Happy 10-year anniversary to the BMW X5. Here are 10 features and reasons why it has sold over 845,000 units in those 10 years and is getting closer to the million mark.
10. It was one of the first of its kind, being a nimbler full-size utility vehicle that didn’t feel like a large speeding box. Test driving this bad boy in 1999 must have been unreal.
9. It offers impressive driving aids. With Dynamic Stability Control, Automatic Differential Brake, and Hill Descent Control, you only need to drive with one hand.
8. Continuing with the driving aids, it has all-wheel drive as well. So you can drive it in all seasons, especially those non-California winters. And the new xDrive isn’t so shabby either.
7. It can now potentially seat seven people if needed, plus it’s probably luxurious on the inside.
6. It holds its resale value well, having been named the “Value Master of the Year” in 2007 and 2008 by Auto Bild magazine.
5. It’s safe. The first-generation X5 (1999-2006) was once deemed the safest vehicle ever to be crash-tested by the IIHS. And the current X5 has won “Top Safety Pick Awards” from the IIHS for 2007 and 2008.
4. It continues to provide more power with fewer emissions along with increased fuel economy. The 2009 X5 is more than 10% more fuel efficient than the previous-generation X5, and it’s faster. There is also a diesel version for the diesel lovers.
3. It can be seen as an attractive vehicle. On top of safety and resale value awards, it has won design awards, including the “autonis” award from auto motor und sport for the most attractive design, and a gold award in the J.D. Power customer satisfaction study in North America.
2. It created the Sports Activity Vehicle segment. When the salesperson is telling you it’s not an SUV, but a SAV, you listen. Maybe even scratch your head.
1. Duh, it’s a BMW. Who didn’t see this one coming?
Cheers to another 10 years.