2011 BMW X5 - Review

By Nelson Ireson

Nelson Ireson

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Nelson is an Editor at High Gear Media focusing on reviewing cars and covering the hottest topics in luxury and performance cars, car culture, and... More

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2011 BMW X5 xDrive

Mildly revised for 2011, the BMW X5 remains a strong competitor in the luxury SUV market. Six trim packages, including a ferocious M version, offer a mix of features and performance for most tastes. MotorAuthority rates the 2011 X5 a solid 8 out of 10.

The X5's exterior styling is likewise built for wide appeal: it's not offensive or objectionable in any overt way, but it's not beautiful. The cabin is conservatively handsome, well-fit and finished.

Performance is a strong suit for the X5, its unibody chassis, suspension design, and powertrains coming together to offer excellent on-road performance. The V-8 models pack more outright power, but the turbocharged V-6s are entertaining as well. Off-road, the X5 doesn't quite match up to the prowess of a Land Rover, but it's more capable than most owners are willing when the asphalt ends.

The xDrive35i features a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated at 300-horsepower, but the slightly more expensive 265-horsepower diesel xDrive35d may hold more allure for some with its 26 mpg highway rating. The xDrive50i, powered by a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8, raises the price significantly and cuts highway mileage to 20 mpg, but offers a lot more punch. The X5 M is the high-performance version, sacrificing more off-road capability for truly amazing on-road feats. With a 555-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 engine, it's more in a league with high-end sports cars than the typical luxury SUV.

Whichever powertrain you choose, all of the X5 lineup is comfortable and well put-together. Plenty of room for five passengers turns into just enough room for seven if the rear-seat passengers are small.

As you'd expect of any modern SUV, it's safe, with IIHS ratings of "good" in all categories, plus a wide array of standard safety equipment. Stability and traction control are standard.

For all the details and expert opinion, read TheCarConnection's review of the 2011 X5.