BMW X5… Crossover of many customers’ eyes

THANKS to subtle improvements all around, the redesigned 2014 BMW X5 is a top choice for a luxury crossover SUV, especially if performance is a priority. If you want a midsize luxury SUV that aspires to be a sports car and offers seating for

up to seven, the BMW X5 is a tempting choice
The 2014 BMW X5 is one of the best-handling midsize luxury crossovers around. Whether driving on back roads or on an endless expanse of interstate, the X5 is a champ, feeling secure and stable yet also relatively nimble and fun to drive.
There’s no denying the fact that the X5 rides on a higher-than-car chassis, but this do-anything, go-anywhere (anywhere within reason, at least) crossover has done nothing but improve for its third generation.
BMW has refined a solid performer that is the crossover of many customers’ eyes. With an engaging personality, a refined diesel drivetrain and host of aero, power and lightweight tricks on board, it is clearly evident that this remains the Ultimate Driving Machine of crossovers.
The base 2014 BMW X5 sDrive35i comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that makes 300 horsepower. The X5 xDrive35d has a turbodiesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that makes 255 horsepower, and the X5 xDrive50i’s turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine makes 445 horsepower. All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. According to the EPA, the base sDrive35i gets 19/27 mpg city/highway, which is good for the class, while the diesel-powered xDrive35d gets some of the best fuel economy estimates in the class at 23/31 mpg city/highway.
Inside, the 2014 X5 features all the technology you’d expect in a high-end model integrated into a stylish and driver-friendly cockpit. As with most BMWs, the X5’s interior layout is elegant, with solid construction and high-quality materials.
The 2014 BMW X5’s standard features include a panoramic moonroof, push-button start, front and rear parking sensors, a nine-speaker audio system, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, HD Radio, navigation and BMW’s iDrive infotainment system with a 10.2-inch display. Optional features include a Surround View parking camera system, a head-up display, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, a night vision system with pedestrian detection, a rear-seat entertainment system, a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system and soft-close automatic doors.
Safety is also another important feature of BMW’s game, and so I’m not surprised to see the models feature ESP with ASR (anti-slip regulation), ABS with EBA (emergency brake assist), dual front, side, front/rear curtain airbags, three-point rear seatbelts, three child seat anchorage points for the rear seats, cruise control with a speed limiter, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, and parking cameras