2011 BMW X5 Overview Change Vehicle

This 2011 BMW X5 review explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2011 X5, and includes BMW X5 safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

The BMW X5 receives significant updates for the 2011 model year. First, the X5 gets a styling makeover. Everything forward of the windshield is redesigned, and a revised rear end features more prominent exhaust outlets. Second, the two most popular models get new turbocharged engines mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions and brake regeneration systems, which means all X5 models are now turbocharged. The standard engine in the xDrive35i is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, while the xDrive50i features a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. Third, BMW adds a wider iDrive screen as standard equipment and new safety technology in the form of Active Cruise Control (with Stop and Go) and Lane Departure Warning to the options list. Overall, BMW claims its designers and engineers created more than 4,000 new parts for the 2011 X5, including the two new engines.

BMW offers the 2011 X5 in four different variants: X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive35d, X5 xDrive50i, and the high-performance X5 M.

Highlights from the X5 xDrive35i’s standard features list include dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats, adaptive Xenon headlights, and a nice stereo with HD Radio and an auxiliary audio input jack. Leatherette (vinyl) upholstery is standard. Upgrade to the X5 xDrive35d, and in addition to a turbo-diesel engine you’ll get a standard panoramic sunroof, BMW Assist telematics, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and auto-dimming rearview mirrors. The X5 xDrive50i is even better equipped, including leather, a premium sound system with an iPod/USB connection, dark-tinted rear privacy glass, and more.

BMW offers three primary option packages on the X5 xDrive35i, and we’ll bet 99 out of 100 built is equipped with the Convenience Package, which includes BMW Assist telematics, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, and a panoramic sunroof. A popular Premium Package is also available for the xDrive35i and xDrive35d, adding leather seats, dark tinted privacy glass, an iPod/USB connection for the stereo, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Buyers looking for a sportier driving experience can get the Sport Activity Package, which installs an adaptive sport suspension, sport-bolstered front seats, a thicker-rimmed steering wheel, Shadowline exterior trim, and big 20-inch wheels and tires. The optional M Sport Package is reserved for the xDrive35i and xDrive50i, and includes items from the Sport Activity Package plus a unique 20-inch wheel design, a body kit, an M-badged steering wheel, and front and rear parking sensors.

In addition to these packages, BMW offers the following upgrades for all models. The Premium Sound Package adds features a stereo with 16 speakers, an iPod and USB adapter, satellite radio, and a CD changer. The Rear Climate Package includes quad-zone climate control and rear window shades. The Cold Weather Package includes heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a ski bag. The Active Ventilated Seat Package features 14-way multi-contour front seats with ventilation and active seat bolsters to hold occupants in place during spirited driving. Finally, the new Driver Assistance Package adds automatic high-beam headlights, a parking camera system, and a heads-up display.

If that’s not enough extra-cost stuff for you, the X5 can be further equipped with features like a navigation system, a rear-seat entertainment system, Comfort Access keyless entry and ignition, active steering, active cruise control, a lane departure warning system, a third-row seat, heated seats, and a power tailgate. Full Merino leather is also optional on select models.

The 2011 BMW X5 is available with four different engines.

The X5 xDrive35i models are powered by BMW's new "N55" single-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six (not to be confused with the automaker's "N54" twin-turbo 3.0L inline-six). Constructed of aluminum alloy, to save weight, and equipped with direct injection for precise fuel delivery, the engine is rated at 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.

All xDrive50i models are powered by BMW's "N63" twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 4.4-liter V8 rated at 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. A variant of this engine is also offered in the 5 Series and 7 Series.

Introduced just last year, the fuel-efficient xDrive35d is powered by a diesel-burning, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six rated at 265 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. The engine is shared with the 3 Series, and features common rail injection, variable geometry turbochargers and piezo-injectors to deliver maximum efficiency, performance and refinement. A refillable diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) called AdBlue is injected directly into the exhaust, resulting in a chemical reaction that cuts emissions and allows the xDrive35d to be sold in all 50 states. The engine requires ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD).

Targeted directly at enthusiasts, the X5 M is powered by BMW's "S63" twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 rated at 555 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. The strongest powerplant in the automaker’s lineup, the engine is strong enough to move the 5,368-pound X5 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, making it a rocket among sport utility vehicles. The X5 M's top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The xDrive35d and X5 M feature six-speed automatic transmissions. The diesel model is fitted with BMW's Steptronic automatic, while the X5 M is equipped with an M Sport automatic transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control that includes Drive, Sport and M Manual shift modes. The X5 M also features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The xDrive35i and xDrive50i receive an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission for 2011. According to BMW, the new transmission weighs no more than its six-speed predecessor, yet offers closer ratios in the lower gears for improved acceleration and two additional tall gears for relaxed, fuel-efficient highway cruising. All of the X5’s transmissions are adaptive, meaning they are able to "learn" individual driving patterns to improve performance.

Engine power is sent to all four wheels through BMW's xDrive full-time all-wheel-drive system, which features a variable front/rear torque split and traction control. The system is tuned for on-road performance, but it is equally capable for light off-road use.

According to the EPA, the 2011 BMW X5 xDrive35i earns fuel economy ratings of 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway while the X5 xDrive35d returns 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway. The 2011 BMW X5 xDrive50i is expected to get 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, and the all-new X5 M guzzles premium gas at the rate of on gallon for every 12 miles travelled in the city and 17 miles on the highway.

As it has been doing for several years, BMW is offering free scheduled maintenance for the X5 during its initial warranty period of four years or 50,000 miles.

All 2011 BMW X5 models are equipped with a long list of standard safety features including six airbags; four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Standby, and Brake Drying; Dynamic Traction Control; Automatic Stability Control (ASC) with Trailer Stabilization; Start-off Assistant; Hill Descent Control; and Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X).

The 2011 BMW X5 has not been tested by the NHTSA for its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).* However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2011 X5 a Good rating in all assessments except for roof strength testing, which has not been completed for this vehicle.

As great as the X5 sounds, the continuing bugaboo for this model is reliability. Both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates believe the X5 will return slightly below average dependability over time.

* Starting with 2011 models, the NHTSA introduced tougher tests and rigorous new 5-Star Safety Ratings that provide more information about safety feature performance and crash avoidance technologies. Because of the more stringent tests, ratings for 2011 and newer vehicles should not be compared to ratings for 1990-2010 models.

BMW typically does an excellent job with platform engineering right out of the gate, but it usually takes a few years to sort out the little things. With five years under its belt, the X5 is more refined than ever and sports an impressive array of powerplants. Unfortunately, the X5 still doesn’t impress when it comes to reliability. While BMW covers everything for the first four years or 50,000 miles, any BMW X5 owned outside the standard warranty period requires an extended warranty because things will break, and they will be expensive. That’s why, if you must have a BMW X5, we strongly encourage you to lease rather than buy.

By Michael Harley and Christian Wardlaw