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We doubt that fuel economy is much of a concern for anyone that owns what is the benchmark in sporty utilities, the second generation BMW X5. So, let's get that out of the way.
After 2 months and 3,000 miles, economy is only 14 miles-per-gallon of premium. That's for our 4.8i with its 350-horsepower 4.8-liter V8. But, boy can it haul.
BMW has infused the latest X5 with virtually all of the mind-bending and road-taming handling response of its legendary sport sedans. This utility feels like it is always on its tip-toes, ready for the next pavement pirouette.
We're not crazy about the electronic throttle, its slow on the uptake. And the very useful rear view camera doesn't work when temperatures rise above 85 degrees. But the X5 is still one cool way to move people and their possessions promptly.
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Once upon a time, words like "luxury" and "performance" seldom came up in any discussion of sport-utility vehicles. Now, efforts like this new for 2007 BMW X5 4.8i have put comfort and street prowess way ahead of off-road attributes.
The X5 combines an expertly balanced BMW chassis, huge disc brakes, and 350-horsepower V8, with cutting edge interior appointments like no other UTE. Four months in, and 5,200 miles down the road, fuel economy is continuing to improve, now standing at 16.1 miles-per-gallon of premium.
We have one new complaint; it's too easy for the driver's elbow to hit the rear seat DVD screen that's mounted down low on the center console. But otherwise, proof of the popularity of this X5 with our staff is that it seldom sits still.
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We've had lots of experience with warning lights on our BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle. Combined with the iDrive/Navigation display screen, when something's amiss, our 2007 BMW X5 4.8i gets your attention fast. One day it was a tire with a slow leak, the next being low on hydraulic fluid.
Fortunately, after 5 months and 10,700 miles, the only real mechanical problem was an intermittent rear view camera. And our X5 saw a lot of roads, both paved and unpaved, during the summer vacation season. All with a level of comfort and performance that only a BMW can deliver.
The 350-horsepower V8 never left us wanting for power, but at 15.5 miles-per-gallon of premium we would like better economy. Still, this is one people mover that can really get you out of harm's way in a hurry.
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We're into our seventh month with our BMW X5 Sport Activity Vehicle. It continues to be the quintessential luxury-performance crossover platform, returning equally rock solid results on dry switchbacks and snow covered inclines.
Between messages from the iDrive/navigation display, and various warning lights, the X5 also keeps the driver well informed.
Except for a sporadic backup camera, and a nail in a tire, we've had no mechanical problems in 13,258 miles
Our 4.8i's 350-horsepower V8 never has a problem with power delivery either. But 15.7 miles-per-gallon of premium is the price you pay for road conquering all-season performance.
Since the first X5, a lot of pretenders have waded into the luxury-performance utility waters. But, it's clear the BMW X5 is still the benchmark.
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Time, mileage, and driving enjoyment are racking up quickly on our 2007 BMW X5 4.8i Sport Activity Vehicle. This benchmark high performance luxury crossover continues to prove to us that versatility blends perfectly with velocity.
Unlike some run flat tires, the 20-inchers that come with the Sport Package run quietly. But even run flats can't withstand a concrete curb. We're glad tire pressure monitoring is standard.
Our 4.8i's 350-horsepower V8 comes standard with great gusto. You are never wanting for more power. But be prepared to pay for it as 15.7 miles-per-gallon of premium means the X5 is rather thirsty.
The BMW X5 knows hauling high performance, where getting there is always more than half the fun.
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When the BMW X5 landed for the 2000 model year, it was the first SUV where sport dominated utility. So much so BMW called it a Sports Activity Vehicle.
Indeed our 2007 BMW X5 4.8 is as exhilarating diving into switchbacks as it is sure-footed for all-weather commuting.
After 10 months, and 19,100 varied miles, our enthusiasm has been dimmed only a little by rapid tire wear, and the discoloration of some exterior trim. We've seen warning lights aplenty, they were just that, warnings! Our only mechanical fault was a finicky backup camera.
Our X5's 350-horsepower V8 never leaves us wanting for more power. But, fuel economy of 15.4 miles-per-gallon on premium fuel is out of step with the times.
But with everything from hybrid to diesel power waiting the wings, no doubt BMW plans to make the X5 a trendsetter in highly efficient high performance hauling too.
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