The BMW X5 runs the gamut from an efficient luxury family vehicle in xDrive40e guise, to outrageous performance beast mode in the 567-hp X5 M. Many, however, will find these more potent models a bit too excessive for their tastes. Yet if you’re looking for a performance balance of fun with function, we (and Autoguide) suggest the xDrive35i.
All X5 models (save for the RWD sDrive35i) come with all-wheel drive, and the xDrive35i is one of them. It houses a potent 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. That’s plenty for an SUV of its size, but the devil is in the details. That turbocharger enables peak torque at just 1,300 RPM, meaning that the more gas you give it, the quicker you launch (there also isn’t much turbo lag to be found here). If you want more oomph, just kick the X5 into sport mode.
Autoguide can give you a full run down of this version’s performance—and the additional packages it uses to enhance this—in the video above. To drive a similar model, or one tailored to your tastes, contact our BMW dealership in Kingsport, TN. We can schedule you for a test drive, and also help you add the packages and options that will make it pop!