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2006 BMW X5
Consumer Guide Rating: No CG Rating
Pros: Acceleration; Build quality; Cargo room
Cons: Navigation-system controls; Fuel economy
2006
BMW X5 Specifications
Also Consider the following best buys:
Acura MDX
Cadillac SRX
Lexus
RX
Also consider the following vehicle recommendations:
Mercedes-Benz
R-Class
Volvo XC90
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2006
BMW X5 |
| 2006 BMW X5 Highlights |
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"BMW's American-built SUV comes in three models: the 3.0i with a 225-hp 6-cyl, the 4.4i with a 315-hp V8, and the 4.8is with a 355-hp V8. X5s have all-wheel drive without low-range gearing, ABS, antiskid/traction control, front torso side airbags, and front and rear head-protecting tubular side airbags. Rear torso side airbags are optional. The 3.0i comes with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic. V8s come with a 6-speed automatic. Automatics have a manual shift gate. The 3.0i comes with 17-inch wheels; 18s are available in its optional Sport Package. The 4.4i has standard 18s, with 19s available in tandem with its Sport Package. Both Sport Packages include firmer suspension tuning. The 4.8is comes with the Sport Package suspension and 20-inch wheels. Standard on V8s and optional on the 3.0i are automatic-leveling rear suspension, leather upholstery, front and rear obstacle detection, and steering-linked xenon headlights. Other available features include adjustable ride-height suspension, heated rear seats, navigation system, and BMW Assist emergency and concierge system."
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| 2006 BMW X5 News |
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"A redesigned X5 is due in late 2006 or early '07. Gossips have been all
over the map on specifics, but most expect a somewhat larger SUV with smoother,
cautiously evolutionary styling--and no 3-row seating, at least for now.
One report has the smaller X3 donating some suspension components, but powertrains
should come from 5-Series cars. That likely means a base 3.0-liter inline-6
with around 260 hp and a 360-hp 4.8-liter V8. However, a 4.0 V8 with around
300 horses is also possible, and BMW hints at a first-time U.S. diesel X5
with either a largish six or a smallish V8. There's also talk of a hot X5
M with a 500-hp V10 to take on Mercedes' new high-performance ML63. All engines
should mate to a 6-speed automatic transmission and the next evolution of
BMW's xDrive AWD. A new 7-speed dual-clutch version of BMW's computer-controlled
SMG sequential manual transmission is an outside prospect. Other rumors say
an electronic parking brake and column-mount shifter will be among new standard
features. Height-adjustable suspension and BMW's Active Roll Stabilization
should be available, perhaps standard on V8s. Another rumored option is BMW's
controversial electronically-controlled Active Steering.
Besides a new X5,
the next model's ""L4"" platform will apparently serve a sleek luxury-performance
crossover wagon to answer Mercedes' just-launched R-Class. This, too, will
be built in South Carolina, reportedly in 2-row V5 and 3-row V7 models. Both
mix and match underskin components from the 5-Series and flagship 7-Series
cars. L4 will also be the basis for a 4-dr AWD ""Sport Activity Coupe."" We
understand the V-Series is due to arrive sometime in calendar 2007. Coupe
timing is less clear, but early '08 seems a reasonable guess."
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| 2006 BMW X5 Competition |
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"Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based
on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar
in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions
of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.
Our Best
Buys include Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks
are Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned
models include Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Saab
9-7X."
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| 2006 BMW X5 Write Ups |
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Acceleration
"Test automatic-transmission 3.0i did 8.2 sec 0-60 mph. Test 4.4i did 6.8 sec 0-60, provided impressive acceleration at all speeds. Six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Test 4.8is felt equal to BMW's claim of 5.9 sec 0-60."
Value
"Along with the Cadillac SRX, and the more expensive Porsche Cayenne, X5 is the premium midsize SUV of choice for sporty on-road driving. Absence of 3rd-row seating, modest rear-passenger room, and limited cargo volume make it, in effect, a high-riding compact-size AWD wagon, albeit one with BMW spirit. Prices are steep, but are partly offset by strong resale values."
Ride
"With absorbent, comfortable base suspension, ride is firmer than Lexus RX's, softer than Infiniti FX's. The 4.4i's optional low-profile 19-inch performance tires induce jiggle and rumble on rough pavement. Ride sports-car firm in 4.8is, though never punishing."
Economy
Test automatic-transmission 3.0i averaged 14.8 mpg. Test 4.4i averaged 14.0 mpg. Test 4.8is averaged 13.5 mpg. No opportunity to measure 3.0i with 6-speed manual; 5-speed version averaged 17.6. All X5s require premium-grade fuel.
Noise
Coarse-surface thrum from available 19- and 20-inch tires. Tiring V8 exhaust note. Pleasantly calm otherwise.
Comfort - Front
"Generous head and leg room on firm, supportive seats. Typical high-rise SUV driving stance. Rear headrests slightly impede aft visibility. Available front and rear obstacle detection a plus."
Comfort - Rear
"Plenty of head clearance, but leg space tight with front seats pushed more than halfway back. Intrusive rear wheel housings preclude three-abreast comfort for adults. Tall step-up, tight doorways impede entry/exit. Heated rear seats available on all models."
Controls
"Mostly handy and precise, but confounding navigation and audio systems take time to master. Some testers would prefer that automatic transmission's manual shift action work as on most other vehicles, with a forward push to upshift, a rearward tug to downshift; X5's works in the reverse. Cabin materials a study in stylish quality."
Cargo Room
"Less overall volume than most competitors, rear seat up or down. High liftover, but separate-opening glass a convenience. Flimsy cargo cover seems cheap at X5's price level."
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| 2006 BMW X5 Warranty Information |
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Bumper-to-Bumper
"yr 4; mi 50,000; N/A"
Corrosion
yr 6; mi unlimited; N/A
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Road-side Assistance
"yr 4; mi 50,000; N/A"
No Cost Maintenance
"yr 3; mi 36,000; N/A"
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| 2006 BMW X5 Rebate |
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No rebate information available at this time
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