2012 BMW X5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

I recently bought this vehicle for my expanding family. I test drove many vehicles before deciding on the BMW X5. Here is what I like about it. The driving position and seat is excellent for this type of vehicle and the vehicle's dynamics are much better than most competitors. The steering is not terribly communicative but it is more precise than I expected from a vehicle this heavy. The brake feel is good, but I can't really comment on their performance at this point. This is the first vehicle with an automatic transmission I have owned, and I'm less bothered by it than I expected. Gear changes are smooth and quick, and the 8-speed is a great mate for the N55 (3.0L T I6) engine. The interior is bright (with the sunroof shade drawn) and spacious. My parents visited recently and the X5 accommodated four adults and a car seat with the wee one in comfort. The engine is strong and smooth, and makes a good sound when you put your foot into it. I tried the xdrive50 (with the 4.4L TT V8) and decided the xdrive35 is a better match for schlepping around town. I really like the iDrive control; I find it fast and intuitive. Fit and finish is good and the vehicle is quiet and comfortable at any speed. What didn't I like? The steering is a bit heavy at low speeds. This wouldn't be bad if it were more communicative, but it's not, especially with respect to on-centre feel. Some of the plastic feels and sounds cheap when you touch it. I think VW does a better job of this, even in the Golf. Another thing VW does better is ergonomics of control knobs and buttons. BMWs seem to lack consistency of how controls work and how they look and feel. Some controls, for example the volume/power knob for the audio system looks and feels quite different from the other controls. Contrast this with VW, who make every control look and feel exactly the same. Also, the back seat is a bit low (or the seat is a bit short). This is nit-picking; for the most part, I really like it.

The X5 just keeps getting better. The 50i has the same performance/acceleration as my 335. This is one FAST SUV! Don't get me wrong, it's big and heavy, but it performs like a car half its weight. What's more, the 50i uses less fuel than the 4.8 it replaced! It's better, faster and more fuel efficient. Perfect performance oriented family vehicle! I love it!

The x5 defiantly has some pep for what would be called a 'mom car'. The handling is also top notch for a Sports Activity Vehicle. This is about as fun to drive as any SUV could be. It competes with the best, thats for sure.

Excellent SUV platform. Great one car for all needs.

Aside from a few minor cosmetic issues, the car is fantastic. I would buy another one tomorrow. Its very nice to have a diesel again.

I have owned several BMW's this is one of the best! the 35d has incredible power and fuel economy, I average (in real life) 24 MPG that is incredible for an SUV and it has more power than our 3car and handles equally as good. BMW should have brought these diesels into the US market years ago! I would recommend the 35d to anyone. I give BMW 5stars for this X5

Great handling, sleek design both in the interior and exterior, and looks great

Its a well built vehicle, plenty of space for passengers and cargo.

its a great value! I have a 2008. First, it is 2nd best in the snow next to a Ranger Rover, I live in Syracuse NY. I put on the best rain tires and dont need snow tires. Comfort & ride are great, very safe, lots of room in the back for a 130lb Greater Swiss Mountain dog. Gas is more expensive for high octane but for a 5,000lb car I can get +25 MPG on the highway. Parts are move expensive but Ive only had to replace them at normal millage, 80k, 120k etc. The only other car I would want is Ranger Rover Sport

Beautiful suv with great quality and design and the best of its German engineering!