- A+ acceleration
- beautiful styilng
- excellent handling
- easy-to-access dash layout
- great sound system

- Black handles outside
- black high gloss trim on inside is very unattractive.
- gas mileage, 13/17

I just recieved this car two days ago, so far it has been great. The HDC (hill decent control) has worked wonderful. It Performs great for a $49,000 SUV. If I had a choice of buying this or the Mercedes M320 and the Lexus RX300 I would pic this one.

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- Lexus RX300
- Mercedes M320
- Land Rover Discovery Series II

Exceptionally powerful and fast. Fun in the corners. Tight, quiet ride. Quality build and details. Digital sound system is fantastic.

Smallish storage space. Relatively more expensive.

Excellent build quality, fit and finish, luxurious interior with high quality materials. Unlike any other sport ute: Superior power, cornering, torque. It really does drive like a BMW sports sedan, only a little heavier.

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Mercedes Benz ML 430

The 2000 BMW X5 is all-new. Up until now, BMW didn’t even HAVE a sport utility (or actually, Sports ACTIVITY Vehicle, as BMW calls it), unless you count Land Rover’s offerings, which BMW owns. I don’t. This is because neither Land Rover nor any truck-based SUV really can compete with this trend-setting vehicle that redefines the standards of the breed. Up until now, when I have heard a manufacturer use a different description for one of their new offerings than the status quo, I figured it was a gimmick to try to differentiate their entry in a crowded field. In this case, BMW’s offering IS different. It is the first SUV-like vehicle to actually handle like a sports sedan (which is just as well, since the X5 is loosely based on the BMW 5-series sedan, which is one of the best handling sports sedans on the market). It seems as if BMW wanted to have an entry that wouldn’t compete with it’s Land Rover line for luxury and/or off-road capability, but instead offer something that has the commanding view, wagon-like storage capacity, and AWD surefootedness of an SUV, with the handling characteristics of a 5 series sedan. Boy did they succeed.
Rear: The rear seats are quite comfortable and roomy, even with the front seats back all the way. There is another power outlet for the rear passengers, and rear a/c/heating vents in the back of the front center armrest. And of course, cupholders. The rear seats fold down if necessary for extra cargo capacity. The X5 includes a full-sized spare, and more power outlets in the very rear for an electric plate warmer if you were to say, have a tailgate party. How, you ask? Why, by lowering the power liftgate! This is separate from the rear window, so it can indeed be used in such a way. One complaint/oddity: opening the rear hatch is a little bit of a pain, as your hand must reach up under an overhang on the rear hatch and apply pressure in such a way as to trigger a release switch. Finding how to keep the hatch up is another issue, as the test vehicle didn’t have gas springs to hold it up automatically.

Exterior:
The look of the X5 is definitely wide, beefy, and smooth. It has the front of a 5-series sedan, and the integrated fender flares built into the sheetmetal contribute to the X5’s solid, confident stance and profile. The back lights are reminiscent of the last generation 5-series sedan. A matte five spoke wheel design, and quad tailpipes make this vehicle a bad boy. Pure BMW.

Handling/Ride/Acceleration:
The view from the driver’s seat was commanding. I felt like I was in a sport utility vehicle by that measure, but when I hit the accelerator and utilized the Steptronic transmission, I must say all similarities to an SUV went out the quad tailpipes. The confidence I derived from driving this vehicle grew with each successive mile. I slammed the brakes once, expecting the X5 to lurch forward, but VIRTUALLY NOTHING HAPPENED. I just stopped on a dime, thanks to those massive disc brakes. I pulled hard turns on a deserted country road, trying to get this vehicle to rock just a little. NOTHING. I’ve seen many cars, and sporty ones at that (including coupes) fare worse. Also, the 39.7 ft turning radius is top notch for not only this class of vehicle, but many others as well. For the first time ever, the supposed high center of gravity commonly found on this type of vehicle did not in any way affect my driving habits, or make me feel I had to tone down whatever came naturally with the 282HP V8 that puts a wide smile on one’s face.

