The X5 xDrive35d couples BMW's new clean diesel twin-turbo 3-liter six-cylinder engine with its premium SUV. The result is better fuel economy, but laggy performance, and we're not happy with the old iDrive implementation.
BMW fits its X5 SUV with a diesel engine, using twin-turbo technology to try and prevent lag, somewhat unsuccessfully.
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Although diesel-powered, the X5's body and chassis is the same as the gas-powered version.
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The 3-liter twin-turbo diesel engine has six cylinders inline and generates 265 horsepower. Torque is up at 425 pound-feet, giving the X5 a lot of twist.
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A luxury SUV, the X5 seats five comfortably, but also features performance characteristics, providing sport handling on the open road.
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The X5 uses a complex exhaust system to clean up its diesel emissions, making it legal in all 50 U.S. states.
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The rear hatch opens up clamshell style, with a small, lower gate that folds down.
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The interior is made up of leather and soft plastics. Our car featured a panoramic sunroof and optional seats that proved very comfortable.
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Among the steering wheel buttons are ones emblazoned with a diamond or a star. These can be programmed to perform different functions from the car's iDrive controller.
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For its diesel cars, BMW revived the instant-fuel gauge, a common feature on older models.
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The five-speed automatic has some good sport characteristics, and this car has a unique hill-hold feature that also lets you take your foot off the brake in normal stops.
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Although not a serious off-roader, the X5 does have hill descent control.
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With this old iDrive system, the DVD-based maps are plain and featureless.
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The navigation system includes traffic information--a very useful feature--with active rerouting.
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The CD player can read MP3 formatted music files. There is also very good iPod integration in the car.
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BMW's Bluetooth phone integration is excellent, giving access to phone contact lists.
