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The Good: Super handling, long list of available options, nice interior, solid build quality, large cabin technology, fit and ready.

The Bad: Firm ride, third row seats are not adult-friendly challenge to the i-Drive.

Overall: The legendary nameplate other, it turns out, the winner in the class. This medium-sized SUV is a beautiful combination of power, performance and luxury!

We are on the streets, of the 2008 BMW X-5

The X-5 is a luxury SUV from BMW, well to the top of the mid-size SUV category. Currently, all X-5 are at the BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina (for all world markets). From the society of the early days, BMW has always been innovative. Go to the street, in the new 2008 BMW X-5 and a lovely spacious well-equipped, stylish SUV more refined than most, with great performance, handling and performance. For those that enjoy BMW in general, but are still not driving an SUV, the X-5 is an obvious choice. New for 2007, the X-5 does not disappoint! It is slightly more expensive than similarly equipped SUV - minus the legendary name, but there is a lot to say for the way you feel behind the wheel of a BMW. The solid build quality, nice interior, versatile room, nice fit and workmanship and attention to detail to the higher costs. Why do we, like the X-5? Let us count the ways!

Powertrain: In 2008 BMW X-5 is available in two trim levels, the 3.0si, a V6 or the 4.8i with a V8 engine. The 3.0si is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6 generates 260 hp and 225 lb-feet of torque or the 4.8i with a 4.8-liter V8, producing 350-hp and the same amount of torque.

Gear: What ever engine you opt for the X-5 drivetrain is estimated at its six-speed automatic. Something to note is the shifter is electronic and therefore do not actually move back and forth, it is like a modern joystick pretty cool that the technology also saves space. BMW engineers used that extra space to stow more spaces; large room for your coffee and a little space for your cell phone, thoughtful design and nice touches of the people at BMW.

Security

The X-5 best goals in the government front, driver and front passenger and side driver and passenger tests. The X-5 also good gates (4 out of 5 stars) for the rollover test.

BMW mid-sized SUV also scored the coveted "Top Safety Pick" award - with its very good (best possible) results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for front, side and rear tests with standard electronic stability control.

Drivers for a high driving position and good vision "behind the wheel" of the X-5. It offers many safety features, including: 3-point seat belts for all positions, high strength construction with the latest crash-energy management technology, dynamic stability control with brake fade compensation, brake standby, brake drying, auto hold function (holds the vehicle after coming to a stop), front-side airbags in the seats, rollover sensor, head-curtain-type system, enhanced steering column covers design, occupant-detection sensor, passenger seat, and an enhanced Protection distance; Anti - Lock Brakes (ABS), as well as other functions that are sure in an accident.

Driving Impressions

The X-5 provides a stable and agile handling, for some of the journey can be tough. The X-5 is more than sport utility. BMW sports sedan skills and abilities are so wonderful at this stellar SUV. You can select other SUVs that are better off-road, but the X-5 does not claim to be all things to all people, it is more than sport utility and for most drivers, the X-5 will be sent with their applications, comfortable and keep smiling driver and passengers in comfort and style, while the abolition of the daily tasks, whether it is to work, or a vacation in the mountains, the X-5 is a balance of sweet love everything you expect from BMW. It is sporty and consolation "On the Road" when the X-5 is equipped with optional active dampers and stabilizers. The X-5 is big on power, regardless of whether you opt for the V6 or V8, expect to pay more for each mile. The X-5 gulps fuel (Premium only), so assume that you will not be spending less than $ 70. to fill (a 22 / 5 gallons tank to over 3.50 per gallon), which is required for each vehicle that is hearty, and strong (about 2 and a half tons).

While the active steering reduces the steering ratio at low speeds, it also reduces the feedback. Even if the vehicle has a curb weight of around 5,000 kg, to control it, would you not, the weight, but if you have a bump, you will notice the weight. If you like a more separated or floaty ride the X-5 is obviously not the ideal solution, but if you like a sport with luxury performance car, and enjoy the X-5. The upgrade (for 2007) X-5 is really (over) large SUV, seamless blend of power, performance and comfort, with a lot of sport utility and a pinch of mixed ability, in a beautiful package.

The Way You Feel Inside

From the head-up (windshield) display on the wave of the V8, the X-5 is a delight for the senses. We enjoyed the driver's seat, hugs, if you are in, and gives you the engine but there are no large framed drivers, also are heated and cooled front seats, a sport steering wheel and adjustable front thigh support (the front seats are extremely adjustable, with almost every other part of the body separately), keyless key-on rear-seat entertainment system, iPod adapter, HD radio, there is a lot to love in every package for the X-5. Highlights this year include the standard options: a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, xenon headlights, Cruise Control (BMW Cruise Control is one of the easiest and advanced systems we've used), power front seats with driver memory and the 12-speaker sound system with two subcategories, CD player and an additional audio jack, power tilt-telescoping steering column, and the iDrive electronics interface, and much more.

