The BMW X5 defines an expanding group of big, powerful SUVs that shine for their on-pavement agility and responsive acceleration, with an emphasis on safety, comfort and luxury appointments.

The 5-passenger X5 is available in three trims: xDrive30i, xDrive35d and xDrive48i. The xDrive30i gets a 260-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, while the xDrive35d is outfitted with a 3.0-liter twin turbo inline six-cylinder diesel engine that puts out 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. At the top of the power range, the xDrive48i boasts a 350-hp 4.8-liter V8 engine. All trims share the same standard six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic manual shift mode, as well as BMW's xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a Panorama glass moonroof, bi-xenon adaptive headlamps, automatic climate control, wood interior trim and leatherette upholstery (leather on the xDrive48i); an optional third-row seat adds versatility, increasing seating capacity to seven passengers. Safety features on every X5 include anti-lock disc brakes, Dynamic Stability Control with traction control and rollover sensor, run-flat tires and a tire pressure monitor, along with front side-impact airbags and overhead curtain airbags for all rows.

For 2010, the BMW X5 gets HD radio added to standard equipment on all trim levels.

 NHTSA Frontal Crash Test
NHTSA rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars, with five stars indicating the most injury protection and one star indicating the least protection.