2007 BMW X5

Fuel-economy estimates have risen by 1 mpg for city driving and 2 mpg on the highway. Acceleration time to 60 mph has been cut by half a second.

Power

Beneath the hood of the "flagship" X5 4.8i sits an all-aluminum Valvetronic V-8, boosted to 4.8 liters and 350 horsepower, matched by torque output of 350 pound-feet. The previous 4.4-liter V-8 delivered 315 hp. Dubbed "revolutionary" in configuration, this engine controls power by varying valve lift, rather than relying on a conventional throttle.


Both models get a new six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, with electric/electronic shift control—similar to the setup on the 7 Series sedan. "Park" is engaged using a separate button. Three modes (Drive, Sport, Manual) are selected by toggling the lever. BMW no longer offers a manual gearbox for six-cylinder X5s. The xDrive all-wheel drive system works with Dynamic Stability Control.


BMW claims to be the first in its segment to offer optional Active Steering, as well as AdaptiveDrive. Part of the Sport package, AdaptiveDrive combines Active Roll Stabilization and Electronic Damping Control to modify operation of the X5's anti-roll bars and shock absorbers, as needed, to reduce body roll. The driver may select a Sport or basic setting.


According to the company, the new front suspension "represents a break with a 45-year-old BMW tradition." The double-wishbone multi-link design, with double pivot lower links, is BMW's first non-strut design since 1961. BMW says the changeover was "dictated by customers' increasing expectations for ride and handling," which is further helped by a longer wheelbase and wider track.