Consumer Reports July X5 Report

[Goodman]

I just read the CR test of Upscale SUVs, they but the X5 below almost every model except for the Land Rover LR3 and the Lincoln MRX. The top rated is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the Lexus RX and the MDX. I kind of understand that in that reliability is a big factor for them but placing the Volvo XC90 the Q7 and the Cadillac SRX above the X5 makes no sense.

[LeMansX5]

I ignore their ratings. Due to reliability factor Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus will always be on top of their list.
Historically they have never liked BMWs.

They still think it has stiff suspension as they compare with the Lexus and Acura.....and they criticize the running boards. But they do like the "handling, smooth engine, comfortable seats and impeccable fit and finish".

BMW X5
HIGHS | Handling, smooth powertrain, front-seat comfort, fit and finish.
LOWS | Ride, unintuitive controls and shifter, tiny third-row seat, delay for rear camera, two-step ignition procedure.

On the shifter
DUMBFOUNDING DUO The X5’s electronic shifter rivals the iDrive driver interface in confusing drivers. You need to deliberately push the top button on the shifter to put the vehicle in Park. You need to push the shifter forward to put the vehicle in Reverse from Park.

[x5user]

It can't be ignored

[Meiac09]

Originally Posted by LEMANSX5

LOWS | Ride, unintuitive controls and shifter, tiny third-row seat, delay for rear camera, two-step ignition procedure.

1) Volvo's ride is worse, drive one with adaptive drive and even they would like it
2) More intuitive than the knobby thing in the MDX
3) Lex+Toyota don't have one, volvo's is smaller
4) They all do it, at least this one has it and a PDC fxn
5) They're too stupid to figure out CA

On the shifter
DUMBFOUNDING DUO The X5’s electronic shifter rivals the iDrive driver interface in confusing drivers. You need to deliberately push the top button on the shifter to put the vehicle in Park. You need to push the shifter forward to put the vehicle in Reverse from Park.

but it shre beats the hell out of a column shifter, though

I think CR is completely biased towards japanese toasters, they seem like driving cars without oil changes and loose all their luster after three years. $.02 IMO, but to lose to a Volvo? That's just stupid. They make your back hurt after 90 minutes behind the wheel and don't handle worth a damn.

[trueX5er]

The shifter is simple and intuitive, coming from BMW's steptronic layout....I think it has an excellent ride...I don't even use the rear camera, and I don't have a rear seat, and the ignition steps aren't that hard..

Of Course they are biased, the Lexus RX350 is their perfect dream car, and they won't let anything be better than it.

[mrkbbd]

I never understand why people complain about iDrive so much, it's not that difficult. I'm no genious and I figured in out in about 10 minutes, if they spend the time to learn how it works there would be no complaints because they would realize how many buttons and knobs the joystick takes the place of and how much more intuitive it is than they think.

[rangerfan]

I found the reviews humorous. The X5 is the performance leader of the cars tested, but they find the ride harsh, the technology difficult to use, and the car expensive. I like the 'hard' ride. I enjoy the techno-gadgets. And I like the premium aspects of ownership. Yes, it's expensive, but I get great service with loaner cars that I enjoy driving, free maintenance for 4 years, and and overall awesome resale value. So in essence the things they don't like are the things that put me into my 04 X.

[MrLabGuy]

Consumer Reports should stick to Toasters and Microwaves. Their track record for car picks is horrendous. I no longer use them for a reference for anything.

[trueX5er]

Originally Posted by MrLabGuy

Consumer Reports should stick to Toasters and Microwaves. Their track record for car picks is horrendous. I no longer use them for a reference for anything.

Same...they are only slightly better than CNET at reviewing cars...and both are in love with Toyota and Honda...

[5Xwen]

Consumer Reports is mainly about what is "best" for the "general population." I would expect CR to rate the Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX and Acura MDX higher than the X5 - and I would expect all 3 to outsell the X5. However, most of the people that enjoy driving would choose the X5.

Having said that, I agree that iDrive, shifter weirdness, and 2-step ignition procedure are negatives. I'm glad none of these "features" are on my 2005 X5.