The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
BMW X5 tops SAV segment
For a while now, SUVS have clearly been the most popular car market segment.
It’s no secret, and with manufacturers vaporizing from the sedan market, it’s obvious what consumers want. Among upscale midsize SUVS, there are a lot of choices; new manufacturers like Genesis are quickly making a dent in the competition’s profits.
But, when it comes to BMW, there is no dent to be found as its flagship mid-size SUV, the X5, is its longest-lasting, and in my opinion, nicest-looking SUV in the fleet.
Produced in BMW’S Greenville-spartanburg, S.C., plant, where the X-series “Sport Activity Vehicles” are built, the Xfamily continues to deliver in the five-seater SAV category. The X5 has established itself, and puts the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and Mercedes-benz GLE on notice.
As the “Ultimate Driving Machine” BMW is specifically designed for just that, the driver.
In the X5 those drivers will find a vehicle that is quiet, comfortable, roomy, powerful and most importantly, good looking. But not only are drivers happy when in the X5, the passengers love it also for its comfort.
Gorgeous LED laser-light headlights adorn the X5, which keeps the road nice and bright. Sleek curved lines and ride
height controls add to the exterior while Blue Calip brake calipers add appeal to the 21-inch M-performance wheels, which are only $1,600 extra. Our Arctic Grey Metallic exterior was a great color. It was blue during the day and grey at night and a favorite for me. The M-sport package and Executive package on our xdrive45e tester included Panoramic Sky lounge LED roof, four-zone climate control, wireless charging, heads-up display and rear side window shades.
The X5 gets up to speed quickly and smoothly, providing a cloud-like ride as the seats were extraordinarily comfortable and its German heritage confirms its attention to detail.
A turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine included an integrated electric motor. The motor is ultra-quiet and paired with the eight-speed sport automatic transmission nicely.
Accoutrements for any BWM are grandish and in the X5 featured the crystal “M” performance shifter and excellently designed rear hatch, offering a 70/30 split. Finally, as always, we love the 3 year/36,000 mile BMW Ultimate Care offering, a threeyear maintenance program included in your purchase price. BMW nails it again, really driving home the epitome of upscale luxury.
BMW X5
MSRP: $65,400
As tested: $81,695 MPG: 20 gasoline only, 50 electric/gasoline combo