rear bench does not adjust, but the seat backs fold down in a split arrangement, allowing multiple cargo configurations.
35303113_INT.JPG
9 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
Although this generation of the X5 has been around since 2007, BMW has kept the cabin tech up to date.
35303113_SS10.jpg
10 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
The steering wheel has a solid, heavy feel. It demands a certain amount of engagement with the road.
35303113_SS12.jpg
11 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
BMW continues to use its oddly sculpted shifter. In the X5, it controls an eight-speed transmission.
35303113_SS13.jpg
12 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
The iDrive controller, with its dial and fixed buttons, takes a little getting used to, but has a good, solid feel.
35303113_SS15.jpg
13 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
The rearview camera, very useful for this SUV, includes trajectory lines that predict the path of the X5.
35303113_SS16.jpg
14 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
The main onscreen menu shows the usual features, such as navigation, audio, and phone, and also items for BMW telematics and a contact list.
35303113_SS17.jpg
15 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
The navigation system's maps, stored on a hard drive, show traffic, topographical features, and rendered buildings
35303113_SS22.jpg
16 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
HD radio comes standard in the X5, and lets you choose multicasts from stations that offer it.
35303113_SS23.jpg
17 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
Satellite radio is also available in the X5.
35303113_SS24.jpg
18 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
BMW classifies devices and other storage media under a different audio source menu than radio sources. The Music Collection item is the car's own onboard storage.
35303113_SS25.jpg
19 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
The design of this music library interface is one of the few faults we can find with the X5.
35303113_SS27.jpg
20 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
The stock audio system in the X5 includes 10 speakers and a 205-watt amp. An available premium audio system adds more speakers and power, and includes a multiband equalizer in the iDrive interface.
35303113_SS28.jpg
21 of 21 Josh Miller/CNET
The optional rear-seat entertainment system includes a screen mounted to the back of the console.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos