In This Guide:
- Trim Levels, Options & Pricing
- Powertrain and Performance
- Safety Features
- Interior Design and Best Features
- Driving Impressions
- Photo Gallery
If your knowledge of BMW pertains only to universal-class engineering, you should look more closely at the 2015 BMW X5. The sleek and elegant styling, attention to detail and all of the interior functionality suggest comfort, beauty and adaptability to your lifestyle. And, yes, when you fire up the engine to head out, the solid feel, smooth responsiveness and more-than-subtle power will reconfirm that first impression.
The BMW X5, designed in Germany and built in Greer, South Carolina, is a luxury crossover defined as a Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV), rather than SUV, thus enhancing active lifestyles rather than simply providing utility functions. This year, BMW engineers continued to redesign and improve upon the model in order to produce a best-in-class luxury vehicle.
Trim Levels, Options and Pricing
The 2015 BMW X5 is available in four trim configurations to meet your specific needs.
The lowest-priced X5s Drive 35i, with rear wheel drive, is powered by BMW’s highly-efficient 3.0 liter Twin Power Turbo, 300 horsepower 6-cylinder engine. According to the latest EPA rating, the X5s achieves an economical 27 mpg highway. Before accessories, the MSRP is $53,200.
Next is the X5x Drive 35i, essentially the same as the X5s, adding BMW’s Intelligent AWD, an important feature in snowy and wet climates, off-roading, or simply more confidence when all wheels working on your behalf. The MSRP for this option is $55,500.
Third, the X5x Drive 35d, diesel-powered version, comes with Intelligent AWD, a 3.0 liter power plant generating 300 hp and yielding a generous 31 mpg on the highway. The base price for the X5x 35d is $57,000.
And the top of the line, the X5x Drive 50i All Wheel Drive, is propelled by a robust 4.4 liter V-8 Twin Power Turbo. This 440 hp motor delivers all the power you may need while rated a 22 mpg highway. The nicely-equipped 50i starts at $69,100.
Additionally, for all models, you may select from three different style lines at additional cost to suit your specific taste: Luxury, M-Sport and xLine.
– Luxury Line offers style upgrades that add sophistication to the exterior appearance of the vehicle.
– M-Sport Package distinguishes the X5’s power visually with glossy roof rails, Shadowline trim and bigger wheels.
– xLine imparts the feeling of freedom while off-roading with a blackened grille level and other trim features to give a more “rugged” appearance.
Warranty Offerings include up to 4-year/50,000 mile for parts and labor; up to 4-year/50,000 mile Maintenance Program; and up to 4 year/Unlimited Mileage Roadside Assistance.
Performance and Powertrain
The Transmission for all models is an 8-speed Steptronic Automatic with manual shift modes and electronic throttle control.
Both the X5s and the X5x Drive 35i are powered by an efficient BMW Twin Power in-line 6 cylinder, 24 valve, 300-hp engine with a twin-scroll Turbocharge having variable valve control.
The diesel-powered X5x Drive 35d is propelled by an efficient, quiet 3.0 liter, dual overhead cam, inline 6 cylinder, 24 valve, 255-hp BMW Advanced Diesel engine with an aluminum engine block, Variable Geometry Turbo technology and latest-generation common-rail direct injection.
Vigorously powering the BMWx Drive 50i is a 4.4-liter BMW TwinPower V8, combining two turbochargers with variable valve control and high precision direct injection.
Safety Features
In all models, BMW engineers focus first on the safety of the driver and passengers. The X5 is constructed with a 50/50 weight balance between the front and rear axles, resulting in enhanced adherence to the driving surface.
The BMW X5 also comes with a full menu of standard and optional features for accident avoidance and injury protection. Integrated features include front and side airbags, 4-wheel ABS and Disc Brakes combined with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, integrated turn signal mirrors, Traction Control, Active Roll Stabilization, Blind Spot Monitor, Auto Leveling Headlights, and a Lane Departure Warning System.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is a unique feature that encompasses brake fade compensation, start-off assist, brake drying, and brake stand-by features with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Dynamic Brake Control.
An optional Head-Up Display will focus your attention where it should be – ahead. With important information displayed through the windshield slightly above the steering wheel, you monitor your speed or navigational directions without diverting your attention from the road.
Interior Design and Best Features
The interior of the BMW X5 can best be described as “elegant”, particularly with upgraded leather. Beautifully sculpted with many modern and even traditional BMW features, the interior exudes a lush appeal and quiet comfort. Sixteen-way power front seats are designed with high-contour side bolsters for support during tight cornering.
Many reviewers consider the front seats to be the most comfortable seats anywhere.
The 2015 BMW X5 comes with seating for five with an option for a three rows of seats to accommodate seven passengers. Leatherette seats are standard, while the leather option provides more adjustability, ventilation and multiple contours for additional comfort.
BMW iDrive is an integrated system linking communications, navigation, and entertainment functions into one easy-to-operate package. With one Controller, you may place calls, enjoy your favorite music or plot your route without taking your eyes off the road. The system also communicates with the Onboard Diagnostics System.
Electronic climate zone controls allow the driver to select a preferred air temperature balance between the floor and upper areas. Charcoal micro filters and an automatic recirculation control system detect and reduce pollutants and odors in the cabin.
The Panoramic Moonroof is standard in the 2015 BMW X5, providing additional light, wider view and an enhanced sense of space. Other features contributing to your comfort and operational ease are push-button start, an infotainment system with satellite radio and Bluetooth, plus an advanced navigational system with a 10.2-inch display. Other features include a 16-speaker surround sound audio system, soft close automatic doors and a surround view camera system.
Cargo Space in the BMW X5 measures 23 cubic feet behind the second row and 66 cubic feet behind the front row. To open the two-piece tailgate, the lower gate folds flat manually while the upper section is power-operated.
Driving Impressions
Reviewer ratings tout the 2015 BMW X5 as one of the best handling luxury crossovers on the market. Secure and stable on any surface, sharp handling, and agility indicate a safe and comfortable experience. Whether on back roads or highways, the X5 feels secure and stable.
And, it is just a lot of fun to drive.
Photo Gallery
