The 2012 BMW X5 is available in six variants; xDrive35i, xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Activity, xDrive35d, xDrive50i, and the range-topping high-performance X5M variant. Standard equipment on all the models includes 18-inch wheels, fog lights, automatic and adaptive xenon headlights, roof rails, a power tailgate with adjustable opening height, automatic wipers, parking sensors, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 10-way power front seats, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, BMW Assist telematics with Bluetooth and a 12-speaker sound system with HD radio, a CD player, an iPod/USB audio interface and an auxiliary audio jack. The diesel-powered xDrive35d is equipped similarly but adds a panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, heated front seats, and the availability of additional options.

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Since there are a plethora of options to choose from on the 2012 BMW X5, we recommend you getting the xDrive35i and ticking the options you want, as it is adequately fast for all use cases, whilst getting the job done at a price that won’t hurt the bank. 

The xDrive35i is powered by a 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 that produces 300 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque, while the xDrive50i is equipped with a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 producing 400 hp and a robust 450 lb-ft of torque. The xDrive35d comes with a 3.0L inline-6 turbo diesel that produces 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. The petrol engines are mated to an 8-Speed Automatic transmission, while the diesel engine is paired to a 6-Speed Automatic transmission. All 2012 BMW X5 models are all-wheel drive, and offer fantastic grip and handling prowess to this luxury SUV.

While the 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 gasoline engine is plenty fast for the city, as well as the highway, the twin-turbo 4.4L V8 found in the xDrive50i trim is pure mental. Bury your right foot, and watch the world turn into a blur. The way it reaches illegal speeds is just abysmal, not to mention the fact that the thrust doesn’t die off, and keeps you pushed back in your seat. The diesel on the other hand was built to be extremely frugal, but it is adequately fast when you need it to be, with its ample reserves of torque.

The sportiest of the bunch is the 2012 Porsche Cayenne, with its 4.8L Naturally Aspirated V8 motor producing a lovely soundtrack under load, whilst having the highest top speed of the bunch at 160 MPH. Since the Land Rover Range Rover has the largest engine of them all, even with its high curb weight, it manages to get to 60 MPH in just 5.9 seconds. The Audi Q7, even with its supercharged motor, is the slowest of the bunch due to the conservative tune that it runs.

The 2012 BMW X5’s base xDrive35i trim delivers good fuel economy for the heft it has to pull along. The thirstier 4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8 motor on the xDrive50i returns a lower fuel economy of 14/20 MPG in the city and the highway, respectively. The xDrive 35d with its 3.0L turbo diesel engine returns 19 MPG in the city, and 26 MPG on the highway, giving it a cruising range of 585 miles before running dry.

The aforementioned conservative tune on the Audi Q7, along with its 26.4-gallon fuel tank gives it the ability to have a city driving range of 422.2 miles, and a highway cruising range of 580.8, which is further than how far the diesel variant of the BMW X5 can go. The Porsche Cayenne, combined with the smallest tank in the segment, as well as substandard fuel economy, ensures the lowest cruising range of all. The Land Rover Range Rover has a huge 27.8-gallon tank that makes up for the lowest fuel economy out of all the SUVs.

The 2012 BMW X5’s cabin feels very solid and well built. Not only are the materials used in the entire cabin really apt for a vehicle this expensive, but they also scream quality whenever laid a hand upon. The leather used is supple, yet hard-wearing and the plastics even on the lower down areas are not hard. BMW offers various options of colors for the interior to be done up in as per your taste. We are in love with the Cognac shade, as it complements the vehicle perfectly.

The cargo space at 23.2 cu.-ft, is one of the highest in the segment, and can easily take in a lot of luggage. The seats are wide and well-cushioned and offer ample support to both the first row, as well as the second-row passengers. The legroom and headroom on offer are ample and can accommodate six-footers with ease. The cabin reeks of robustness, and not a single squeak or rattle can be found.

