Despite recent gasoline price declines (which may be short-lived ... at least if history is any guide), many drivers have put a higher priority on a vehicle's fuel efficiency. And BMW has listened.
For the 2009 X5 lineup, BMW has introduced a new model with fuel economy high on the benefit list. It's the X5 xDrive35d, featuring a twin-turbocharged diesel inline-6 engine (the same engine also will be offered in a version of the 3 Series sedan).
Not only does it still pack plenty of the kind of power we expect from a BMW (265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque), but its fuel consumption is like a compact SUV, as opposed to a 5,000 pounder like the X5.
And it's also equipped with a new clean-diesel emission technology, allowing it to be cleared for sale in all 50 states.
Other than its diesel engine, the xDrive35d is virtually the same as the xDrive30i (renamed from the 3.0si last year) and xDrive48i (was the 48i) trim levels.
Standard features on the xDrive30i include dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats with driver memory, power tilt and telescoping steering column, vinyl "leatherette" upholstery, 18 inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, cruise control, panoramic sunroof, iDrive electronics interface, and a 12-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
The xDrive48i adds leather upholstery and there's also a number of optional packages that include additional luxury goodies.
The Premium package adds a power liftgate, auto-dimming mirrors, BMW Assist telematics with Bluetooth, and leather upholstery with the xDrive30i.
The Sport package adds 19 inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, sport seats and a sport steering wheel. Twenty inch wheels can be added to the Sport-package-equipped xDrive48i.
The Premium Sound package features an upgraded sound system, a six-CD changer, and an iPod interface (included on the xDrive48i).
The technology package adds a navigation system with voice activation and real-time traffic, a rearview camera and parking sensors.
The rear climate package adds manual rear side sunshades, four-zone automatic climate control, and rear privacy glass.
The active ventilated seat package adds multi-adjustable front "comfort" seats with ventilation.
Stand-alone options include keyless ignition and entry, active steering, upgraded leather upholstery, a head-up display, an iPod adapter (requires the sound package on the xDrive48i), a rear-seat entertainment system, satellite radio and HD radio, and a third-row seat.
The X5 xDrive30i comes with a 3.0 liter inline-6 that produces 260 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Its EPA estimated gas mileage is 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
The X5 xDrive48i is powered by a 4.8 liter V8 engine rated at 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds. EPA gas mileage estimates for the xDrive48i are 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.
BMW estimates that the gas mileage for the xDrive35d will be 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, while still matching the xDrive30i's acceleration.
All X5s are all-wheel drive and come with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. Properly equipped, the towing capacity for an X5 is 6,000 pounds.
Standard safety features include antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, brake drying and standby features, a rollover sensor, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags for the first and second rows.
Update: Sluggish Economy Leads To Lower X5 Prices:
BMW's sales have been weak for months now, evidence of a continuing poor economy and an especially weak car buying trend. And the current combination of fierce competition and a soft market has created an ideal opportunity for nailing down great deals.
How To Buy A New X5 At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 BMW X5, here's the most successful new car buying technique for getting the lowest price, especially given the current slow car market.
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