BMW X5 (E70) – Ought to I Purchase One?

The BMW X5, now in its fourth era, is one in every of BMW’s hottest vehicles worldwide, and it pioneered the crossover phase for the model. The generations embody the E53, E70, F15, and the present G05. Every era of the BMW X5 has its personal strengths and weaknesses, making it widespread for potential patrons to ask: Which BMW X5 era ought to I purchase? In our opinion, the BMW X5 (E70) will all the time be a stable selection, with some caveats.

A Timeless Design

The E70 BMW X5, produced between 2007 and 2013, affords a design that continues to be enticing and related. Its strong and well-proportioned exterior exudes a way of timeless class. The E70 X5 was designed to be greater, higher, and bolder. It was 60 mm wider (2.4 inches) and 165 mm longer (6.5 inches), with a wheelbase prolonged by 110 mm (4.3 inches) in comparison with the E53, but it maintained the identical peak, preserving its commanding presence on the street. Security was additionally a paramount concern within the design of the E70 X5. The SUV had a rollover threat of 17.4 p.c.

The BMW X5 E70 showcased distinctive design particulars reminiscent of its distinctive kidney grille flanked by dynamic headlights, muscular wheel arches, and a sloping roofline that hinted on the sporty character of the SUV, whereas the inside featured premium supplies, a driver-focused cockpit, and elective wooden or aluminum trim for an expensive but sporty ambiance. To enrich the luxurious inside, the E70 X5 launched high-end audio methods from manufacturers like Harman Kardon and Bang & Olufsen, offering an immersive listening expertise.

The BMW E70 X5 additionally launched quite a few consolation enhancements, together with a glass panorama roof, Moreover, for the primary time in a BMW, an elective third-row seat was provided. This addition elevated the E70’s seating capability to seven passengers, addressing criticisms of the E53 mannequin.

Environment friendly Powertrain Choices

The BMW E70 X5 noticed the introduction of extra fuel-efficient engines whereas sustaining BMW’s attribute efficiency. This marked a shift in direction of environmentally pleasant know-how with out compromising driving dynamics. With choices starting from the environment friendly 3.0-liter inline-six to the highly effective 4.8-liter V8, there’s an acceptable engine for each driving choice. The X5 M model, with its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered 547 horsepower and 501 lb-ft of torque, and it sounded nice. The entry-level E70 X5 was the three.0si powered by the N52 naturally aspirated straight-6 petrol engine. The N52 changed the BMW M54.

One standout mannequin is the BMW X5 (E70) xDrive35d with a 6-speed Automated. With its 265 HP diesel engine, this variant affords an ideal mix of energy and effectivity. The X5 xDrive35d is thought for its strong torque supply and spectacular gas financial system. Moreover, the mannequin options the M57 engine, celebrated for its sturdiness, reliability, and longevity. The one points we’ve seen talked about with the M57 are emission-related: DPF, EGR and the Adblue injection system. In the course of the Volkswagen emissions violations, the E70 BMW X5 xDrive35d diesel was used for instance of a compliant car.

New Engines for The BMW E70 X5 Facelift

With the launch of the facelift (LCI) in 2010, the E70 X5 debuted a brand new lineup of turbocharged engines that includes direct injection. Within the North American market, the gasoline powertrains accessible included the xDrive35i, geared up with a twin-scroll turbo six-cylinder (N55), and the xDrive50i, which boasted the N63 twin-turbo V8. Each had been mated to a brand new ZF eight-speed automated Steptronic transmission. These up to date petrol engines provided extra energy in comparison with their predecessors, with the xDrive35i additionally delivering improved gas effectivity and decrease emissions. The turbo-diesel xDrive35d continued to be accessible in North America, sustaining the six-speed transmission from the earlier mannequin 12 months. Moreover, the xDrive40d and a revised xDrive30d had been launched with the N57 engine, although neither was provided within the North American market.

There was additionally an E70 X5 xDrive48i powered by the N62 naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine. In 2022, the N62 was awarded “Worldwide Engine of the Yr”, “Finest New Engine” and “Above 4-liter” classes.

One other novelty was the introduction of the primary M Efficiency Package deal which provided clients bigger wheels, a sports activities suspension, M-design cues and a bit extra energy. The facelift additionally gave BMW the prospect to revamp their mannequin nomenclature to the designations we acknowledge at this time, with the three.0si and 4.8i changing into the xDrive30i and xDrive48i, respectively.

Expertise and Improvements

The E70 X5 introduced numerous technological improvements to the market as customary options, together with BMW’s iDrive system and an digital ‘joystick’ gearshift that optimizes console area by eliminating the mechanical connection to the gearbox. Moreover, it launched LED taillamps and the primary all-polypropylene single module fender. Notably, the E70 was the primary manufacturing car to make the most of FlexRay, a high-speed electrical bus system for chassis damping management. The Park Distance system was additionally enhanced, permitting integration with the elective rearview digicam for improved visibility.

Early types of Superior Driver Help Techniques (ADAS) began to seem within the E70 X5, setting the stage for extra superior options in future fashions. Enhancements reminiscent of adaptive cruise management and lane departure warning contributed to elevated security and luxury. Optionally available options included a heads-up show (HUD), lively steering, lively damping, and Dynamic Drive, which employs lively anti-roll bars with a hydraulic servo to attenuate physique roll.

Some of the notable updates to the X5 was the implementation of a double-wishbone entrance suspension. Changing the E53’s MacPherson struts, the double-wishbone setup offered the E70 X5  with considerably improved camber management over bumps and thru corners, leading to sharper driving dynamics.

BMW additionally unveiled two new methods for the steering and suspension: Lively Steering and AdaptiveDrive. The AdaptiveDrive system mixed adaptive electromagnetic dampers with lively roll stabilization, using electro-hydraulically powered sway bars in a single bundle. The Lively Steering system featured a variable-ratio steering rack, which facilitated simpler maneuvering at speeds beneath 57 mph and enhanced stability at larger speeds.

Reliability and Pricing

General, the E70 X5 has a status for reliability, particularly when correctly maintained. Many homeowners report that with common service and care, these automobiles can simply surpass the 200,000-mile mark. In 2024, the used automobile marketplace for the BMW X5 E70 in the US affords a variety of choices at numerous worth factors, reflecting the car’s versatility and lasting attraction. Costs for the E70 X5 rely on the 12 months, mileage, and situation of the car.

For instance, a 2011 BMW X5 xDrive35d with 86,325 miles is priced at round $12,495, whereas a 2014 mannequin with 100,000 miles is listed for roughly $14,992. Newer fashions, just like the 2017 BMW X5 xDrive35d with 85,000 miles, can be found for about $22,161. Excessive-mileage choices, reminiscent of a 2015 BMW X5 xDrive35d with 140,000 miles, might be discovered for $15,900.