"For the vast majority of drivers, the base 35i six-cylinder engine provides more than enough power. Upgrading to the xDrive50i's V8 will probably feel like overkill for all but the most power-hungry drivers, and at that point, the high-performance X5 M is a more intriguing alternative. " - Edmunds
This review focuses on the 2017 BMW X5 sDrive 35i, as mentioned before, it comes equipped with a 3.0L engine. It is capable of generating 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. This turbo powertrain comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission system that delivers all the power to the rear wheels. However, the xDrive35i trim, which is equipped with the same powertrain, has a different drivetrain, an AWD.
According to the terms used by BMW in their trim naming, "i" stands for petrol and "d" stands for Diesel. The xDrive35d comes with a 3.0L diesel engine, it generates 255 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. The 2017 BMW X5 also offers a hybrid variant, the xDrive40e iPerformance, priced at $63,200, it gets a 9-kWh battery pack that delivers an extra boost and a 14-mile range. The final trim offered gets a 4.4L V8 turbocharged engine that generates 445hp and 480 lb-ft of torque.
Model |
2017 BMW X5 sDrive |
2017 Audi Q7 |
2017 Infiniti QX70 |
2017 Mercedes Benz GLE 350 |
MSRP |
$56,600 |
$59,500 |
$45,850 |
$54,500 |
Engine |
3.0L DOHC I-6 24V TwinPower Turbo |
3.0L TFSI V6 DOHC |
3.7L V6 |
3.5L DOHC 24-Valve V6 |
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
7-speed automatic |
7-speed automatic |
Horsepower (hp@RPM) |
300 hp @ 5800 RPM |
333 hp @ 5500 RPM |
325 hp @ 7000 RPM |
302 hp @ 6500 RPM |
Torque (lb-ft@RPM) |
300 lb-ft @ 1200 RPM |
325 lb-ft @ 2900 RPM |
267 lb-ft @ 5200 RPM |
273 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM |
Against its rivals, the BMW X5 is the least in terms of power generation. The 2017 Audi Q7 churns out the most power with its 3.0L V6 engine, 333hp, and 325 lb-ft of torque. The next best offering is the 3.7L V6 engine offered by the 2017 Infiniti QX70, it delivers 325 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. The 2017 Mercedes gets the second-largest engine and yet delivers only 302 hp. Its 3.5L V6 engine delivers 273 lb-ft of torque and ranks third for its power output.
Acceleration of the 2017 BMW X5
BMW is known for offering a lower-powered engine that yet manages to outperform its competitors in terms of acceleration. However, in this situation, we will have to verify the same. Considering the 3.0L inline-6 engine that is present in the sDrive35i, it is capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Further, it also records a timing of 14.8 seconds for the quarter-mile dash.
Model |
2017 BMW X5 sDrive |
2017 Audi Q7 |
2017 Infiniti QX70 |
2017 Mercedes Benz GLE 350 |
0-60 MPH (seconds) |
6.1 sec |
5.7 sec |
6.1 sec |
7.5 sec |
Quarter mile (seconds) |
14.8 sec |
14.3 sec |
14.5 sec |
16.6 sec |
Engine |
3.0 L |
3.0 L |
3.7 L |
3.5L |
Emission
(Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
|
8.4 |
8.4 |
9.3 |
8.8 |
Given that all the competition in consideration has more power generation than the BMW X5, we might be in the misconception that this will carry forward even to the acceleration timings. However, the scenario isn't the same. The BMW X5 ranks second along with the 2017 Infiniti QX70, after the 2017 Audi Q7. The Audi records a timing of 5.7 seconds for going from a standstill to 60 mph. The second rankers recorded the same in 6.1 seconds, followed by the Mercedes GLE with timing of 7.5 seconds.
Ride and Handling of the 2017 BMW X5
BMW, a brand that has unfailing delivered performance-oriented cars. They are known for offering a sheer adrenaline blast of an experience. However, the performance cars of the beemer also have a history of being sturdy while turning. However, the X5 comes with responsive steering, the body roll is reduced due to the same. Even compared to the competition the body roll is much lesser in the 2017 X5. The weight of the vehicle isn't felt as it is deposited on the steering wheel for the competitor cars.
Braking of the 2017 BMW X5
The 2017 X5 comes equipped with a set of 13.7-inch rotors for the front wheels, and the rear wheels come equipped with a set of 12.6-inch rotors. This gives the Beemer an ability to come to a freeze from a whopping 60mph in just 129 feet. The pedal is indeed linear and responsive. This delivers the feeling of confidence and safety.
Model |
2017 BMW X5 sDrive |
2017 Audi Q7 |
2017 Infiniti QX70 |
2017 Mercedes Benz GLE 350 |
Brake Front (in.) |
13.7 |
14.8 |
12.6 |
13.0 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
12.6 |
13.8 |
12.1 |
12.8 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
4,625 |
4,938 |
4,209 |
4751 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
129 |
117 |
N/A |
130 |
The biggest rotors in class are equipped on the 2017 Audi Q7, a set of 14.8-inch rotors, and a set of 13.8-inch rotors for the front and rear wheels respectively. This also translates to the best-in-class brake performance, coming from 60-0 mph in 117 feet. The Merc takes 130 feet for the same.