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 8.0
/ 10
Overall Ratings
- While the 2008 X5 doesn't represent a huge dynamic or packaging leap, the largest complaint (lack of cargo room) seems to have been addressed -- but diminished by its newly available third-row seat that is nearly worthless as a seat and deletes the spare tire and adds stiff run-flat tires. The V8 engine remains an appropriate motivating force for the larger package. The X5 4.8i is still rewarding to drive, but the X5, in general, is beginning to feel more and more like the proverbial answer to a question nobody is asking.
7.9 / 10 Dynamics
8.0 / 10 Engine Performance- BMW engines are known for silky, eruptive power production, and the 4.8L/350-hp V8 is no different -- buttery and addictive, this rev-happy engine will get you into trouble, but quickly. It'll run the X5 to 60 mph in a little over 6 seconds, but will only return 14 city/19 highway mpg while swilling high-octane fuel. The throttle is a little jumpy from a stop.
9.5 / 10
Transmission Performance- The six-speed Steptronic automatic features three-mode (Drive, Sport Drive and Manual) operation and is peerless for its intelligence. It has an uncanny ability to provide gentle and/or quick shifting as the conditions, or your right foot, require. The new shift lever may look odd (and there are couple idiosyncrasies to it), but its shape and location make it a more useful tool than a traditional T-bar.
8.0 / 10 Brake Performance- Like the touchy throttle, the brakes will require some driver recalibration. Once learned, however, the four-wheel discs perform with linearity and monstrous effectiveness.
6.5 / 10
Steering Perfomance- Succinctly, the X5 4.8i's steering is not up to the self-set high standards of BMW. Whether it's the optional 19-inch wheels (and run-flat tires) our tester wore, or the lack of BMW's Active Steer option which we normally loathe, the wheel felt artificially heavy (not just while parking) and reluctant to self-center. Straight-line stability and cornering precision were above average for the SUV segment, however.
8.5 / 10
Handling- As one might expect from a BMW with firm suspension, wide tires and all-wheel drive, the X5 4.8i exploits its considerable grip to perform feats of handling prowess usually reserved for sedans. (See Ride Comfort)
7.0 / 10
Off-road Performance- Nobody really considers the X5 an off-roader, but it still does a fine job in inclement weather and performs better than-expected with the dirty stuff. With over 8 inches of ground clearance, a 19-inch fording depth, hill-descent control and X-drive all-wheel drive, you'll likely give up before it does.
7.0 / 10 Towing Performance- Adequate towing capacity of 6,000 pounds (regardless of six- or eight-cylinder engine choice).
8.5 / 10 Fun-to-Drive- Given the right ribbon of smooth highway, the X5 will reward spirited driving like very few -- if any -- SUVs can. The problem is there are far fewer of those occasions than day-to-day travel which can grow tiresome in the autobahn-born X5.
7.3 / 10
Comfort
6.0 / 10
Ride Comfort- In this particular configuration with optional 19-inch run-flat tires, the X5's ride suffers on several levels. While the ride shouldn't be misconstrued as harsh or coarse, the suspension doesn't breathe well and the stiff/short tire sidewalls combine with a limited-travel suspension to follow every single undulation in the pavement to produce a busy, jouncey ride that makes bobble heads out of everyone in the vehicle.
8.0 / 10 Wind Noise- Considering the considerable hole the now-larger X5 cuts through the atmosphere, wind noise is commendably low -- sometimes a whisper from the (optional) roof rails, sometimes from the A-pillar, but nothing objectionable.
7.0 / 10 Road Noise- Perhaps the optional 19-inch run-flat tires are again to blame, but the X5's road noise is evident and highly susceptible to the coarseness of the road surface.
8.5 / 10 Front Seat Comfort/Space/Access- While there's certainly a cockpit aspect to the driver side of the front seat accommodations, ingress/egress are good from either side, augmented by the optional Comfort Access smart key. Ten-way power seats and optional Cold Weather package adds heated seats and steering wheel. Seats are equally adept at sporty and long-distance travel.
7.0 / 10 Rear Seat Comfort/Space/Access- Rear doors don't swing open very wide making the rear-wheel arch almost an inevitable obstacle to easy entry. Once inside, the seats themselves are reasonably contoured and comfortable, if a little hard. Seats recline manually and (if third row is ordered) slide fore/aft. Optional Rear Climate package adds dedicated HVAC vents and controls plus privacy glass and side sun shades.
