2012 BMW X5 Total Car Score Analysis

The 2012 BMW X5 earns an average Total Car Score for the Luxury SUVs & Crossovers segment. 
 
Most critics had favorable things to say about BMW’s sports activity vehicle. They liked the depth of its powertrain choices, which include six- and eight-cylinder turbocharged gas engines and a turbodiesel. They appreciated the sporty handling offered by the X5’s well-tuned suspension system and xDrive all-wheel-drive system, though one reviewer did describe the firm ride as “choppy.” The X5’s cabin comfort and generous list of standard equipment received kudos, too.  
 
So why isn’t the X5’s Total Car Score in line with those positive comments? Two of our expert sources gave the X5 ratings far below the others, bringing its average down. Factor out those scores and the X5’s TCS is more in line with the positive assessments it received from the rest of the media.  
 
First introduced more than a decade ago, the X5 received new powertrains and revised styling last year. The 2012 BMW X5 receives just a few changes, including a new eight-speed automatic transmission behind the gasoline engines and some shifting of equipment in the option packages.

2012 BMW X5 Model Line-Up

The 2012 BMW X5 is a four-door, seven-passenger SUV that can be powered by gas or diesel engines and is available in several trim levels. (A high-performance X5 M is covered separately.) 
 
The base xDrive35i is well equipped with xenon headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, HD radio and automatic climate controls. The Premium xDrive35i adds 19-inch wheels, a moonroof, leather upholstery and heated front seats. The Sport Activity model brings 20-inch wheels, unique exterior trim and sport seats. The diesel-powered xDrive35d and top-shelf xDrive50i contain base and Premium content, including 18-inch wheels, heated seats, leather upholstery and a moonroof.  
 
X5 35i models are powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 producing 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The 3.0-liter inline-6 turbodiesel in the 35d makes 265 hp and 425 lb-ft. X5 50i models feature a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 producing 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque.  
 
The gas engines are backed by eight-speed automatic transmissions, the diesel is paired with a six-speed automatic, and all send power to all four wheels.  
 
EPA fuel economy for the 2012 X5 ranges from 19 mpg city, 26 highway and 22 combined for the 35d to 14/20/16 for the 50i.  
 
Properly equipped, the 2012 BMW X5 can tow up to 6,000 pounds.

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