2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d Las Vegas NV

August 27, 2009   
2009 BMW X5-Series

2009 BMW X5-Series
DriverSide Overview
BMW’s nomenclature is getting a bit wordy as of late. What used to be nothing more than a few numbers and the ubiquitous “i” denoting fuel injection has recently morphed into an awkward amalgamation of marketing non-words and alphanumerics. More worrying still, the numbers appearing on the Bavarian automaker’s badges have begun to correlate to the engine’s displacement with relative infrequency. Take for example the 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d. It’s a BMW X5, that part is easy enough. And xDrive stands for BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, which isn’t too much of a stretch. Then things get ugly. 35d. Under old BMW rules we would assume that meant a 3.5 liter engine, but unfortunately that rulebook was thrown out a few years ago in favor of partial anarchy. What 35d stands for – and it’s actually really quite good so pay attention – is 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder twin-turbo diesel, and it’s a big part of what makes this car so great. While the X5 has always been a great all-around package, one area in which it lacked was in the fuel economy department. But with diesel efficiency that’s all changed, as the X5 is now capable of delivering 26 mpg freeway while maintaining the low-down grunt which SUV buyers love.








What's to Like
The broad powerband of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine matches the bulky X5’s demeanor perfectly, delivering plenty of torque throughout the rev range. The handling is taught and predictable, bestowing upon this 5,000-lb-plus beast a hint of agility. Interior comfort is right up there with the best in the luxo-SUV business. Buyers can take advantage of up to $1,800 in alternative fuel tax credits.

What's Not to Like
Pricing is the Achilles’ heel of the modern BMW, and unfortunately the X5 xDrive35d is no exception to the rule. Despite the generous list of standard features, most will want to tack on a few options, which, incidentally, don’t come cheap either. Ride quality may prove slightly too rigid for some SUV buyers.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
If you typically think of SUVs as overweight, lumbering vehicles with slow responses, you may want to consider recalibrating your ute impressions before jumping behind the wheel of the X5. While the diesel engine might not be the last word in outright revs, it more than makes up for its lack of peaky power with brutal low-down torque. With 425 lb-ft available at a lowly 1,750 rpm, the engine engine’s massive twist is able to haul the 5,225-lb X5 from 0-60 mph is just 6.9 seconds. While that might sound lackadaisical to your average M3 driver, for a diesel-powered SUV it is deeply impressive. Steering is typical BMW, by which we mean well weighted, accurate and quick to respond.

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