The X5 has a stiff and choppy ride, particularly at low speeds. Handling is capable and secure, and the steering has good feedback but high effort for parking. The turbocharged six-cylinder is quick and got 18 mpg overall, helped by the eight-speed automatic. In our tests the diesel got 22 mpg overall, but it isn't as refined as the gas engines. The interior is impeccably finished, and the front- and second-row seats are supportive, but the optional third-row seat is best for children. The iDrive system is complicated and the transmission shift lever is counterintuitive. Reliability of the turbo six-cylinder has improved to average and the diesel is average.
A subscription to ConsumerReports.org includes Consumer Reports road test reports (based on over 50 different tests).
BMW Blog Content
BMW integrates books to go, with bookmarks and Kindle synching
It's amazing what you can find out from an auto show. This year, in the course of covering the New York International Auto Show, we came across some exciting electronics news: Readers no longer need commit to a book format...
New York Auto Show: BMW adds Internet radio to new and recent cars
The New York auto show isn't just about cars. As proof, BMW announced a new suite of apps that will be compatible with iDrive, bringing Internet radio to new and recent models. Using an iPhone 3GS through iPhone 5 (with...
New York Auto Show: Models go on major weight-loss diet
No, not those models that frequent a runway. Instead, two of the big introductions here at this year's New York auto show are trumpeting major weight reductions. To be fair, it did require major surgery in both cases. Over the...
Love it or hate it, the 2013 BMW X1 proves polarizing
Listen to hallway and office chatter at Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center and you'll find widely divergent opinions about the BMW X1. They mostly fall into two camps, and it all boils down to the car's value. Camp #1 views...
Consumer Reports names the best and worst cars by brand
While car brand reputation can be a strong influence on purchase decisions, such perceptions can be misleading. The reality is, every brand offers models that perform across a spectrum, with some are clearly better than others. As we see in...