The price? Well, base MSRP (which is what it’ll cost you for the foreseeable future) is $49,907 with the $570 destination charge included. This is WITHOUT options. However, the Sports Package would add $2470. Suffice it to say the X5 has a VERY long list of standard features already, some of which include dual zone automatic A/C, an alarm system with keyless entry, traction control, leather seating with dual 8-way power front seats, six airbags for the front passengers (and four available as an option for the rear passengers), a memory system for he armrest is quite unique in design, and there is plenty of storage space in the map pockets, the center armrest, and behind the shifter. There seem to be an abundance of power outlets in this vehicle, both front and back (I counted 5). The seats were very supportive and comfortable (my vehicle had the sport package, which included the sport seats), and the Xenon headlamps floodlit the road ahead of me, making it almost as bright as day. (but I know how annoying they can be to oncoming traffic). Oh, did I mention that BMW’s new 5-speed Steptronic transmission comes standard with every X5? This is basically their version of the Tiptronic used in Audi/Porsche/VW, or the Sports Shift used in Honda/Acura. For those just arriving from Mars, this is basically an automatic transmission that when shifted into Steptronic mode, one has a separate shift gate to tap the shifter up or down to go up or down a gear as they see fit. However, unlike a manual transmission, there is no clutch. The X5’s Steptronic does have the annoying tendency of shifting up a gear if your speed goes above a certain limit. I already knew these manumatic shifters shifted down automatically when your speed decreases below a preset limit, but I didn’t know they now control upwards shifting if you’re not quick enough to do it yourself. Now I do. Anyway, all in all it makes the X5 significantly more sporty and responsive than a normal automatic would have.
Summary
Overall, the 2000 BMW is a fantastic rush to drive. If you have always wanted the commanding view, hauling/towing ability, and AWD stability of an SUV-like vehicle, combined with the handling of a BMW 5-series sedan, this is the only vehicle that matters. The Mercedes ML 430 may come closest (MSRP with freight, $44,395.00), but although it is very car-like and luxurious concerning ride, it just doesn’t handle as well in the sense of a true luxury sports sedan. Perhaps the Mercedes ML55 (MSRP with freight $65,545.00) would be a better comparison, but you pay much more, wait for the right, and even then, I don’t know that the handling will be the same. The same goes for the Lexus RX300 (MSRP with freight $35,100.00, and note that this is with a V6, not V8 (there is no V8 offered on the Lexus, although BMW is planning to offer an X5 3.0i (a larger version of the 2.8 liter inline 6 cylinder engine used on the 328 and 528 series vehicles, with more horsepower and torque as well) in the coming months).

I like vehicles that do it all, without compromise. The X5 offers this in my opinion.

So for once, a manufacturer has correctly created an acronym-laden description that is not just a fancy name to stand out: The BMW X5 Sport Activity Vehicle. If you have the means, I definitely recommend trying one. I have no reservations about saving a space for it in my 10 car garage (if and when I have one).

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none

Outstanding combination of performance, handling, styling, and luxury.
BMW's philosophy of building the Ultimate Driving Machine is reflected in every aspect of this vehicle.

1. Price (most expensive mid-size luxury SUV). 2. Few bugs that need to be worked out. I've been to the dealer a few times for minor things. The service department has been excellent and has always arranged a loaner bimmer.

Basically, I was looking for a luxury SUV that would have the performance and characteristics of a luxury, sports sedan. The X5 came out to be the clear winner. The vehicle is also loaded with advance technological gadgets/features combined with being the safest vehicle (in any category) ever tested in the Institute for Highway Safety.

Most importantly, the factor that won me over is the intangible....my X5 puts a grin on my face everytime I get behind the wheel.

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Comparing to X5...
Acura MDX - poorer interior material and design, based on a Honda minivan platform and has its shape, not a true AWD system, bland performance, lacking in luxury status. The pros: better value for the money, DVD nav.
ML 320 - minivan looking, drives like a truck, inferior interior materials. Pros: MB lots are filled with them and the dealers are eager to cut deals.
RX 300 - IMO horrible styling, Camry platform, cramp interior, bland performance, poor handling. Pro: DVD nav.

This vehicle is great! The luxury feel just never lets up. The ride is Smooth and quiet. The vehicle is solid and hugs the road! I took it for 400 mile trip the day after picking it up and the more I drove it the more I loved it! I still smile every time I get in!

A little higher than my Chrysler Town & Country van was, so you need to step up to get in. My 5 year old can get in and out herself but it's a bit of a climb. Can only seat 5 so there will be times when this will present a problem---but that's MY problem---not a problem with the vehicle.
You are stuck with buying BMW accessories at inflated prices if you want them to work in the car. I am specifically thinking about the car phone which integrates nicely (lowers radio volume, handsfree access on the steering wheel) but costs would probably over $1000 to have it installed!

This truck is a dream! Quiet highway ride. We got the Premium, Activity and Climate packages, along with the upgraded audio system. The heated steering wheel is a great option! We also got the Xenon lights which lights up the road! I highly recommend this option. It's worth every penny!

