If
ever the term "point and shoot" could be equated
with a vehicle, it would almost certainly have to be anything
BMW. The Bavarian auto maker has made the mastery of precision
driving a badge of honor. Choose a tight turn, point the
vehicle in that direction and execute it flawlessly.
"Precision"
doesn't translate as easily to a sport utility, where a
taller, broader stance, higher center of gravity and more
rugged all-terrain suspension can make handling less forgiving
than that in a road car. Yet BMW achieves a high level of
gut wrenching performance in its X5 with less sway and more
authority than might be expected, especially in its latest
iteration 4.8is with 355 lean and mean horses powering its
ride.
BMW
still avoids the sport utility designation, choosing Sports
Activity Vehicle, or SAV, instead. We'll defer to their
name choice while matching it hubcap to fender with the
SUVs of the world. Differences in three models -- and three
levels of performance -- depend largely on powerplant as
well as amenities: The 3.0i's 255-HP inline six; 4.4i's
315-HP Valvetronic V-8; and 4.8-liter 4.8is (0 to 60 in
5.9 seconds). Whew!
The
X5 got a major overhaul a year ago, and some nice refinements
for 2005, including a dual-panel "Panorama" moonroof,
dynamic auto-leveling Xenon Adaptive headlamps and auto
dimming exterior and interior mirrors for all models. Upscale
versions gain power adjustable lumbar support, ultrasonic
parking distance control and wood trim and climate improvements
depending on model. Those tweak the new XDrive all-wheel
drive system, new six-speed manual or automatic (with STEPTRONIC
on both V-8 models), freshened athletic exterior and more
standard features added before. Options include self-leveling
rear air suspension and adjustable ride height, 19-inch
wheels and a host of classy interior comfort items.
For
one interested in forking over big ones in the low 40s to
70-plus price range for the privilege, we think anyone who
chooses the X5 driving machine is in for one heck of a ride.
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