Vehicle: 2004 BMW X5 4.4i with 6-speed Steptronic, activity and premium pkgs
Price as tested: CDN$76500

Handling: X5 has to be one of the sportiest SUV I have ever driven, even if the tester doesn’t come with sports suspension. The beauty of X5′s chassis is its a vehicle with high center of gravity but engineered to have the low center of gravity. With the right amount of stiffness in the suspension and springs, along with the proper amount of rebound damping for comfortable riding without feeling too bouncy nor floaty. The steering is sharp, precise and responsive; along with a driver feedback that has been lost in many of the “new era” BMWs. The result is a very impressive dynamic package. Its DSC+3 only kicks in at the right amount of time. BMW’s new X-Drive AWD is a far superior system that the one that previously available in 3-Series. Its a system that finally doesn’t relay on ABS to brake the offending wheel when stuck. It increases the likelihood of survival in a nasty situation while making the ABS bump last longer.

Performance: Equally impressive is X5′s optional V8 engine. The 4.4L V8 DOHC with double VANOS produces 315 horses and 325 lb/ft of torque. The only drawback is the throttle response is too sensitive which makes the ride kind of jerky during take-off. The power delivery and refinement are all up to BMW’s usual high standard of producing excellent powerplant. The extra gear in Steptronic also works flawlessly with the V8 engine. I have clocked a 100 km/h @ a lowly 2100 rpm during highway cruising. The shifts are expected with smooth and refined shifting characteristics.

Brakes: BMW has always been known for its brakes and its no surprise X5 is a performer. Even if its weight at a hefty 3500+ pounds, it always stops on a dime without fade.

Interior: Everything are logically layout inside the X5, with great set of seats and ergonomically correct controls. The dual auto climate control works effectively with clearly lighted buttons. There is a tasteful wood trim covers the stereo for security purposes. However, there remains a typical pet peeve of BMW instrumentation and that is the fuel economy gauge. It keeps flying around during accleration and its an eyesore. Most people know the harder you push the throttle, the more fuel the car uses. BMW should kill the fuel economy gauge while put some more functional gauge below the tachometer.

In terms of cargo space, the clamshell style of tailgate is unergonomically designed for hauling luggage. The most ironic thing is X3 actually has larger overall cargo space than the bigger X5.

Conclusion: Although X5 is no longer the benchmark of performance SUV (that title belongs to Cayenne nowaday), it remains one of the most capable one on the market. The 4.4i is also representing good value compares to Cayenne S.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2004 BMW X5 4.4i
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Performance: 4.75/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.75/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 3.75/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5