The premium package adds leather, power lumbar support, auto-dimming rearview mirror and Bluetooth. The Sport package includes 19-inch wheels, electronic damping, a sports steering wheel, adjustable front seat thigh support, and active roll stabilization. Our favorite package is the Technology Package, which includes: navigation system with real-time traffic, a Rearview camera, and front and rear park assist. And our favorite option on the SUV-Lux is a multi-contouring power front seats with ventilation. Other options include a power lift gate, keyless ignition, a rear seat entertainment system, a third row seat (which is great - especially for children), BMW's Active Steering, Head-up display, iPod adapter, satellite and HD Radio. It is certainly a lot to love, and a lot to keep up with the X-5. Given the choice between a loaded X-5 3.0 or 4.8i without all the goodies, I would be loaded for the version (and small motor) at any time of the SUV.

Cabin Technology is another strong suit for BMW, and the mid-size SUV is full of great technology! Although it takes a little getting used to, the electronic gear selector, which seems like an updated Atari joystick is a pleasure to use. One area for improvement is the i-Drive. Even if we "navigate the system before, it remains somewhat difficult to find reverse. It would take one or two extra buttons to simplify the menu-driven process. We enjoy the simplicity of construction, but it is not very intuitive and can be initially very confusing. If you are deep into it, they find it easier to use, the more you explore the menus.

The X-5-cabin is clean and has simple controls. It is true, the i-drive system remains a challenge at first. Conversely, BMW Cruise Control is as easy and intuitive it is a joy to use. The X-5 beautiful backlight pressure cluster LED interior and indirect lighting creates a beautiful soft shade of most analog gauge cluster. Interior design is clean, beautiful with some nice wood inlays and very stylish lines. We love the soft feeling of lace, the number of ventilation openings in the entire SUV and oversized instruments. Look at the optional power lift gate this year.

It is not only beautiful to drive, there are many possibilities of entertainment on the X-5 (some standard, as before, some optional), including a MP3/Aux input jack for your iPod or other audio device! It is the optional DVD entertainment system for the rear seat (s) that emerged from the rear of the center stack, just above the center console armrest storage. A Note that you are not in the armrest stowage plan with the DVD screen folded down. But we are glad to say, even if it is the use of the storage center, while in this position. There are many possibilities of entertainment to satisfy your appetite for music, video, and entertainment!

Stowage

The X-5 is ready Stow, with an average over space with cars in this class. With the second and third row of seats folded (non-use), you have 61.8 cubic feet of storage space, add the second and third row seats and you have 7.1 cubic meters of storage space.

By the numbers

BMW X-5 Warranty

BMW Ultimate Service: BMW owners pay nothing for all scheduled inspections, oil changes, brake pads, wiper blade inserts and other wear items.

BMW Roadside Assistance is not free (for the first four years), and there is no mileage limit. This includes everything from flat tire changes, emergency gasoline and lock-out assistance, towing, transport and alternative travel interruption benefits. This service also includes valuable trip routing advice.

BMW drivers enjoy help 'on the street "24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty: All 2008 BMW vehicles are BMW's Limited Warranty:

• New-vehicle warranty - 4-year/50 ,000-mile coverage of the vehicle.

• Rust-perforation warranty - 12-year/unlimited-mileage cover.

BMW Assist provides the driver with services that the on-the-road security and convenience. The BMW Assist Safety Plan is standard on all 5 Series models, and is in a premium package or as stand-alone option on all other models.

BMW X-5 Price Stickers & EPA ratings:

Base inc target fee:

X5 3.0-liter 6-cylinder X5 3.0si - $ 46,675 with standard automatic transmission --

15 city/21 highway

X5 4.8-liter V-8 X5 4.8i - $ 56,175 with standard automatic transmission --

14 city/19 highway

Examination of the 4.8i - We are on average almost 15 MPG combined (city and highway) driving on premium fuel.

Brian Lebow is the original author of the new car to be checked. More information about Lebow Media, LLC, is available online at http://www.LeBowMedia.com and our automotive review site is online at http://www.GoontheRoad.com

This review was originally to GO on the way a consumer automotive Web site Committee for auto enthusiasts.
BMW North America, the media Lebow a vehicle for our review.