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 Lexus RX 350 Overview

The X5 is an SAV – Sport Activity Vehicle – with "sport" serving as the inspirational muse for BMW engineers. Lexus, on the other hand, has dubbed the RX an LUV – or Luxury Utility Vehicle – and they've consistently produced an interior cabin that receives high marks for its coziness, refinement, quietness and elegance. Unfortunately, the RX drive experience has become synonymous with more unflattering terms, such as soulless, numb, disconnected, and even sloppy.

The RX 350 is all-new for 2010, and represents the 3rd generation of the Lexus brand's top-selling model. Built on the Camry platform, the ubiquitous RX is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 275 horsepower and 257 lb-ft. of torque. The result is a somewhat sluggish 60 mph run in 7.5 seconds, which is more than a full second slower than the X5 xDrive35i.

Power is sent to the ground either via either a FWD or AWD set-up. With AWD models,100% of the engine power is sent to the front wheels during normal driving. This, combined with its 57% nose-heavy bias, leads the RX to suffer from an undesirable tendency to understeer.

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 superior 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
• 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
• Brake Energy Regeneration only charges the battery when coasting or braking, saving 1-2% on fuel consumption
• Standard Brake Drying, Brake Stand-by, Brake Fade Compensation and Start-off Assistant
• The X5 has significantly larger brake rotors at all four corners, and the rear discs are ventilated to improve cooling
• 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
• The X5 features a long wheelbase combined with short front and rear overhangs for improved balance and agility
• 12 year Corrosion Warranty speaks to the high level of detail and quality craftsmanship that goes into every BMW
• iDrive is standard on every X5 and it includes six Programmable Memory Keys and a central display monitor
• The X5 audio system includes standard HD Radio and an iPod/USB adapter
• Standard Hill Descent Control assists drivers when trying to safely travel downhill in slippery or icy conditions
• The X5 features standard Xenon Adaptive headlights, Cornering Lights and Adaptive Brake Lights
• Run-flat tires are standard
• Leather seating and rain-sensing wipers are standard
• 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)
• Heat-at-Rest is standard, with heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel available as options
• Optional Active Cruise Control includes Stop & Go capabilities
• Side View and Top View Cameras are optional, with the Top View providing a panoramic view around the entire rear portion of the vehicle
• A 3rd row seat is optional and includes a self-leveling rear suspension and 3rd row climate controls
• The X5's stellar handling and agility can be further enhanced with optional Active Steering, Active Roll Stabilization and Electronic Damping Control
• Optional BMW Assist includes 4 years of service when purchased. TeleService and Remote Door Unlock are also included
• 20-way power multi-contour front seats with Active Support massage are optional
• Optional Navigation system includes an 8.8-inch display monitor and free Real-Time Traffic Information
• A 12GB Music Collection is included with optional Navigation
• The optional premium sound system includes 600-watts channeled through 16 speakers
• 4-zone automatic climate control is optional

 

What Lexus doesn’t…

• No turbocharging or direct fuel injection, instead relying on a larger 3.5-liter displacement to produce its power
• V-6 engine creates more noise and vibration while contributing to a 56.8 / 43.2 nose-heavy weight bias
• Naturally aspirated engine produces only 275 horsepower, and 257 lb-ft of torque
• Narrow torque curve supplies maximum power at a steep 4700 rpm, resulting in poor acceleration
• 0 – 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. A more powerful engine option is not available
• The RX 350 was one of the last vehicles in the segment to offer a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting
• The RX 350's alternator constantly charges the battery, thereby wasting fuel
• Brake Drying, Brake Stand-by, Brake Fade Compensation and Start-off Assistant are not available
• The RX 350 brakes are noticeably smaller all around, with solid discs at the back of the vehicle.
• Standard 18-inch alloy wheels. Optional 19-inch alloys
• Active Torque Control AWD sends 100% of engine power to the front wheels under normal driving, leading to FWD-type steering deficiencies (i.e. understeer)
• The RX 350's wheelbase is 7.6-inches shorter than the X5, resulting in longer front and rear overhangs
• 6 year Corrosion Warranty speaks to a paint process that is substandard compared to BMW
• A central controller and display monitor are only included with optional Navigation. Memory keys do not exist
• HD Radio is not available and the iPod/USB adapter is only included in various option packages
• The RX 350 does not feature a Hill Descent Control feature, leaving drivers without a critical aid in certain conditions
• Xenon Adaptive headlights are optional. Cornering Lights and Adaptive Brake Lights are not available
• Run-flat tires are not available
• Leather seating and rain-sensing wipers are optional
• Edmunds.com estimates it costs nearly $36/month to maintain the RX 350 during the first 3 years of ownership
• Maintenance intervals at 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever occurs first)
• Heat-at-Rest , heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel are not available
• Optional Active Cruise Control does not include Stop & Go functionality
• A Side View camera is not available. An optional top view camera ( i.e. Wide View Side Monitor) is available, but it only displays an image of the passenger-side of the RX
• A 3rd row seat is not available. Seating is limited to 5 passengers
• The RX 350 lacks the athleticism of the X5 and yet fails to offer Active Steering, Active Roll Stabilization or Electronic Damping Control
• SafetyConnect® is standard on the RX 350, but only includes 1 year of service free of charge. TeleService and Remote Door Unlock are not available
• Multi-contour seating is not available, nor is a massage feature
• Optional Navigation features an 8.0-inch display and traffic information requires a monthly XM Radio subscription
• A music jukebox is not available
• The optional premium audio system includes only 330-watts channeled through 15 speakers
• Rear seat climate controls are not available

 

"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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