New Car Overview of the 2005 BMW X5 Mid-Size Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle

Description: Mid-Size Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle
Base MSRP Range: $41,700 - $70,100
Invoice Price Range: $38,105 - $63,950
Where built: USA

BMW's X5 Series of sport-activity wagons repeat as the X5 3.0i and X5 4.4i but with new cabin trim and more standard equipment aboard. Both versions look remarkably like one of BMW's big sports sedans, only jacked up with a wagon's cargo compartment at the tail.

Both also contain BMW's 'intelligent' AWD system called xDrive. Adjustable and infinitely variable, the device can direct the engine's power to whichever axle, front or rear, has the best traction bite. It works with BMW's computerized four-wheel Dynamic Stability Control (DSC-X) mechanism and a traction control system (TCS-X) that can correct potentially dangerous skid movements.

X5 divides into two models based on powertrain. X5 4.4i gets the 4.4-liter V8 out of 7-Series sedans with output of 320 hp through the six-speed automatic. X5 3.0i has a 3.0-liter in-line-six worth 225 hp with Steptronic automatic or standard six-speed manual.

An automatic climate controller has been added to the features list on X5 3.0i, with Park Distance Control now standard on X5 4.4i.