Spies long term review of the 2008 BMW X5 4.8i- Is it all that or just a poser?

As the Spies get ready for the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, we thought we'd start the new year driving season off right with our latest addition...The 2008 BMW X5 4.8i.

BMW was kind enough to provide us with this long term review vehicle, so we could let the AutoSpies.com faithful know, if it is all that is cracked up to be.

001 has been driving it since just before the holiday and so far our initial impressions are extremely positive.

The suspension is by far the best in the business and is actually more sophisticated than even the current BMW 7-Series.

No matter what the obstacle, there is NEVER any drama in this new X5.

I absolutely love the way it tracks down the road and it could be the ultimate road trip vehicle.

Handling capabilities are nothing less than amazing for an SUV and better than a lot of cars out there!

You've also gotta love that HUGE panoramic glass roof (makes you feel like you have a convertible the opening is so big) and all of the goodies like traffic based nav system, iPod integration, backup camera and satellite radio.
 
Any downsides so far?

Gas mileage is not very good (I'm averaging 15.1 MPG) although competitive SUV's like the Range Rover are lucky to cross the 12 MPG mark.

And the rear backup camera resolution is one of the worst out there, plus it is very slow to engage and close.

Stay tuned over the next few months as we delve into more detail of our impressions of the 08 X5.

Finally, check out owners opinions of the new X5 or post your own review in our new user car review area
AutoSpies.com user car reviews


Remember, SPY before you BUY!

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S4cabriofoxone - 1/7/2008 4:43:04 PM

+2 Boost

Nice review! Exactly spot-on! I'm loving our X5, and we have it with a better interior color (beige with bamboo).

"And the rear backup camera resolution is one of the worst out there, plus it is very slow to engage and close."

Yup. The backup camera is just terrible. I don't understand how it passed any "inspection" process; did BMW put it in just to say they have a backup camera?

BTW, it turns off when the car goes over 20MPH. However, you can just turn it off yourself by pressing the iDrive in and selecting "Backup Camera Off."

Otherwise, it's awesome! I love the way it drives!

flychronic - 1/7/2008 8:42:03 PM

+1 Boost

Same with my Range Rover, the backup camera is all blurry.

irie77 - 1/7/2008 8:47:23 PM

+1 Boost

How come you didn't get the Q7? I'm not putting down the X5 in anyway. Just wondering if you checked out the Q7 and if so why you selected the X5 over it.

Thanks!

ICON - 1/7/2008 9:36:06 PM

+1 Boost

Couldn't agree more. RR Sport is great but everyone I know has had trouble with the electronics. I like the interior on the X5 better than the RR Sport - but you have to admire the Range Rover interior. Of course for 25k more it should be admirable.

M35MT - 1/7/2008 4:48:12 PM

+1 Boost

Well, as it sounds for some, right on the money. Too me, it's a poser...give me a low-range transfer case a la Range Rover Sport and I'm happy. But, dont get me wrong, RRS is a dreadful choice for some. To each his own.

Agent001 - 1/7/2008 4:51:19 PM

+3 Boost

The X5 is sooo much better on road and through the twisties than the Range Rover..plus it has a third row seat and better electronics.

But the Range Rover IS better looking and the interior quality is higher.

001

S4cabriofoxone - 1/7/2008 4:58:17 PM

+3 Boost

Agent001, you're right that the X5 simply kills the RR Sport on any road.

Off road is obvious.

However, what are you talking about with the interior? The RR Sport's interior is surprisingly nasty. The Range Rover, which has $30K more than the X5, is the only one that manages to have a slightly nicer interior. Looks are preference... I like the X5 with the Sport Package better than the Range Rover, especially with those 20" rims.

M35MT - 1/7/2008 5:00:58 PM

+1 Boost

No need to deboost me, I'd take the off road over the on road on the trade off, what's wrong with that? And I think the RRS interior is GORGEOUS, however, material-quality wise, I wouldnt know.

Agent001 - 1/7/2008 5:06:13 PM

+2 Boost

I said the Range Rover had a better interior, not the sport.

I love the way the X5 looks in sport guise and with the aluminum style knobby running boards.

