2006 BMW X5

Five years ago, at the time of its debut, the very combination of BMW cars and BMW SUV seemed unlikely. For this reason, BMW decided to give the X5 a more apt name – Sports Activity Vehicle – to distinguish it from the ordinary run of SUVs. In the meantime, the SAV concept has become so established and respected that the X5 has been joined by a second SAV line, the X3.

Many consider the X5 the most handsome vehicle of its type; BMW gave it a discreet updating. This included all-new front sheet metal and details, such as wider grilles and new headlight clusters. Adaptive Light Control, which “steers” the headlights to help the driver see around curves and corners, was added to the Xenon headlights that are standard on the two V-8 models and optional on the 6-cylinder 3.0i. Rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic headlight control (which switches on the headlights and related lighting at dusk and in low-light conditions) became standard on all models. Adaptive brakelights, which illuminate more strongly under hard braking, were also introduced.

The X5 4.8is takes the Valvetronic power concept to an even higher level, employing a larger bore and stroke to obtain a displacement of 4.8 liters. In turn, this means even greater power and torque: 355 hp, and 360 lb-ft. of torque vs. the 4.4i's 324 lb-ft. So motivated, the 4.8is model reaches 60 mph from a standstill in just 5.9 seconds. (4.4i: an also lively 6.8 sec.)

Teamed with both V-8 engines is a 6-speed version of the STEPTRONIC automatic that fully exploits the engine's performance capacity. Its 6th gear smoothes the flow of power from a standstill to high speeds with more, smaller steps between the 1st and top gears, which are further apart than in the 5-speed. Because the 4.8is is the highest-performing X5 model, its transmission is calibrated in an especially sporty way.

The X5 – along with the X3 – introduced a brand-new all-wheel drive system, called xDrive. xDrive does not optimize traction alone; it also optimizes handling characteristics, enhancing both agility and stability on non-slippery as well as slippery road surfaces. Via the same type of logic DSC employs to recognize and correct for excessive over- or under-steer, xDrive adjusts the front/rear torque split to avoid these tendencies. If undesirable oversteer is sensed, the multi-disc clutch is further closed, sending additional torque to the front wheels. If excess understeer is detected, xDrive opens the multi-disc clutch completely, leaving no driving torque at the front wheels. All this occurs without any overt indications to the driver; the driver merely enjoys optimum vehicle dynamics under a wide range of driving and road conditions.