5.5 / 10
3rd Seat Comfort/Space/Access- Nearly useless for anybody outside the 5-10-year-old age group, the manual third row is difficult to raise and lower and requires climbing in the cargo bay. Ingress/egress is also arduous, plus head- and legroom are not sufficient for adults. Finally, cargo capacity is decreased and the spare tire is deleted with this $1,200 option. If you need a real third row, look elsewhere.
9.0 / 10
Driving Position- A prominent dead pedal, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a 10-way power seat are standard. Those are all the right ingredients to earn this high score.
7.9 / 10 Function
9.0 / 10 Headlight Illumination- Excellent. Self-leveling xenon headlamps, cornering lamps and foglights are standard.
8.5 / 10 Visibility- Good outward visibility despite the C- and D-pillar inherent to this SUV category. A backup camera with guidelines and sonar-based audible/visual zones enhance parking ease.
9.0 / 10 Instrument Panel Layout- Typical, highly legible white font on black background goes red/black at night. Clarity, intuitiveness, and sightlines are all outstanding.
7.5 / 10 Climate Control System Layout- Three-mode (intensive, medium, soft) auto, dual-zone HVAC is standard. Rear Climate package adds vents and controls for second-row passengers. Climate control layout is adequate if you're the set-it-and-forget-it type. Most one-touch automatic functions are simple, but deeper micro-adjustments require some exposure to the iDrive system.
7.0 / 10 Audio System Layout- If this were merely an "ease of use" rating, the X5's notorious iDrive system would earn a 6, but there's more to it than that. Our Technology Package adds DVD-nav with real-time traffic, and a larger screen (from 6.5 inches to 8.8 inches). The Premium Audio package adds (among other things) a six-disc changer that's really only accessible to the front passenger or the driver when parked. The system's saving graces lie in the fact that the sound quality is spectacular (as equipped) and that the standard voice command-control is fairly easy to learn and operate. Bonus point for easy aux/USB inputs.
8.0 / 10 Secondary Control Layout- There are some BMW-specific operations (e.g. the programmable turn signal with a mind of its own), but otherwise, all controls are where they ought to be and function smoothly and logically. Nothing obscene or groundbreaking, just solid engineering.
9.0 / 10 Interior Storage- Despite the slight ergonomic foible wherein the rear-passengers' DVD screen (optional) lays over the front-passengers' central armrest, there's a surprising amount of useable storage space scattered throughout the X5. The glovebox is deep, door pockets are ample, and there are other unexpected niches throughout (like a mobile phone slot in the center console).
7.0 / 10 Standard Cargo/Trunk Space- It must first be said that ordering the third-row seat diminishes usable cargo space (and deletes a spare tire), but the now-larger X5 finally has the cargo room expected in this category. Cargo tie-down rails are standard, as is access to electrical power. Power rear hatch is optional.
7.0 / 10 Maximum Cargo Space (ease & amount)- The second-row seats fold down easily, but are heavy and arduous to return. The third-row is even more problematic. That said, a 61.8-cubic-foot capacity is good.
7.0 / 10 Cupholders- Two multi-fingered buckets up front, two armrest-mounted holders for second row, and two floor-mounted buckets for the 3rd row.
9.0 / 10 Design/Build Quality
9.0 / 10 Exterior Design- While it is technically derivative, the evolution to the larger-for-2008 X5 didn't affect the trademark good looks of the original one bit. Train spotters will note the 4.8i features titanium grille slats, and the 3.0i's are black.
9.0 / 10 Interior Design- Logical, stylish, uncluttered and useful, the X5's interior shows others how to do it right. This is one reason the usually cursed iDrive can be given a pass.
9.0 / 10 Interior Materials- Yes, you pay for BMW quality, and here's one place it shows up. Top-drawer materials and a wide array of upgrades and colors from which to choose.
9.0 / 10 Interior Control Tactile Feel- Just-right detents, zero wobble, groan or squeak.
9.0 / 10 Squeaks & Rattles- The last time a BMW squeaked or rattled was in 1974.
9.0 / 10 Panel Fitment & Gaps- Exemplary fit and finish, as usual. Neither the interior nor exterior showed signs of a rushed job.
Consumer Ratings are also available for this style.
See the 2008 BMW X5 Consumer Ratings |
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