The BMW X5 Overview

In 1999, BMW forever altered the automotive landscape with the launch of the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle® – the now legendary X5. Never before had anyone thought it possible to effectively infuse a vehicle of such size and versatility with the soul and athleticism of an authentic sports sedan.

Now, more than a decade later, no fewer than nine other premium nameplates have their sites set on competing with the X5. Unfortunately for them, the 2011 BMW X5 is the beneficiary of more than 4,000 new parts, all created by BMW designers and engineers to create a vehicle that is unmatched in its ability to blend driving dynamics, responsiveness, and agility with utility, versatility and luxuriousness.

Need proof? As of June 2010, no other competitor listed on this page offers more horsepower, more torque, or a faster 0 – 60 mph time than its direct X5 counterpart. Yet despite the clear power advantage, only one can match the X5's fuel efficiency.

The Acura MDX Overview

Acura claims the MDX moniker is derived from the term "Multi-Dimensional luXury." The first generation MDX was originally based on the Honda Odyssey minivan, but the 2nd generation MDX (launched in 2007) now stands on its own two feet. The 2010 model year brings with it a mid-lifecycle "facelift" that includes slightly revised front and rear fascias, new technological gizmos, and a few minor engine enhancements.

Under the hood, the MDX still produces an impressive 300 horsepower. Torque has been reduced by 5 lb-ft. to 270, but it peaks at 500 fewer rpm. All this power is delivered through a standard 6-speed automatic transmission that includes paddle shifters. This is the first time Acura has utilized a 6-speed automatic in one of its models, making it one of the last manufacturers in the premium segment to do so. This late showing is a bit ironic when considering Acura's advertising slogan "Advance."

Perhaps more noteworthy is the fact that Acura has labeled the MDX "The Driver's SUV," despite the fact that the X5 is noticeably faster, more fuel efficient, and outperforms the MDX in 70 – 0 mph panic stop testing.

The MDX is available only with SH-AWD (i.e. Super Handling). In normal driving, 90% of the engine power is delivered via the front wheels. If needed, the system can transfer 70% of the power to the rear axle, all of which can be electronically sent to the rear outside wheel when cornering to reduce the understeer generated by the MDX's 57% nose-heavy bias.

What BMW offers…

• First engine in the world to combine turbocharging, Valvetronic and High Precision direct fuel injection
• Inline 6-cylinder engine delivers smooth, refined power while helping achieve a more ideal 47.3 / 52.7 weight balance
• TwinPower Turbo engine produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque
• Broad torque curve supplying maximum power from an incredibly low 1200 rpm to 5000 rpm
• 0 – 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, equaling the performance of the 2010 X5 xDrive48i's V-8 engine
• 8-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission improves acceleration while reducing fuel consumption
• 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
• Brake Energy Regeneration only charges the battery when coasting or braking, saving 1-2% on fuel consumption
• Standard B rake Drying, Brake Stand-by and Brake Fade Compensation
• 13.7-inch front brake rotors and ventilated rear disc brakes provide superior braking
• Standard 19-inch alloy wheels
• xDrive provides a RWD bias in normal driving conditions, with the ability to send up to 100% of engine power to the rear wheels when needed
• 115.5-inch wheelbase is 7.2-inches longer than the MDX, despite an overall vehicle length that is shorter than the MDX
• 12 year Corrosion Warranty speaks to the high level of detail and quality craftsmanship that goes into every BMW
• Standard iDrive minimizes driver distraction by reducing dash clutter and positioning the controller where the driver's hand would naturally rest . Six Programmable Memory Keys are also included
• Heat at Rest is standard and a heated steering wheel is available in the Cold Weather Pkg.
• The X5 xDrive35i's standard audio system includes both an iPod/USB adapter and HD Radio
• Standard dual-panel Panoramic moonroof
• Standard Hill Descent Control
• Standard Adaptive headlights with auto-leveling dramatically improve nighttime visibility, as do the standard Cornering Lights
• X5 safety is greatly enhanced by the inclusion of standard Run-flat tires, rain-sensing wipers and Adaptive Brake Lights
• Every BMW is supported by the BMW Maintenance Program for 4 years / 50,000 miles
• Maintenance intervals at approximately 15,000 miles or 12 months (whichever occurs first)
• Head-Up Display, Comfort Access and Automatic High Beams are optional
• Optional Side View and Top View Cameras aid drivers when attempting to park or maneuver in tight spaces or pull out into traffic when visibility is limited by other cars or objects
• Optional Active Cruise Control is available as a stand-alone option, and includes Stop & Go functionality
• The 3rd row seat option includes a sliding 2nd row seat, self-leveling rear suspension and 3rd row climate controls
• The X5's already stellar handling and agility can be further enhanced by options such as Active Steering and Active Roll Stabilization
• Optional auto-dimming exterior mirrors reduce glare from other vehicles, while the optional power-folding feature makes it easier to protect the mirrors in tight parking spaces
• Optional BMW Assist includes a host of safety and convenience services, including TeleService, for four years free of charge
• Optional 20-way power multi-contour front seats with Active Support massage
• Optional Navigation system includes an 8.8-inch display monitor and free Real-Time Traffic Information
• Optional Park Distance Control with sensor on the front and rear bumpers that provide both audible and visual alerts to assist when parking or backing up in tight spaces

