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2014 BMW X5 review: Cruising, cornering, and connected in the 2014 BMW X5

The third generation of BMW's largest SUV shows excellent flexibility, with comfort on the long haul and twisty road acumen, not to mention a wealth of connected features.

Wayne Cunningham Managing Editor / Roadshow
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
10 min read

Flashes from my time driving the 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35i: I'm cruising down the freeway wrapped in the comfortable, 20-way power adjustable leather seat while the suspension's adaptive dampers and air support scramble over bumps to keep the ride smooth. I can't really hear the engine as the revs are kept low by the eight-speed automatic transmission, making it easy to enjoy music played through the nine-speaker audio system.

8.0

2014 BMW X5

The Good

The 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35i's adaptive suspension makes for excellent handling while also offering a great degree of comfort. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts quietly and offers an aggressive sport program. Connected features allow Google destination searches and integration with a good range of music apps.

The Bad

Fuel economy averaged below 20 mpg in testing. The iDrive interface requires too many steps when searching for destinations or music, and connected features need better organization.

The Bottom Line

The usefulness of connected features outweighs their hodgepodge organization in the 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35i, and the mediocre fuel economy might be a price worth paying for the excellent driving dynamics.

On a different road, I'm looking through the turns twisting along a mountain side and keeping the gas pedal floored up to the last second, then getting on the brakes, and then twisting the wheel around. The transmission's Sport model holds the revs above 5,000, automatically downshifting for me, and the dampers do their best to keep this truck level. Tires begin to squeal with the load, but the all-wheel-drive system lends a hand, throwing torque front-to-back, as needed.

Those situations show the versatility of BMW's largest SUV. Updated for its third generation and the 2014 model year, the X5's changes are largely under the skin. At a little over 16 feet, the X5 holds five passengers and a moderate amount of cargo, and tips the scales at up to 5,150 pounds, depending on the trim. BMW engineering makes it handle well on twisty roads and ride comfortably on the highway.

2014 BMW X5 good on the twisty road, and on the Internet (pictures)

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For this review, I drove the X5 xDrive35i, the latter designation implying all-wheel-drive and BMW's twin scroll turbocharged 3-liter inline six-cylinder engine, using direct injection and unique valve control technology to produce 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. In the U.S., BMW also offers the X5 sDrive35i, with just rear-wheel-drive, the X5 xDrive35d, sporting a diesel engine and all-wheel-drive, and the X5 xDrive50i, combining all-wheel-drive and the power of a twin turbo 4.4-liter V-8.

In the U.S., the 2014 X5 xDrive35i comes in at a base price of $55,100, while the sDrive35i, without all-wheel-drive begins at $52,800. You can't get the 3-liter gasoline-fueled X5 in the UK, but BMW offers a wide range of diesel engines, from the sDrive25d all the way up to the M50d. Australian buyers can get the X5 xDrive35i, but will pay about AU$116,000 for the privilege.

2014 BMW X5
The 2014 BMW X5 is a strong on-road performer with a comfortable ride for the long hauls. Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Of course, these days BMW models vary greatly depending on their included options. This X5 xDrive35i came with the M Sport and the Dynamic Handling packages, the latter which includes air suspension on the rear axle. Dynamic Handling helped make it as comfortable as a Mercedes-Benz ML-class on the freeway, but also let me push it hard through the turns. M Sport adds what BMW calls its Sport automatic transmission, which includes steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual gear selection.

Standard on the X5 is a rocker switch on the console that let me choose driving programs, from Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus. These programs affected the suspension, throttle, and steering response.

Fuel-saving measures

Eco Pro and Comfort offered similar ride quality, although Eco Pro detuned the throttle a little further and reduced climate control energy usage, all in the name of saving fuel. In these modes and with the X5's idle stop feature, the engine powered down when I pulled to a stop, then cranked up when I took my foot off the brake. Idle stop runs well in the X5, such that the engine restart was smooth and quiet, but it comes on just a little slow. I could easily turn off the idle-stop feature, but did not find that it seriously got in the way during normal driving.

2014 BMW X5
The console holds the shifter, drive mode select rocker switch, and iDrive controls. Wayne Cunningham/CNET

As I pointed out above, the dynamic suspension contributed to a smooth ride, even over poorly maintained pavement. The steering program for Eco Pro and Comfort made it so I could easily turn the wheel with one hand, at speed or with the vehicle stopped. I really missed the rearview camera and surround-view camera options (both available for the X5 but not included on this example), as the sonar park distance sensors were barely adequate for urban parking.

