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BMW X5 Overview

BMW put the "sport" in sport-utility vehicle when it introduced the X5 a decade ago. At its launch, BMW's marketing department dubbed the crossover a Sports Activity Vehicle (but then again, they also call the new four-door X6 a coupe, so perhaps nomenclature isn't BMW's strong suit). Nonetheless, the 2009 BMW X5 is just as sporty as its predecessors, injecting an ample amount of Bavarian handling chutzpah into the ridin'-high body of a family-friendly SUV. Although several luxury automakers have taken aim at the X5's sporting formula, this BMW remains very attractive for those who want the "S" in SUV to actually mean something.

Now three years into its current generation, the X5 adds a new engine for these fuel-economy-conscious times. The 2009 X5 xDrive35d features a twin-turbocharged diesel inline-6 that not only produces ample low-end power (425 pound-feet of torque) but also sips fuel at the rate of a compact SUV rather than one that weighs 5,000 pounds. New emissions-scrubbing technology known as BluePerformance makes this diesel engine suitable for sale in all 50 states.

Aside from its engine, the xDrive35d is mostly identical to the xDrive30i and xDrive48i trim levels (which were renamed for 2009 from 3.0si and 4.8i, respectively). They all provide sharp and confident handling, comfortable seating for five people (although the optional third row is only suitable for small kids) and plenty of luxury goodies. This isn't to say BMW has a patent on this formula. Vehicles like the Acura MDX, Infiniti FX and Porsche Cayenne also provide the type of handling that sport sedan drivers will appreciate. If spirited handling isn't a priority, there are other luxury crossovers that offer a comfier ride, easier steering at slow speeds, better value and more utility. But for Bimmer-philes or driving enthusiasts who need a family-friendly SUV, the 2009 BMW X5 is the obvious sporting choice.

BMW X5 Features

MECHANICAL:

3.0-liter, 260-horsepower, 24-valve inline 6-cylinder dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine with composite magnesium/aluminum engine block, air intake, and Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing
6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control and steptronic gear selection, including Sport mode
xDrive all-wheel-drive system
Pre-wiring for trailer hitch
Double wishbone front suspension
Lightweight multi-link integral rear suspension
Engine-speed-sensitive power steering
4-wheel anti-lock ventilated disc brakes; electronic front/rear proportioning
Chrome exhaust tips

EXTERIOR:

Star Spoke (Style 210) 18 x 8.5 light alloy wheels and 255/55 run-flat1 all-season tires
Metallic paint
Panoramic moonroof with 2-piece glass panel, power slide and lift control, wind deflector and electric interior sunshade
Xenon Adaptive Headlights with auto-leveling and Corona headlight-rings
Automatic headlights
Halogen free-form foglights with Cornering Lights function
Adaptive Brake Lights
Dual power outside mirrors
Automatic tilt-down of right outside mirror for visibility of curb when backing up
Intermittent rain-sensing windshield wipers with adjustable and vehicle-speed-sensitive wiping interval, single-wipe control, windshield-washer system with heated washer jets
Rear-window wiper/washer with adjustable wiping interval
Body-color exterior door and tailgate handles

INTERIOR:

10-way power-adjustable driver's and passenger's bucket seats and memory system for driver's seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors
Active Head Restraints in front seats
Split folding rear seats
Leatherette upholstery (not available with Sport Activity Package, Active Ventilated Seat Package, optional 20-way multi-contour seats, or optional heated rear seats)
Front-seat center console with armrest, storage compartment, and auxiliary input
Rear-seat center armrest
Power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel
Service Interval Indicator and Check Control vehicle monitor
Electronic analog instrumentation with LED illumination
Outside-temperature display
iDrive system with on-board computer and Controller, and 6 programmable memory buttons
Dynamic Cruise Control
Power windows with key-off operation; "one-touch" opening and closing of all door windows, anti-trapping feature
Vehicle & Key Memory
Keyless entry w/remote trunk release
Automatic front climate control with separate left/right temperature settings, automatic air conditioning and recirculation control
Active-charcoal micro-filter ventilation
Rear-window defroster
Dual cupholders front and rear
Auxiliary pwr outlet
Dark Burl Walnut Wood trim
Dual front sun visors with illuminated mirrors
Time-delay courtesy lights with actuation from driver's exterior door handle or remote control; automatic switch-on when engine is turned off
Fully finished cargo area with velour carpeting
Retractable cargo cover

SAFETY:

Central locking system and Coded Driveaway Protection
Alarm system with keyhead remote operation interior motion detector
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying, and Brake Stand-by features, with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), and Dynamic Brake Control
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Battery Safety Terminal
Daytime running lights
Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with advanced technology: dual-threshold, dual-stage deployment; and front-passenger seat sensors designed to prevent unnecessary airbag deployment
Front- and rear-compartment Head Protection System (HPS) with front side-impact airbags
Roll-over sensor that triggers airbags and safety-belt pretensioners in the event of a roll-over
3-point safety belts and head restraints at all seating positions
Front safety belts with automatic pretensioners
Child safety rear door locks
Tire Pressure Monitor

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