2005 BMW X5 4.8is Published 02/03/2005

With the addition of a 4.8 Liter engine to the X5 lineup, BMW has now created one of the most exciting sport activity vehicles on the market. It's not just that the 355 horsepower launches this luxury capsule from zero to over sixty miles per hour in less than six seconds, but that BMW does it in unusual style, comfort and capability.

I'm not a big fan of sport utility vehicles and the BMW X3 does not overly impress me. But this 2005 BMW X5 is caught me by surprise. Granted, any vehicle with a price tag exceeding $70,000 ought to be impressive but when I consider the content, and how well everything works together, this is not an excessive price.

Replacing the previous X5 4.6is, the X5 4.8is joins the X5 3.0i and X5 4.4i as the ultimate in the BMW corral of full size sport activity vehicles. This is a big vehicle weighing in at over 5,000 pounds but advertising a top speed of 153 miles per hour. Standard 315/35R-20 performance tires on the rear of this all-wheel drive fun factory are actually wider than tires on a Corvette. While high performance tires are not intended for off road use I still found tackling a muddy off road trail fun. Tight cornering was excellent with the xDrive all wheel drive system as it was absent any of the traditional binding or bumping from traditional four wheel drive systems. The xDrive system is a very sophisticated design of sensors, servo-motors and multi disc clutches providing exceptional performance in various conditions. Traction systems and hill decent control systems were very effective.

Inside the cabin of the 2005 X5 4.8is rich cream beige nappa leather seats provided a very striking combination against the textured black and wood grain. This is one of the finest and most comfortable interiors available. While seating is limited to five, foregoing the third row seats of mini-van styles sport vehicles, every passenger is surrounded in full luxury. The huge panoramic moonroof opens up the entire roof for even rear seat riders.

BMW has been known as a driver's car and this is a drivers oriented sport activity vehicle. The seats are infinitely adjustable with electronic memory controls. Side bolsters provide lateral support and even extendable thigh supports are available for the front seats. Driving dynamics are excellent and this is a rare sport activity vehicle that actually satisfies my luxury sports car desire. Not only does the engine produce tremendous performance but the super smooth six speed automatic transmission can be shifted manually if desired.

The BMW navigation system is only adequate with the flip-up screen hiding the available cassette player. The only glaring deficiency for the entire vehicle is in the fact that the multi CD cartridge is located in the rear of the vehicle. Whoever thought that was acceptable made a huge mistake. Thankfully, at the 4.8is level, most everything is standard save the navigation system and retractable cargo floor. Unfortunately at lower levels, basic luxuries such as heated seats are only available as extra priced options.

Park distance sensors alert the driver if obstructions are either in front or the rear of the vehicle. Xenon headlights are dynamic and automatically adjust for ride height and trajectory. Three-position ride height is adjustable via a switch on the dash controlling all four air springs.

There is no question the 2005 BMW X5 4.8is is a prestige or status vehicle. From the distinctively BMW dual kidney grill to the wide mouth dual exhaust at the rear this is one beautiful vehicle. Most crude sport utility vehicles start out their design life as a utility truck where someone replaced the pickup bed with a passenger box. This is a vehicle designed from the ground up to be as handsome as practical.

BMW nailed it this year. This is a complete package, a practical, stylish, useful, luxurious, sporty, fast and fun vehicle. It may be out of the price point for most buyers, but for those that can afford the finest, this may be the ultimate sport activity vehicle. Only the Porsche Cayenne Turbo outperforms this ultimate 2005 BMW X5 4.8is. Yet at even a higher price point, I'm not sure it is any more fun.

2005 BMW X5 4.8is
Large Sport Activity Vehicle
4.8 Liter V8
355 Horsepower
369 lb. ft. Torque
0-60 in 5.9 seconds
Six Speed Automatic Transmission
XDrive All Wheel Drive

$72,595 Price as driven

16/21 EPA MGP

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