BUT, I do think the RR AND Range Rover Sport have nicer exterior designs...I think they look more cut and elegant at the same time.

001

Agent001 - 1/7/2008 5:21:42 PM

+3 Boost

But I would really be suspect buying any Land Rover product.

I think I've only met one person EVER, who has owned one and did not have reliability problems.

001

enthusiastx11 - 1/8/2008 12:25:48 AM

+1 Boost

the range rover is gorgeous...and it should be for a $20,000 premium over an x5 4.8.

no1listensanyway - 1/8/2008 2:52:24 PM

+1 Boost

My roomate has the RR Supercharged Sport, and it has tons of electronic problems. It has a parasite somwhere in the truck eating up all the power, constanly leaving a dead battery. We tried plugging an ipod into the system once, and the whole car went haywire, all electronic systems shutdown, inlcuding navigation and the entertainment systems in the back. The truck always makes weird noises, and the interior is not holding up well at all. My roomate is so wealthy he doesn't car about these things, he buys a new car every two years anyway.

RealitySmack - 1/7/2008 6:48:09 PM

+1 Boost

I don't think there's anyone who thinks that a SUV will get good mileage. Most of them, not all!

EL34 - 1/7/2008 9:15:38 PM

-2 Boost

001 at Sunset Blvd. and Laurel Canyon Blvd., West Hollywood at the Laugh Factory in his BMW X5 4.8i.

:-)

EvoAudi - 1/7/2008 11:13:05 PM

+1 Boost

iDrive kills this car, otherwise it's an amazing machine.

enthusiastx11 - 1/8/2008 12:24:46 AM

+1 Boost

great car! all the classic bmw traits...great suspension, top notch handling, dramatic features like the panorama sunroof, etc.

might be my next car...

lexusis350 - 1/8/2008 12:54:28 AM

+2 Boost

The X5 is my favorite SUV on the road and I really hope to get one. The only negative thing I've ever heard of one is that the electronic equipment on it sucks and a lot of the onboard computers keep going out. S4, you have an X5 so you'll have to tell me if something goes wrong with the electronics. Other than that, I love it.

lexusis350 - 1/8/2008 5:49:17 PM

+1 Boost

Actually no. I've read customer reviews of the X5 on Yahoo! Autos and MSN Autos. And I stlil stand by what I said about the LSh. For an engine comparable to a V12, you're not going to find better gas mileage than that.

M53R - 1/8/2008 6:58:53 AM

+2 Boost

Spot on 001!

I own an alpine white X5 4.8 2007 with the aero-kit (doesnt come in the USA?) and I totally agree with your review. The handling is way too good for an SUV, and the car as a whole is one of the best out there for that price range. IMO, with the aero-kit, it looks even better than the RR. It comes with 20' wheels and a better looking bodykit.

IMO the interior is one of the best in any BMW yet. It looks good, practical, and the quality of the materials are top notch. Ive sat in RRs numerous times, and the interior doesnt deserve the 20k of so you're paying more over the X5.

I'll post my own review soon.

M35MT - 1/8/2008 8:07:01 AM

0 Boost

S4, as mentioned earlier, I'm also curious...did you look into the Q7? Without knowing much about it, it looks like its much bigger than an X5, which would be a negative thing to me (although it still looks awesome). I imagine the Q5 will be small (X3, EX35) with no real mid-sizer in Audi's lineup. It seems like mid-size SUV's and crossovers aren't that popular, but I think they're just right.

And I still think the RRS looks the best from the outside, while the actual RR is in another class.

Rupert - 1/8/2008 6:21:12 PM

0 Boost

Since S4 isn't replying, I'll reply for him.

He doesn't need 7 seats, but doesn't want a small SUV, and thought the Q7 was unnecessary. Plus his wife made part of the decision, we should ask her! S4 make your wife get an account!

DiamondJim - 1/8/2008 9:26:41 PM

+1 Boost

smooth like butter

nybimmer - 1/8/2008 11:01:23 PM

0 Boost

Are they discounting these yet? I just configured one and it stickered out at about $63K. That seems really pricey.