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Looked at Acura MDX which seemed to be better value but after driving the X5 I could accept no other!!

Solid feel, precise handling, lots of power. BMW quality through and through. It has the best safety ratings (according to NIHSA) in its' class. Premium Sound system sounds wonderful, and the lack of wind/road noise helps to create your own

Cost, but you get what you pay for.

Dealer/Sales service in most locales. Since the product sells itself, the dealer doesn't have to be good. It can be hard to find a dealer that takes customer satisfaction seriously. We had to travel 30-40 minutes to find good service (The local BMW dealer is less than 5 minutes away, and horrible).

This vehicle is a thrill and pleasure to drive. We've had it almost three weeks and couldn't be happier. It drives like a sedan, but the solidness of everything from closing the door to the throaty exhaust noise puts a smile on your face and makes you feel invinsible.

A suggestion - Go to Spartansburg, N.C. to pick the vehicle up from the factory. They put you up in the Marriot, send you out on the track and an off road course to show you what your new vehicle can really do, give you a tour of the factory, and deliver your new X5 so you can drive home with a smile on your face.

The Lexus didn't compare, although both my wife and I really wanted to like it based on how pleasant our experience was at the Lexus dealership. BMW could take a few lessons here.

Overall an excellent vehicle, but pricy.

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Lexus LX300

The car is the best performing and best handling SUV I could find on the market. It is rock solid, of high build quality and simply a blast to drive. Crossbreed two 540's with a Range Rover and you get the X5.

You don' t get a great gas mileage (who expects that from a SUV anyway?) and it could do with a bit more luggage space (the 540 wagon has more).
The basic price is above average and does not include rear passenger side airbags.

The X5 is with us now for 6 weeks and is the ideal addition to our M5. We like it even more now than after the test drive and could not have made a better choice. BMW certainly put the emphasis on sport rather than utility (in particular with the sports package), something we fully enjoy. For us the X5 is the ultimate SUV since we do not require lots of space, extreme off-road capabilities or high towing capacities. If you are in the market for a mid-size SUV whith car-like handling and sports-car-like performance, look no further. You will get the safest SUV currently available with the most fun to drive. The sticker price is on the high side, but you get what you pay for.

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We drove ML430, Lexus 470, Navigator and Escalade, none of them even close to the X5. ML55 was not available for a test drive and also way north of the price for a X5. The otherwise nice MDX does not come with a V8 and also looks ugly.

Great handling(there are better regular sports cars), more utility than regular sports cars, with 4 wheel drive and good ground clearance. Great for looking down on regular sports cars.

Can't get the M5 badge without paying extra to have it put on.

Since 93% of all roads in North America need repair, are only gravel or dirt roads, are in poor shape, or are for a significant part of the year close to impassible because of bad weather the X5 is usable far more than a regular sports car. Just do the math! But since Raymond's parents give away free M cars it makes it difficult to calculate the best value for Raymond.

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Compared to the M5 or M3 it will out corner on 93% of the roads for a significant part of the year.

Stiff Handling, Interior styling, Ride Quality, High End Accellaration

Heavy for 3.0i, Steering a little heavy at lowe speeds.

This is the boldest Mid Size SUV on the market, although you pay a permium price for it, so far in my opionion its well worth it. The car corners better most cars, not to speak of comparing its handling with other SUVs. The inside is clean and luxurious. While there could have been more storage capacity, its not worth sacraficing interior room. From the XENON Lamps, the Kidney Shaped Grill, and the 18" wheels this is an execptional vehicle inside and out.

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ML 320, Looks like a van
Lexus looks like a toy compared to the X5

BMW features, handling, performance, comfortable
seats

small trunk (not much room with the golf clubs),
back seat is cramped with 3 adults,
a little pricer than other SAVs (but worth it)

Awesome. I bought mine used (factory exec car),
loaded 3.0. Very happy with the performance,
handling, and wow appeal. Suprisingly, the 3.0
moves very well off the line; by only complaint
would be acceleration on the highway; going 50
MPH then pushing it to 70 MPH - sometimes it
hesitates.

I also had a few defects (mirror vibrated, AM radio
weak, a few rattles in sun roof, etc), but all of them
were fixed promptly by BMW.

Personally, if I was to do it all over again;
I'd buy the 4.4 X5. The 3.0 is great; but the
4.4 was awesome (in test drives).

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Test drove Lexus SUV (not impressed, felt like a camry),
Pathfinder (felt like a trunk),
Acura (felt like my wifes Honda Oddesey).
Bottom line: if you can afford it, nothing compares to the X5.