Leather / Heated Seating
Rear Parking Camera
Xenon Headlamps
Shade Package
Sunroof
2011 BMW X5 XDRIVE35I
5UXZV4C50BL402611
4 DOOR SPORT UTILITY 3.0L L6 FI DOHC 24V
ALL WHEEL DRIVE
Vehicle Overview
For 2011, BMW's all-wheel-drive X5 crossover sports revised styling and more streamlined trim levels. It also adopts the turbocharged six-cylinder and V-8 engines seen in models from the 3 Series to the X6. Both pack more power than last year's normally aspirated engines. X5 competitors include the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz M- and GL-Class and Acura MDX.
The X5 comes in xDrive35i and xDrive50i trims, both with new engines. The diesel-powered xDrive35d and high-performance X5 M, meanwhile, carry the same drivetrains as last year.
(Skip to details on the: X5 M)
Exterior
BMW says the 2011 X5 has more than 4,000 new parts versus the 2010 model; comparatively few of them, however, adorn the exterior. Styling changes are fairly light: The standard fog lights have been moved inboard, and the grille and tail carry more body-colored elements. Like before, the headlights include BMW's illuminated rings for daytime running lamps.
Changes to the rear include a reshaped lower bumper and revised tailpipes. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are standard, with 19-inchers optional. An M Sport Package adds more aggressive bodywork and 20-inch wheels.
Interior
The X5's interior continues mostly unchanged. The dash places a wide screen atop the central air vents, with navigation and other interfaces within. It's controlled by BMW's latest-generation iDrive system, whose knob controller now has various shortcut keys surrounding it for easier usage. The automatic transmission continues to employ a console-mounted electronic shifter.
Seating for five is standard; an optional third-row seat raises capacity to seven. Other options include a panoramic moonroof, power-adjustable steering column, USB/iPod connectivity, and heated and ventilated seats.
Under the Hood
The xDrive35i uses a new turbocharged six-cylinder that makes 300 hp and 300 pounds-feet of torque — up 40 hp and 75 pounds-feet of torque over last year's normally aspirated X5 xDrive30i. With a new eight-speed automatic transmission, BMW says 60 mph for the xDrive35i comes in 6.4 seconds.
That's how long it took last year's 350-hp, V-8 xDrive48i to reach the mark. Its replacement, the xDrive50i, has a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 that makes 400 hp and 450 pounds-feet of torque. Fitted with an eight-speed automatic, the xDrive50i can hit 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, BMW estimates.
Both models employ a new Brake Energy Regeneration system, so under most conditions, the X5's battery recharges only during braking or coasting. Overall, the system can save 1 percent to 2 percent on fuel consumption, the automaker says.
The X5 xDrive35d carries over with the same drivetrain: a twin-turbo diesel six-cylinder with 265 hp and 425 pounds-feet of torque. Sixty mph comes in 6.9 seconds, BMW says; thanks to the higher efficiency of diesel fuel, EPA gas mileage tops the X5 range at 19/26 mpg city/highway. The xDrive35d uses a six-speed automatic.
All-wheel drive is standard on all models.
Safety
Safety features include dual front-impact, seat-mounted side-impact and two-row side curtain airbags. Three-row curtain airbags come on models with the optional third-row seat. Antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are also standard.
X5 M
BMW's M performance division souped-up the X5 for 2010, and its drivetrain carries over for 2011 unchanged. It's powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 that makes 555 hp and 500 pounds-feet of torque and uses a six-speed automatic transmission. Zero-to- 60 mph comes in 4.5 seconds — quicker than many sports cars. As to be expected of a performance offshoot, the X5 M carries unique bumpers, aggressive side sills and highly bolstered sport seats.
For sharper handling, the X5 M's all-wheel drive gains BMW's Dynamic Performance Control system, which apportions extra power to the outside rear wheel during corners. The X6 is the only other BMW to include this system
