By Tom Crosby
AAA Carolinas

After seven years and the sale of more than a half-a-million X-5s, BMW has made major changes for 2007 in what it calls its SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), which qualifies as a premium midsize sports utility vehicle. Made at BMW’s plant in Greer, SC, the X-5s are bigger siblings of the X-3s and Z-4’s made at the same plant. There are two engine choices, a 6-cylinder, 3.0-liter and a V-8, 4.8-liter, our five-seater test-drive.

A seven-seat version is now available. Both versions add 4.5 inches to the wheelbase, 7.4-inches in length, 2.3 inches in width and 2 inches in height. This means more leg and shoulder room, more cargo space and more room overall for passengers. Behind the wheel, drivers will exult in the handling of an all-wheel drive vehicle that sprints like a sports car, nimbly absorbs turns and reacts responsively to every steering and braking request as if it could read your mind. Improvements include a double wishbone multi-link front suspension for the first time, instead of BMW’s 45-year-old strut design.

A new 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is standard and allows for manual shifting that can be mated with an optional $1,250 active steering system, that on our test drive provided quick response to any accelerator requests and flawless shifting – automatic or manual. It actually adjusts to the operator’s driving style and road conditions.

Combined with larger disc brakes front and rear, plus rollover protection and dynamic stability control, you always feel in control, especially with the high positioning of front seats for excellent visibility. All inside features spell luxury, like one-touch power windows, automatically adjusting head restraints, electrically operated two-door glove compartment, folding 2nd row seats, out-of-sight 18-inch space-saver spare wheel and tire (regular 19-inch tires are run-flat) and a pair of decent size cup holders in front of the dashboard.  Leather seating/trim costs $1,000 extra but adds a plusher ambiance.

BMW keeps its I-drive, the center spine mounted knob that controls audio, climate, settings, etc. displayed on the dashboard. Usage proved easier but it still pulls eyes off the road with selection menus and dial twisting. Safety features are strong with previous X5’s receiving top crash rating scores for a BMW. The new body has 15% better torsional strength.

Outside design doesn’t vary much from previous models but Xenon headlights that turn are nice, new and standard. Many improvements were aimed at improving gas mileage. We got 17.4 mpg traveling more than 800 miles and using 93-octane gasoline producing $60-plus fill-ups.