In addition to slightly revised styling and two new gasoline engines, the 2011 BMW X5 comes with the latest version of BMW’s iDrive system. It also offers new options, such as Active Cruise Control and a lane departure warning system.
The X5 comes in three trims: the xDrive35i (available in two sub-trims, Premium and Sport Activity), xDrive50i, and diesel-powered xDrive35d. BMW also continues to offer the high-performance X5 M model, which is reviewed separately.
Sport Activity, Sport Utility--whatever you want to call it, it's the 2011 BMW X5, and it's a study in subtle refinement. No flashy doodads, no major upgrades--just a reworked drivetrain lineup to yield smoother driving and better fuel efficiency without sacrificing power or performance, with a few minor visual tweaks thrown in for good measure. Besides chucking two extra gear ratios at the existing transmission, BMW upgraded the unit to engage the torque converter to 100 percent lockup at lower RPMs, and to remain fully locked at higher speeds, even when getting into the throttle.
The BMW X5 gets significant powertrain changes for 2011. The base engine is BMW's latest 300-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder, while the V8 gets upgraded to the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 first seen in the 7 Series. Oh, and the iDrive screen got bigger. The steering is wonderfully communicative and well-weighted at speed, but many will find it too heavy in lower-speed maneuvers.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 BMW X5 is a midsize luxury crossover SUV that comes standard with five-passenger seating. An optional third-row seat provides room for two (small) additional people. There are five trim levels available: xDrive35i, xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Activity, xDrive35d and xDrive50i. Standard equipment on the xDrive35i includes 18-inch wheels, foglights, automatic and adaptive xenon headlights, automatic wipers, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 10-way power front seats, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery and a 12-speaker sound system with HD radio, a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The xDrive35i Premium adds to the 35d's extra content 19-inch wheels, roof rails, privacy glass, a power-adjustable steering wheel, leather upholstery and an iPod/USB audio interface (all optional on xDrive35d). The xDrive35i Sport Activity adds an upgraded suspension, 20-inch wheels, sport seats, a thicker steering wheel, darker exterior trim and an increased top speed. The base xDrive35i has the fewest number of optional items available, with only a Convenience package (panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, BMW Assist telematics and Bluetooth), heated front seats, satellite radio, the iPod interface and navigation system available.
The M Sport package available on the xDrive35i Sport Activity and xDrive50i includes different 20-inch wheels, the adaptive suspension, parking sensors, a body kit and an M steering wheel.
Powertrains and Performance
Every 2011 BMW X5 is all-wheel drive (hence xDrive), but there are three engines available. The xDrive35i gets a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbocharged to produce 300 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque. Both this engine and the xDrive50i come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The X5 xDrive35d features a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbodiesel that produces 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a six-speed automatic. This engine, which features so-called "clean diesel" technology returns estimated fuel economy of 19/26/22.
Safety
Standard safety equipment for the 2011 BMW X5 includes antilock brakes, stability control, brake drying and standby features, a rollover sensor, front side airbags and side curtain airbags for the first and second rows. In government crash tests, the X5 scored a perfect five stars for frontal-impact driver protection and four stars for frontal-impact passenger protection. The X5's interior layout is restrained and elegant, with precise construction and high-quality materials. The front seats are nicely shaped and adjust for a wide range of body types (the optional comfort seats offer even more adjustment). Longer-legged passengers will likely bemoan this seating position, as it forces knees upwards.
Driving Impressions
Engine performance is strong , especially the new base mill.