2011 BMW X5

The BMW X5 is simply a host of features that is worth giving time for proper analysis as choosing the special one is a real deal here. It falls in a price range that extends from $46,300 for the base variant to $58,900 for the top-tier trim. It gets equipped with several standard features even in the base variant and while feature load does increase up the trim ladder, optional packages like the Convenience Package make the SUV an alluring proposition.

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The trims of the X5 are quite a hefty investment altogether, so it becomes necessary to be cost-conscious and effective while choosing among them. The Base xDrive35i seems to be the most humble and generous as it has both the dynamics and comfort convenience at par with most of its siblings. The safety pit is also a high-class department. On top of that, it also provides parallel interior involvement. So, it is advisable to go for it.

There are two engine options when it comes to the 2011 BMW X5. The engine which is fitted in all the X5s except the top-tier xDrive50i is a 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6. This engine is rated at 300 hp at 5800 rpm and has a max torque output of 300 lb-ft at 1200-5000 rpm. The xDrive50i is fitted with a potent 4.4L V8 engine. It is capable of producing 400 hp at 5500-6400 rpm and has a peak torque of 450 lb-ft at 1750-4500 rpm. Both these engines are coupled to a newly introduced 8-speed automatic transmission. The standard drivetrain on all X5 is an AWD which remains the only option.

The 2011 BMW X5 with the Inline-6 engine is by far the slowest SUV to reach the 60mph mark from a standstill as it ticks 9.3 seconds for the same while the clock reads 16.8 seconds for a quarter-mile. On the other hand, the fastest SUV to do that is the 2011 Acura MDX. It takes only 7.0 seconds to reach 60mph and 15.4 seconds to complete a quarter-mile, outperforming all of its German rivals. It is then closely followed by the Porsche Cayenne yet it has a lot of voids to fill in the moment.

For the 2011 BMW X5, fuel economy is not one of the strongest suits and so is for almost all the crossover SUVs in this segment. The base engine manages to provide a fuel economy of 16mpg in the cities, 23mpg on the highways which gives it a combined fuel economy of 19mpg. The 4.4L V8 fitted in the top-tier trim xDrive50i does not match up to the standards of the Inline-6 and the figures for it slightly drop to 14/20/16 mpg (city/highway/combined). As a result, the maximum range the X5 can cover is 517 miles with its 22.5-gallon fuel tank. 

As far as comparison is concerned, the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne share the podium for the class-leading fuel tank capacity. Both can contain fuel up to 26.4 gallons which helps them attain an overall range of more than 580 miles at the max. Meanwhile, the Acura MDX appears to be highly underappreciated, unlike its performance dynamics, as it is the only one not to cross the 500 miles barrier among them. Thus, the lever would favor Audi and Porsche here for their practicality over the rest. 

The 2011 BMW X5 is one of the fewest which has maintained its stature of premium feel without any compromise in its comfort since inception. The X5 gets leather upholstery on its seats with a memory function embedded side by side. It is a class apart in its offering as it has been adorned with the Active-charcoal micro-filter ventilation, Automatic front climate control, and Anthracite-accent headliner. The space and comfort on offer are unparalleled and power-adjustability with ventilation availability as per trim levels. It is simply the best in this department and worth owning for this specifically.

Though flexible in its seating arrangement, when the 2011 BMW X5 is fitted with a third row of seats, it takes a toll on the cargo space. But without the third row, it has a class-leading cargo volume behind the second row of 21.9 cu.-ft. The rivals like Acura are even more exaggerating with roomier space for your stretching irrespective of rows. It can even accommodate 7 in a go which is quite impressive. On the whole, it is rated on top among them and the rest come just behind it.

Standout interior features:

• 10-way power-adjustable driver’s and passenger’s seat
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Dynamic cruise control
• Leather upholstery (xDrive35i Premium and higher)
• Power adjustable steering column (xDrive35i Premium and higher)

How intuitive is the 2011 BMW X5’s infotainment unit?

The entertainment package of X5 is a pool of inspiring features that includes an 8-inch display screen along with a 12-speaker audio system which can be upgraded to the 16-speaker premium audio as we move up the trim level. There are some other tech-ends available as well with which one’s engagement can be assured and those add-ons are the Satellite radio, AM/FM Stereo, CD/MP3 player, and optional rear-seat entertainment. One can even keep track of oneself with optional On-screen navigation as well.

Standout infotainment features:

• 12-speaker audio system
• Satellite radio (standard on xDrive50i optional on other trims)
• HD Radio
• Rear seat entertainment (optional)
• On-screen navigation (optional)
• iPod/USB interface

Well, the BMW is easily identifiable with its iconic kidney grille even from a far distance. The same is true for its X5 as well. The Xenon Adaptive Headlights on the front give an aggressive touch to its character. It rests itself on the pairs of the Y-spoke 20" alloy wheels which are in line with the design language. The dark-finish exterior trims are coupled with the matte black roof rails and the resultant color combination looks just as exciting as ever. Further adding to that, the top is equally satisfactory as it gets a panoramic moonroof and electric interior sunshade while the rear is charmed by the chrome exhaust tips and adaptive brake lights.

As per data, the 2011 Audi Q7 features have the longest wheelbase 118.2 inches. Not just that, it is also the heaviest SUV among the four SUVs mentioned above. As a result, it becomes prone to poor handling and stability around the corner without a teach-assist. The others including the X5 are somewhat less out of proportion than the aforementioned. Moreover, unlike the Q7, the X5, despite being a full-size SUV, happens to be attractively stable, all thanks to its sensor-bound frame and closed-loop feedback algorithms. While the 2011 Porsche Cayenne is the lightest SUV weighing 4,398 lbs, it sports one of the highest ground clearances of 8.5 inches.

Standout exterior features:

• Automatic adaptive xenon headlamps
• Halogen fog lights
• Panoramic sunroof (optional)
• Power liftgate (optional)
• Adaptive brake lights
• 18-inch wheels

The 2011 BMW X5 performs well when it comes to safety and crash test analysis. Although the NHTSA hasn’t tested this year’s X5 yet, the IIHS gave it an overall rating of “Good” in most categories. And when these ratings are coupled with safety tech-bucket which encloses Dynamic cruise control, optional Adaptive cruise control, and Electronic stability control, one’s reliance on it further increases. It is therefore not at all immature to mark it as one of the best in the segment.

Standout safety features:

• Brake assist
• Traction control
• Hill descent control
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Parking sensors, multi-view parking camera system, side-view cameras (optional)

If you can ignore its mediocre fuel economy, then the 2011 BMW X5 may sound like a sweet deal for you. It is one of the most expensive luxury crossovers in the market but BMW has made a modest effort to justify that price tag. It offers sophisticated performance, good cargo space, and an outstanding interior layout. It certainly has lots of potentials but if you want to spend your money wisely, you should skip the X5 primarily.