2008 BMW X5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Though the 2008 BMW X5 mimics the design theme and details of the first-generation version of the SUV, this is a larger vehicle with better proportions, and it wears its traditional BMW styling cues well.

If the SUV’s exterior looks all too familiar, the interior is absolutely decadent in terms of its design, materials, and layout. Some controls, however, are highly unusual. BMW’s often criticized iDrive infotainment system is standard, operated using simple controls on the centre console. Also, the transmission has a shift-by-wire gear selector that takes some getting used to.

Serving as the 2008 X5’s standard engine, a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder supplies sweet, creamy goodness in the form of power specs of 260-horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain.

For more power, get the X5 4.8i. This powertrain has a 4.8-litre V8 engine generating 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission funnels the power to all four wheels, and BMW says this version of the X5 accelerates to 60 mph in just 7 seconds (0 to 100 km/h figures are not available).

As you’d expect from a BMW, the X5 offers a firm ride quality and athletic handling, and it feels better in your hands the faster you drive it. A key innovation with this generation X5 is a suspension with active roll stabilization and adaptive damping, which manages the SUV’s significant weight and taller centre of gravity. This suspension is included in the optional Sport Package, which also equips the X5 with 19-inch alloy wheels.

Fuel economy is listed at 13.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 9.3 on the highway with the V6, while the V8 produces fuel efficiency figures of 15.6 city and 10.2 highway.

When BMW redesigned the X5 last year, the model grew in size both inside and out. The rear seating area was the major beneficiary of this change, and BMW found space for an optional third-row seat. With reduced legroom and headroom, it’s not a good place for adults to sit, but it can carry kids when necessary.

Up front, the X5 is more comfortable than ever. You can even get optional front seats with heating and ventilation. Standard equipment includes wood trim, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, leather seats, a heated power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The X5 sits on standard 18-inch wheels.

Popular upgrades include a Sport Package (19-inch wheels, active roll stabilization, adaptive damping suspension), a power panoramic sunroof, Bluetooth hands-free calling, BMW Assist telematics service, and power-folding exterior mirrors. The X5 is also available with Comfort Access keyless entry with push-button engine starting.

Despite its greater size, the X5 still lacks cargo space compared to primary competitors such as those from Mercedes-Benz and Audi. If you use the third-row seat, cargo space is virtually non-existent. Fold it down, and you’ve got a modest 524 litres. Maximum space measures 1,750 litres.

Easily the most controversial thing about the 2008 BMW X5 is its iDrive infotainment system. It’s been around for almost a decade, first debuting in the 2000 BMW 7 Series. But it remains difficult to use, causing confusion rather than simplifying the SUV’s technology. If there is a silver lining, it's that the more you use this entertainment system, the more natural it seems.

In standard specification, the X5 includes an auxiliary audio input jack, a CD player, and a 12-speaker sound system. Upgrades include a 16-speaker premium sound system with two subwoofers, an iPod connector, and a USB adaptor.

Cruise control is standard. Optionally, the X5 can be equipped with a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, a head-up display, and a navigation system with real-time traffic reports.

To ensure occupant safety, every 2008 X5 has front, side, and side-curtain airbags, in addition to antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control. Run-flat tires are also standard, allowing you to drive a short distance without any tire pressure in order to find a BMW dealer, a tire repair shop, or a safe place to change the tire yourself.

If you’re involved in a collision, rest easy knowing that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the X5 a Top Safety Pick rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also assigns favourable crash-test ratings for the X5, giving it a mix of 4-star and 5-star accolades.

When you buy a BMW X5 as a new car, you’re paying a premium for a luxury SUV. But in this case, the extra money is well spent. This is a handsome SUV with a beautiful interior, engaging driving dynamics, top safety ratings, and plenty of modern and high-tech features. You’ll just need to get the hang of the iDrive system and the transmission shifter, and also learn to live with its rather cramped cargo space.

Note: Images show a US model.