We do not have the dimensions for how big the Porsche Cayenne is on the inside, but we can say that it is as big and comfortable as the BMW X5, albeit with tighter seats. Apart from the Audi Q7, none of the vehicles get seven seats as standard, which does set its standard cargo space dimensions at a measly 10.9 cu.-ft. This can be further increased to a staggering 42 cu.-ft. The bulky Land Rover Range Rover gets massive seats, as well as a massive boot, and just about fits everything, and everyone you throw at it. Major interior features include-

• Cruise Control
• Four-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Tilt-and-telescoping Steering Wheel
• 14-Way "MultiContour" Ventilated Front Seats
• Heated Front and Rear Seats
• Heated Steering Wheel
• Leather Upholstery

How intuitive is the 2012 BMW X5’s infotainment unit?

The infotainment system on the 2012 BMW X5 is the industry's favorite iDrive system. It is both highly practical and modern. The infotainment system is a boon to use with its intuitive media abilities and the user-friendly jog dial on the center console. It's loaded to the brim with FM Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a CD Player, USB iPod Interface, an Auxiliary Input Jack, as well as a built-in navigation system. The large centrally housed screen also supports real-time traffic updates, whilst giving out important vehicular data on the side. The SUV comes with a 12-speaker Sound System, which can be upgraded to a much better-sounding 16-speaker option. Some of the features of the infotainment system are as follows:

• Bluetooth Connectivity
• HD Radio
• CD Player
• USB Port
• Satellite Radio
• iPod Audio Interface
• Auxiliary Audio Jack
• 16-speaker Premium Audio System

The 2012 BMW X5 looks just the way a person looking at it depicts it to be. It can vary from being too bland to being outright handsome and aggressive. Since the design is on the conservative side, the SUV does not scream and differentiates itself from a sea of other sports utility vehicles. The lines are crisp, and the creases are just about right to make the X5 look chunky, yet understated. 

The bold kidney grilles up front never let you forget that it's a BMW you’re looking at, while its handsome proportions ensure that the Chris Bangle design keeps everything looking sharp from all angles. The Corona Rings for the 2012 model year have been moved to LED as standard, which gives the SUV a really modern touch. There are many wheel options to choose from, right from 18” to 20”, and with its 9” of ground clearance, it really can venture wherever you take it to.

In comparison, the Audi Q7 is the longest car at a whopping 200.3 inches, while the Land Rover Range Rover gets the award for being the heaviest, weighing in at 5,540 lbs. The BMW X5 just about has a perfect footprint, and looks extremely proportionate, with its short overhangs. Few major exterior features include-

• LED Corona Rings
• 20-inch wheels
• Privacy Glass
• Parking Sensors
• Adaptive Suspension Setup
• Automatic and Adaptive Xenon Headlights

The 2012 BMW X5 hasn’t yet been tested by the NHTSA, but the IIHS awarded it top marks of "good" in frontal offset, rear, and side-impact tests. It has a host of standard safety features like anti-lock brakes, stability control, brake drying, and standby features, a rollover sensor, BMW Assist emergency telematics, active front head restraints, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags for the first and second rows. Its large ORVMs and reversing camera also aid on the visibility front. Other salient safety features include:

• Anti Lock braking system 
• Stability control
• Adaptive Brake Lights
• Brake Drying and Standby Features
• Rollover Sensor
• Trailer Stabilization
• BMW Assist Emergency Telematics
• Active Front Head Restraints
• Front and Side Curtain Airbags 

The 2012 BMW X5 is a no-nonsense way of getting places in style, whilst flying under the radar. Its comfortable and luxurious cabin is a delightful place to be in, and its engine options really are interesting enough for the average Joe, as well as the enthusiast looking for a stonker of a motor strapped into this German SUV. 

Although being a little on the pricier side, the BMW X5 is as close as it gets to being the most perfect SUV you can have that does it all. We would definitely recommend it to be on the top of your list if you’re out in the market looking for something that can haul your family, as well as get you places in style.