The BMW X5 is real luxury SUV 2012

The BMW X5 was this German automaker's first entry into the luxury SUV segment. Realizing that most SUV buyers rarely, if ever, venture off-road, BMW designed the BMW X5 for on-road performance and handling. Short overhangs, a compact size (the original was 4.5 inches shorter than the 5 Series sedan of the same time period) and a car-based chassis combined to give the BMW X5 its low stance and superb on-road performance. The BMW X5, produced at BMW's first American plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, quickly became a huge hit for BMW in the U.S.

The first-generation BMW X5 only sat five people, however, and this is something that the company addressed with the current model. Redesigned for the 2007 model year, the second-generation BMW X5 looks very similar to its predecessor, but is larger than before. It now features an optional third-row seat and room for seven, along with more cargo capacity. Despite this growth, the BMW X5 is still very entertaining to drive as luxury SUVs go. If this appeals to you, the BMW X5 is a fine choice, new or used.

The BMW X5 comes in three variants: BMW X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 xDrive35d. The term "xDrive" refers to the standard all-wheel-drive system that enhances the BMW X5's all-weather capability. The 35i features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that produces 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The 50i gets a twin-turbo V8 good for 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Both "i" models get a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. The BMW X5 xDrive35d features a fuel-efficient turbodiesel inline-6 that produces 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard.

The BMW X5 offers a fair amount of utility thanks to its all-wheel drive and optional third-row seat. It's also quite sporty, and injects an ample amount of Bavarian handling chutzpah into the ridin'-high body of a family-friendly SUV. Although several luxury automakers have taken aim at the BMW X5's sporting formula, this BMW remains very attractive for those who want the "S" in SUV to actually mean something.

Our editors have found the interior furnishings quite handsome in BMW's biggest and newest SUV, with comfortable seating for the driver and rear passengers. The materials are of excellent quality and the craftsmanship is top-notch. Even the once-hated iDrive system is now one of the better electronics interfaces on the market. Only heavy steering at low speeds and a hefty price are sour notes, along with the small size of the third-row seat, which makes it impractical for use by adults.