The throttle detuning kept the X5 from accelerating too hard when I put pressure to the gas pedal. However, when I floored it for a pass or a merge, the drivetrain unleashed all its horses, the transmission letting the engine revs go high to get me through the current traffic situation before returning to economy mode.

BMW fits the X5 with impressive fuel-saving technology. The aforementioned idle-stop prevents fuel wastage at stop lights and the automatic transmission's eight gears lets the engine run at low speeds most of the time. The drivetrain decouples engine from wheels when coasting to maximize momentum use, and the navigation system even offers a routing option that avoids hills. Stealing a trick from hybrid cars, the X5 employs regenerative braking so the engine does not have to work to keep the battery charge up.

Despite these impressive measures, the X5 xDrive35i only gets 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway in the U.S. EPA testing cycle. From those numbers, you might expect to get mid-20s fuel economy on average. However, during my testing, which involved a wide range of driving situations and use of all driving programs, I averaged only 17.5 mpg. Watching the trip computer, I noticed that slow urban driving took a particularly heavy toll on the fuel economy, dragging the average down.

2014 BMW X5
This 3-liter inline six-cylinder is the smallest engine for the X5 available in the US, but fuel economy remains mediocre. Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Running hot

On the sport side, the X5 xDrive35i makes for a lot of fun, but lacks the power for serious driving. Working the throttle down a twisty road, this X5 didn't push me back in the seat with its acceleration, merely doing an adequate job picking up speed on the turn exits. If you want to track an X5 or merely get a thrill from the acceleration, consider the 445 horsepower X5 xDrive50i. BMW built an X5 M for a few model years, but now you can only get the X6 M model, with 555 horsepower.

Tapping the rocker switch to activate Sport mode, the X5's suspension and steering tightened up, and the throttle became more responsive. I also had to pull the shifter over into its Sport position to engage the transmission's sport program. Tapping the rocker once more put the X5 into Sport Plus mode, adding BMW's Dynamic Traction Control program.

2014 BMW X5
255mm tires go a long way toward holding grip, while the rear axles combine air suspension with adaptive dampers. Wayne Cunningham/CNET

With these settings, the X5 felt more nimble, although could not entirely shed its feeling of size. I blasted up a winding road and the wide, Continental SSR run-flat tires, wrapped around 20-inch rims, dug in through the turns. With its near 50/50 weight split front to back I only felt understeer when misjudged a turn. The adaptive suspension made cornering smooth and nearly effortless. The tires weren't even noticeably squealing until it was on the ragged edge.

The Sport transmission impressed me the most. When I threw it into Sport mode it aggressively downshifted, sensing when I needed power, maintain engine speeds around 5,000 rpm. I was so satisfied with its automatic shifting, that I almost forgot to test the manual mode. However, when I tapped the paddles on the steering wheel, the transmission responded with quick gear changes, about as fast as most people could shift a manual transmission, but not as fast as BMW's Dual Clutch Transmission.

The steering program adjusted slightly when I switched to Sport mode, but the wheel heft remained too light for my tastes. The X5 uses an electric power-steering system to help save fuel, and the programming gives it point-and-shoot response with generally numb feeling. Not included on this X5 was BMW's Active Steering option, which would have tightened up the turning ratio for twisty road driving.

BMW doesn't position the X5 as an off-roader. I couldn't adjust the suspension height, lock the center differential, or choose any sort of terrain setting. The all-wheel-drive system is primarily oriented towards on-road driving in slippery conditions. That said, BMW included an xDrive status screen on the LCD which showed the X5's roll and pitch angles, and a descent control program.

Online, and online

Controlling onscreen content comes through BMW's latest iDrive controller. Yes, the X5 still has the familiar iDrive jog-dial on the console with buttons labeled Menu, Media, Radio, Tel, and Nav. Now, the dial includes a touch surface on top, useful for gesture control and alpha-numeric input. The touch interface combines with a very good voice command system to make control of the cabin tech easier.

2014 BMW X5
BMW's ConnectedDrive runs a variety of Internet-based services and apps over a connected phone's data connection. Wayne Cunningham/CNET

However, connected features really take the X5 into the new millennium. The car features a built-in 3G data connection powering Google destination search, a news feed, weather forecasts, and apps such as Yelp and gas prices. Those features come under the name BMW Online.

Confusing the issue somewhat are BMW's ConnectedDrive features. To use these, I loaded the ConnectedDrive app on my iPhone and plugged it into the car's USB port. Over my phone's data connection, I could get Internet-based radio stations, Facebook and Twitter feeds, Wiki local, another news feed, and apps such as Amazon Music and Pandora. BMW even includes new app integration which would let me control a GoPro action camera through iDrive.

