TCC Test: 2007 BMW X5 4.8i

[Variance]

TCC Test: 2007 BMW X5 4.8i

It's typical that as a vehicle grows in size and becomes more "mainstream" and "family friendly," it also becomes more like the typical middle-aged clientèle that needs mainstream and family-friendly vehicles. Once-sharp reflexes and a firm suspension set up for enthusiast drivers are swapped for drop-down DVD entertainment systems for the kids and power-operated toys for the grown-ups.

The X5 has an abundance of the latter, including a "simplified" version of the infamous iDrive mouse controller (more on that below), available heads-up display and an electrically activated gear shifter similar to the system first used on the 7-Series sedan (more on that below, also).

But as I experienced firsthand during two days of flogging new X5s (both the base six-cylinder powered 3.0si and the V-8 X5 4.8i) on some of South Carolina's best moonshiner backcountry roads, the '07 X5's every bit the runner the old one was. And then some.

The Car Connection

[Flybrian]

Good to see BMW bringing HUD to the masses in a $60,000 vehicle. Sure wish I could get it in a $27,000 car...

[bobo]

I would guess the third row seat is tiny. The X5 does need a larger cargo hold, though.

[pow]

This is the first 7-seat crossover that doesn't look motherly. BMW did a good job with the styling.

[79VetteZ06]

Good to see BMW bringing HUD to the masses in a $60,000 vehicle. Sure wish I could get it in a $27,000 car...

213082[/snapback]

You can get one in Acadia and I think Pontiac GP has it for the V8 version. (Or are you joking? :AH-HA_wink: )

[Flybrian]

You can get one in Acadia and I think Pontiac GP has it for the V8 version. (Or are you joking?    :AH-HA_wink: )

213464[/snapback]

Totally kidding.

[79VetteZ06]

Totally kidding.

213476[/snapback]

Gotcha