2002 BMW X5-Series Review

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Review:

by Phil Berg

Competition from Mercedes suggested that BMW wouldn't let its two-year-old V-8 X5 4.4i sport-utility remain an only child very long before a hot-rod model joined it. On sale this winter is a 340-horsepower hot-rod version called X5 4.6is that boasts the launch capability of a sport sedan: 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 6.2 seconds. Volume will be limited for this hot-rod model, not by production constraints, but rather by a price tag of $66,845, nearly $17,000 more than the 4.4i, and about the same as Mercedes' ML55 AMG sport-utility.

After a rousing drive, we think BMW is correct in predicting the X5 4.6is will be worth it only to a small group of buyers with specific needs. BMW says those needs include a high driving position and ease of loading stuff into the tall body. Both Mercedes and BMW continue to develop their SUVs for pavement and dirt, though Mercedes maintains its M-Class is capable off-road, while BMW says dirt roads are as rough as they expect an X5's environment to get.