All of those connected features are very useful, but I wish BMW would come up with a more cohesive interface and better logic about which ones use the car's own data connection, and which rely on a smartphone.

Proving the usefulness of online data search, I conducted a couple of tests. First I searched for Ikea in the navigation system's points-of-interest database and got no results, despite there being a store within 25 miles. Then I went to online search, which came up with that Ikea store almost immediately. From the result listing I was able to enter the destination for navigation. I performed the same test with Trader Joe's, and once again got nothing from the stored database and a quick, correct result using the X5's online search. Of course, online search only works in an area with data coverage.

While performing these tests, the touch interface for alphanumeric control proved difficult. I had to be very quick when lifting my finger to cross a T, for example, otherwise the system would think I wanted the letter I. BMW should build in a little more time for alphanumeric entries.

The navigation system offered very rich maps, rendering buildings throughout San Francisco. In the mountains, the maps showed terrain contours.

2014 BMW X5
The X5's navigation system renders buildings in even residential areas of San Francisco. Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Turn-by-turn guidance did an excellent job employing traffic data to find the quickest route. I was also impressed how the system kept me informed. On one drive, I ended up in stop-and-go freeway traffic. Checking the navigation system, it told me this traffic would add 10 minutes to my trip, but it did not recommend a detour. At other times, it seamlessly took me on alternate routes when it figured those would be reasonably quicker.

The one problem I found with the X5's turn-by-turn navigation was that the voice prompts sometimes came a little late for me to get in the proper lane.

I enjoyed perusing Internet-based radio stations from around the world using BMW's ConnectedDrive. Digging up stations from South America or Africa makes for some good road entertainment. Other audio sources included HD radio, Bluetooth streaming, and the X5's USB port.

I was impressed that iDrive let me browse the music on my phone when it was playing over Bluetooth. That's an advanced control interface I've only begun to see in cars this year. However, BMW's deeper selection screens, whether it be for music, radio stations, or destinations, need streamlining. I had to take far too many steps in iDrive to find music and begin playback, or select a destination and start navigation.

This X5 came with the stock stereo, an unbranded nine speaker system with two subs, a center channel, and a 205 watt amp. The audio quality from this system was stronger than your average stock system, with crisp playback, but BMW offers two potential upgrades. First is a Harman Kardon system with 16 speakers and 600-watt amp, which should make for an excellent upgrade. However, if you really love music, there is the Bang & Olufsen system, making use of 16 speakers and 1,200 watts of amplification.

BMW offers quite a few driver-assistance features on the X5 that were not included on the model I tested. I would have found the surround-view camera useful when parking, and adaptive cruise control would have helped during long freeway cruises. BMW's head-up display is particularly good, showing full-color turn-by-turn directions. BMW also makes LED headlights available for the X5, which provide brighter, better defined illumination and last much longer than standard HIDs.

2014 BMW X5
There are many SUVs designed for five passengers, but the X5 is one of the most versatile. Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Outstanding driver

Among the multitude of five passenger SUVs, the 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35i stands out for its onroad versatility and impressive cabin tech. The car has a solid driving feel and, when equipped with the appropriate performance gear, shows excellent handling chops. The eight speed Sport Automatic Transmission works exceedingly well. The 3-liter engine provides more than adequate power, but my fuel economy came in well under par.

Navigation comes standard, as does BMW Online and BMW ConnectedDrive app support. These features, especially online destination search, help keep the X5 at the forefront of cabin tech. The multitude of apps available in ConnectedDrive make it likely you will find your favorite music app. BMW also offers an impressive array of driver assistance features which, in reviews of other models, I have found to work very well.

iDrive could use some streamlining in its deep search screens, but I have been pointing that out for years now and BMW seems disinclined to improve matters. For its body style, it will be difficult to differentiate this third-generation X5 from the previous gen, but it is still an attractive and versatile design.

Tech specs

Model 2014 BMW X5
Trim xDrive35i
Powertrain Turbocharged direct injection 3-liter inline six-cylinder engine, eight-speed automatic transmission
EPA fuel economy 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway
Observed fuel economy 17.5 mpg
Navigation Standard, with live traffic
Bluetooth phone support Standard
Digital audio sources Internet-based streaming, Bluetooth audio, iOS integration, USB drive, satellite radio, HD radio
Audio system 205-watt, nine-speaker system
Driver aids Available: Night vision, active cruise control, automated parking, head-up display, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitor, surround-view camera system
Base price $55,100
Price as tested $68,575
8.0

2014 BMW X5

Score Breakdown

Performance 8Features 8Design 7Media 9

Specs

Trim levels xDrive35iAvailable Engine GasBody style SUV