Best Car Models & All About Cars: 2012 BMW X5

2012 BMW X5 Rear View

A frontrunner in the luxurious SUV segment, the 2012 BMW X5 continues to prove its price, moving forward for the new model year with minimal updates. Given its handsome styling, ample house for five passengers, and luxurious interior, that is a good thing.

Styled with BMW's complete aesthetics up front, but with a more masculine attractiveness than most of the range, the X5's chunky proportions meet with flowing lines to deliver a conservatively handsome look. Inside, the story is abundant the same, with a restrained style that will appeal to a wide range of consumers. A range of color and materials options allow customization for specific tastes.

Whereas the X5 may largely fly below the styling radar, it shines in performance. Beneath the hood of the base model lies a twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder rated at three hundred horsepower and twenty three mpg highway. This base engine, dubbed xDrive35i in BMW terms, is obtainable in three trim packages: base, Premium, and Sport Activity. Additional on those later.

A turbocharged diesel is out there in the X5 xDrive35d model, smart for 265 horsepower and twenty six mpg highway, though it commands a small premium in worth over the quality gasoline model. The most potent standard X5 is the xDrive50i, powered by a twin-turbo 4.four-liter V-eight engine rated at 400 horsepower and twenty mpg highway but delivering thrilling acceleration, significantly for an SUV. A very highly tuned version of the identical engine is accessible in the X5 M, rated at 55five horsepower and upgraded with a shockingly sensible suspension setup.

Speaking of thrills, the X5's handling is surprisingly sports sedan-like, despite its size and bulk. Even in base form, acceleration is brisk, but in all models, turns do not mean fear--they mean fun. Within the X5 M, the most high-performance version of the X5, you have got a track-ready SUV. It would possibly not create sense, but it will once you drive one. Unfortunately, it prices roughly double the bottom X5.

Inside the X5, there is comfort to spare despite the sporty handling. Ride quality is terribly sensible on road and acceptable off-road. Likewise, materials quality is terribly sensible, with space for up to seven passengers, though the rearmost seats require tiny occupants. Storage and cargo house, while not excessive, are more than adequate.

The IIHS scores the 2012 BMW X5 its high mark of "smart" in front and aspect impact crash tests. The NHTSA hasn't totally rated the 2012 X5 yet, but does provide it a four out of five stars score in rollover resistance. Commonplace safety equipment as well as stability and traction control, a full complement of advanced airbags, all-wheel drive, and the X5's inherent stability in dynamic maneuvers all enhance safety yet.

As for entertainment and convenience features, the X5 includes a long list of accessible equipment, as well as the iDrive-based mostly navigation and infotainment system, ten-way power adjustable front seats, push-button start, automatic climate control, parking distance sensors, HD Radio, plus iPod and USB connectivity and a lot of.

Detailed Review Section

2012 BMW X5 Interior