BMW X5 dimensions

The 2012 BMW X5 remains a top choice among luxury crossover Suvs due to its athletic performance and refined dashboard. BMW X5 Diesel offers the following pros: Athletic handling; potent and efficient engines; premium and convenient interior; tremendous list of features; steadfast high-speed stability. BMW X5 Diesel drawbacks are: Traditional steering is stiff at low speeds; ride may be firm for some; hefty price tag.

The 2012 BMW X5 is a midsize luxury crossover SUV that seatings five. An auxillary third-row seat adds two more seatings, though they are quite small. Five versions are offered: Xdrive35i, Xdrive35i Luxury, Xdrive35i Sport Activity, Xdrive35d and Xdrive50i. The last three digits in the Xdrive name indicate the motor. A high-performance version known as the BMW X5 M is covered in a separate review.

Traditional equipment on the Xdrive35i contains 18-inch wheels, foglights, automatic and adaptive xenon headlights, roof rails, a performance tailgate with adjustable opening height, automatic wipers, parking sensors, cruise control, dual-zone automatic conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 10-way performance front seatings, leatherette luxury vinyl upholstery, BMW Assist telematics with Bluetooth and a 12-speaker audio system with HD radio, a CD player, an Ipod/usb stereo interface and an optional stereo slot. The diesel-powered Xdrive35d is equipped similarly, but adds a panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, heated front seatings and the availability of add-on features.

The Xdrive35i Luxury enhances the 35d's extra content with 19-inch wheels, privacy glass, a power-adjustable helm and leather upholstery (all are available features on the Xdrive35d). The Xdrive35i Sport Activity adds an updated suspension, 20-inch wheels, sport seatings, a sport helm, darker look trim and an increased top speed. This equipment is auxillary on the Xdrive50i, which instead gets a V8 motor, a navigator and a 16-speaker luxury audio.

The base Xdrive35i provides the fewest features, eligible only for the Comfort suite (panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, wood dashboard trim and ambience lighting), heated front seatings, radio and a navigation system.

These items, plus a cornucopia of others, are available on the higher trims both in packages and as stand-alone features. They include a multiview parking camera, sideview cameras, active steering, an adaptive suspension, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, the third-row bench, Convenience Access keyless entry (push-button start is standard), four-zone climate control, 14-way "multicontour" front seatings, ventilated front seatings, heated back seatings, a heated helm, a head-up screen, a back bench entertainment system, the 16-speaker luxury audio system and radio.

The M Sport suite available on the Xdrive35i Sport Activity and Xdrive50i contains various 20-inch wheels, the adaptive suspension, parking sensors, a body kit and an M helm. .