 

What Acura doesn’t…

• No turbocharging or direct fuel injection, instead relying on a larger 3.7-liter displacement to produce its power
• V-6 engine creates more noise and vibration while contributing to a nose-heavy 56.9 / 43.1 weight bias
• Naturally aspirated engine produces 300 horsepower, but only 270 lb-ft of torque
• Narrow torque curve supplies maximum power at a very high 4500 rpm, resulting in delayed acceleration
• 0 – 60 mph in 7.1 seconds (Edmunds.com) without an optional V-8 engine choice available
• Acura's first-ever 6-speed automatic debuts in the 2010 MDX, years after every competitor in the segment
• 16 mpg city / 21 highway
• The MDX's alternator constantly charges the battery, thereby wasting fuel
• Brake Drying, Brake Stand-by and Brake Fade Compensation are not available
• 13.0-inch front brake rotors and a solid rear disc brake lead to increased stopping distances
• 19-inch wheels only available in the Advance Pkg.
• SH-AWD sends 90% of the power to the front wheels under normal driving, with the ability to only send up to 70% to the rear wheels when needed
• The MDX has significantly longer front and rear overhangs, impacting both weight balance and agility when cornering
• 5 year Corrosion Warranty speaks to a paint process that is substandard compared to BMW
• The MDX's standard centralized controller is positioned in the center of the dash panel and surrounded by 50+ buttons that are a distraction to operate while driving. Programmable Memory Keys are not available
• Heat at Rest and a heated steering wheel are not available on the MDX
• HD Radio is not available, and the iPod/USB adapter is only available in the Technology Pkg.
• Standard single-panel moonroof
• Hill Descent control is not available
• Adaptive headlights and Cornering Lights are not available, and auto-leveling headlights are only available in the Advanced Pkg.
• Run-flat tires, rain-sensing wipers and Adaptive Brake Lights are not available on any MDX model
• Edmunds.com estimates it costs nearly $35/month to maintain the MDX during the first 3 years of ownership
• Maintenance intervals at 7,500 miles or 12-months (whichever occurs first)
• Head-Up Display, Comfort Access and Automatic High Beams are not available
• Side View and Top View Cameras are not available despite the small rear window , thick rear pillars and large headrests that combine to limit rear visibility
• Active Cruise Control is available only as part of the Advance Pkg., and it does not include Stop & Go
• The MDX does not feature a sliding 2nd row seat, self-leveling rear suspension or 3rd row climate controls
• The MDX lacks the athleticism of the X5 and fails to offer innovations such as Active Steering or Active Roll Stabilization
• Auto-dimming exterior mirrors are not available on the MDX, which can prove bothersome during nighttime driving hours. Power-folding exterior mirrors are also not available
• The MDX does not feature a BMW Assist type feature, leaving drivers to fend for themselves in situations that might require outside assistance
• The MDX only features a standard 10-way power driver seat and 8-way power passenger seat
• Optional Navigation features a smaller 8.0-inch display and traffic information requires a monthly Sirius subscription
• The MDX features a standard rear view camera that displays an image in the rearview mirror or optional Navigation display, but it does not feature sensors with audible or graphic alerts

 

"The 2011 BMW X5 is one of the best-handling midsize luxury crossovers you can buy. Whether driving on back

roads or on an endless expanse of interstate, the X5 is a champ." Edmunds.com

 

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