2000 BMW X5...Continued

The X5 showed that it has muscular good looks that will appeal to most Americans. The X5 is about seven inches taller than the 5 Series sedan yet it is about the same length. Overhangs front and rear are short and the wheels and tires are pushed out to the edges of the bodywork, which is about the same width as the spacious 7 series. The front of the X5 has the traditional BMW twin kidney grille with the headlamp covers introduced in the 3 Series. The rear includes traditional BMW design cues such as the L-shaped tail lamps. The rear hatch is a two-piece design with a glass hatch that lifts up and a tailgate that folds down.

The flanks include a bulge that peaks about a third of the way up that helps draw the eye away from the vehicle height. A character line starts at the front fender and slopes up and aft, imparting rakishness. The pillars are black to give the illusion of one contiguous span of glass.

One becomes aware of the fabulous V8 rumble upon accelerating away from a stop, another nod to American tastes. The 4.4-liter 32-valve DOHC V8 supplies 282 horsepower but more importantly, 324 lb./ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission, BMW's version of the now popular 'shift for yourself' feature.

The interior is the epitome of reserved luxury. The seats come with a high degree of adjustment, including thigh bolsters. A commanding driving position is one of the admirable aspects of SUVs and is evident in the X5. The overall feel is perfect for the business of driving.

The X5 provides comfortable leather seating for five, adequate luggage space, a roof rack, and modest towing capabilities. Safety features include 2-stage front-impact airbags (Smart Airbags) for driver and passenger, side airbags for front seat occupants, and BMWs Head Protection System. Rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional.

Little Creek Farms is a collection of unpaved farm tracks beaten into Georgia's red clay. The X5 remained supple throughout the course as its suspension flexed but not its stiff unit body. The X5 remained solid, tight and rattle-free during the whole process.

The X5 provided good steering feel and feedback but none of the nasty kickback that some SUVs transmit through the steering wheel when the front wheels are self-steered by ruts. With standard full-time all wheel drive, All Season Traction (AST) control, Dynamic Stability Control for all-wheel drive (DSC-X) and Hill Descent Control, the X5 can handle anything a graded surface can throw at it . . . including a severe case of red clay mud.

The HDC is engaged by pressing a switch prior to going down a steep off-road hill. Then just remove your feet from the accelerator and brakes and the logic of HDC keeps the vehicle's speed at an optimum descent speed and in complete control far better than most drivers. Driving the X5 in these conditions hints at the bond between horse and rider. This is in keeping with BMW's tradition of outstanding communication between driver and machine.