2001 BMW X5 SUV Road Test & Comparison

In America, the word "truck" evokes images of freedom, strength, and adventure. Many fondly call their sports/utility vehicles "trucks." But when a German hears "truck" ("lastwagen") he thinks of a slow, Spartan beast of burden. So it's no surprise that BMW emphatically asserts its new X5 4.4i is nicht lastwagen: not a truck. But it's a shock that the company says this new vehicle is also nicht sport/utility vehicle, calling it instead a "sport activity vehicle." BMW has merit in its contention. The X5 4.4i is decidedly carlike in design and demeanor, and it lacks a key attribute that distinguishes SUVs from tall station wagons: the ability to go truly off road, not just "off pavement."

Whatever class you put it in, after our rigorous and varied introductory test drive, we can say the X5 4.4i is handsome, quick, great-performing, roomy, and certainly technology-laden. It offers a lot of positive SUV features, including tall seating positions, space way in back for a couple of Labrador retrievers, and the capability to tow three tons of toys. Yet, the X5 avoids typical SUV negatives like rough ride, chassis flex, dicey on-pavement handling, and lengthy stopping distances. It is, however, pricey: The V-8-powered X5 4.4i, the only version initially available, bases just under $50,000, while a loaded X5 4.4i such as we sampled is nearly $60,000. A six-cylinder version, likely called the X5 3.0i, will be available in late spring starting a hair under $40,000.

The next step in logic beyond BMW's contention that SUVs "are half minivan, half off-roader," is that the South Carolina built X5 4.4i is half minivan, half BMW 540i wagon. So, imagine the world's fastest, best-handling minivan. Then add in the enhanced slick-road acceleration of all-wheel drive. Garnish with panache and a sense of freedom, strength, and adventure not possible with a pavement-constrained people-mover. Whatever you'd choose to call it, that's the X5 4.4i.