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Jun 03, 2023

2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i review notes: Among the most athletic luxury SUVs available

DIGITAL EDITOR ANDREW STOY: I spent back-to-back nights in the 2013 Mercedes ML350 and 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i and came away shocked at how much I preferred the X5 over the Benz. Granted, our X5 was

DIGITAL EDITOR ANDREW STOY: I spent back-to-back nights in the 2013 Mercedes ML350 and 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i and came away shocked at how much I preferred the X5 over the Benz. Granted, our X5 was optioned up with a sport package and a few other goodies that contributed some to the stronger performance feel (and $8,000 higher sticker price), but on paper the specifications are remarkably similar.

From behind the wheel, though, these utes aim for different crowds: From the moment one climbs in, the BMW projects a performance aura -- a thicker steering wheel, firmer seats and a lower dash, plus all those M badges that surely make it faster, right? The steering is far heavier and quicker than what's on the Benz -- too heavy at parking lot speeds, in fact -- and the overall chassis setup actually does the M badges some justice. Yes, it's still the standard turbo straight six under the hood (no slouch, mind you, but no force-fed V8 either), but everything else on this X5 feels up to M spec.

The question is, do you want your SUV to feel like a sports car? The answer is likely to be yes for some, not so much for others. The X5 remains the German SUV of choice for the enthusiast driver, particularly when it's optioned like our Sport Activity model. I'd put the Audi Q5 a notch behind it, straddling the luxury/performance curve quite nicely, while the ML is the softest of the bunch.

One point to note is that the interior materials on the X5, particularly the plastics around the center stack and the iDrive controller are subpar, with a thin, hollow feel. The iDrive knob itself has been decontented, made from a cheap-feeling plastic instead of the denser materials we've become accustomed to. We're not sure what BMW is trying to accomplish cheapening out on one of the key vehicle touchpoints, but this needs to be fixed.

But what about value? The Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers an experience surprisingly close to that of a basic X5 for $20k less, making it perhaps the best buy in the segment. But if you're among the enthusiast crowd who prefers German brands (via South Carolina, in this case), the X5 may surprise you: It's grown into a remarkably capable -- dare I say exciting -- performance utility.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR JAKE LINGEMAN: The X5 was a great ride for the cold winter weekend and the activities I was required to attend. On Friday night I took the truck to a party, where it had to transport a bunch of gifts. I laughed at the mini tailgate at first, but it proved handy when I was sliding a 10-box stack out of the back.

On Saturday I went to my parent's house and they asked if I could move a couch. I said I'd try, not sure it would fit in the X5, even when the seats were down. Well, it swallowed the couch up with no problems, and again I was happy to have the little tailgate for extra support. I was almost able to close the liftgate, too. I believe if you can't use your SUV like a truck, then what's the point. Luckily, the BMW delivered.

The M Sport Package makes this car look awesome. The extra bodywork, big wheels and the steering wheel make this car look extremely fast. Unfortunately, with 5,000 pounds to pull around, the 300 horses were working pretty hard. That's also probably a function of the eight-speed transmission, which helps fuel economy. For the record I only returned 16.67 mpg in my three days in the cockpit.

The thick M Sport wheel looks sweet, and feels good in the hands, especially with the heating function. But man, it really has some weight to it. Most SUVs today take very little effort, even at slow speeds, but this felt really heavy.

Getting back to the engine, the turbochanged I6 is one of the best engines on the planet. Almost every car that it powers is fun to drive, including the bigger 5-series. I did just see that 2012 was the first year they installed the eight-speed trannys in the sedans. I wonder if they would feel a bit less peppy too; I haven't driven that engine/trans combo yet. Once you get up to speed it performs much better. And if you stomp the pedal, and get a good three-gear downshift, the X5 will build up a head of steam. The paddles do a good job of keeping the rev in the powerband.

The X5 is dipping into Range Rover territory with its $70,000 as tested price. As an enthusiast, I could ditch the convenience package ($3,500) and the tech package, which would knock more than five grand off the price. You're still in a $65,000 vehicle, and I'm not sure it feels that good. For comparison, the top of the Grand Cherokee line is the Overland Summit. It has a base price of about $48,000; even with options it probably would barely touch $60k. And you get a V8.

2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i

Base Price: $58,595

As-Tested Price: $70,895

Drivetrain: 3.0-liter turbocharged I6; AWD, eight-speed automatic

Output: 300 hp @ 5,800-6,250 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 1,300-5,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,960 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 16/23/19 mpg

AW Observed Fuel Economy: 16.6 mpg

Options: Convenience package including universal garage door opener, Comfort Access keyless entry, rear-view camera with top view, rear manual side window shades, interior mirror with compass, four-zone climate control, navigation system, voice-command, real time traffic information ($3,500); M Sport package including sport suspension, 20-inch alloy double-spoke wheels, dark burl walnut wood trim, Shadowline exterior trim, anthracite headliner, M exterior parts in body color, M steering wheel with paddles ($2,500); technology package including automatic high beams, side-view camera, head-up display ($1,700); M performance package ($1,600); premium sound package including satellite radio with one-year subscription, premium hi-fi system ($950); multi-contour seats ($900); cold weather package including heated steering wheel, ski bag, heated rear seats, retractable headlight washers ($750); BMW apps ($250); space-saver spare ($150)

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