Model: 4 doors, 5 passengers.

Review

For its first sport-utility vehicle, BMW chooses the carlike attributes and minivan-type styling typified by the Lexus RX 300 over the off-road-wagon tradition of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The X5 made its debut this winter with seats for five, a standard V8 engine, permanent all-wheel drive, and the task of providing luxury and performance similar to that of a BMW sedan.
Built in South Carolina on an exclusive platform, the X5 has permanently engaged 4WD, unibody construction, all-independent suspension, and a tailgate with separate liftglass. The BMW is larger externally than the stylistically similar RX 300 and is about the same size as the M-Class, but it's smaller inside than both.
The X5 launched last year as the V8 4.4i model. Making its debut this spring is a lower-priced 3.0i model with an inline 6-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission with separate manual shift gate. The 4.4i uses the 5-speed automatic. Both models feature a floor-mounted gear lever and standard traction and antiskid systems.
The X5 borrows from BMW's 5-Series cars its engines and transmissions. It also has similar traction and antiskid systems. The X5 is not intended for serious off-road duty and is without low-range gearing. But it automatically applies each wheel's brake selectively to limit slip in extreme low-grip conditions; the M-Class employs similar technology, as does the Discovery from Britain's Land Rover, which is owned by BMW. Both X5 and Discovery also have hill-descent control, which limits speeds to 6 mph when descending steep slopes.
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard, as are front side airbags and BMW's head-protection system--tubular airbags that deploy from above the front side windows in a side impact. Rear lower-body side airbags are optional. Standard on the 4.4i are a load-leveling suspension and 18-inch wheels and tires; the optional Sport package includes 19-inch wheels and a sport suspension. Leather upholstery, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and a 70/30 split folding rear seat are also standard on the V8 model. BMW had set a base price of $38,900 on the 3.0i, but had not issued lists of standard and optional equipment for that model in time for this report.