Used 2011 BMW X5 Premium 35i for sale 

The 2011 BMW X5 is available in four basic trims, namely the xDrive35i, xDrive35iPremium, xDrive35iSport, and the xDrive50i. It falls in a price that extends from $46,300 for the base model to $58,900 for the top-rack variant. Standard features on the X5 include cruise control, auto-off headlights, keyless entry, and rain-sensing wipers.

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We recommend buying the base trim of the BMW X5 that features a Inline-6 engine and comes mated to an 8-speed-automatic transmission. It includes standard features like the rollover protection system, auto-leveling headlights, and cruise control. For us, the base trim is adequate enough and is a good value for money option.

The engine on duty on the BMW X5 is a 3.0L inline-6 engine that produces 300 hp of engine power and 300 lb.-ft of torque. The more powerful 4.4L V8 engine is capable of producing 400 hp of power and 450 lb.-ft of torque.

The X5 manages to complete the 60 MPH acceleration test in 6.8 seconds and records a top speed of 146 MPH, making it the fastest car in the segment. The BMW X5 comes mated to an 8-speed-automatic transmission that comes equipped with paddle shifters, for those times that the driver would want to control the shifts as suited to him.

In the segment, the Lincoln MKT is the only car that makes use of a 6-speed-automatic transmission, while all other cars come mated to an 8-speed-automatic transmission. The Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, both have lower power and torque figures and manage to race from a still to the 60 MPH mark in 7.9 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. In terms of power output, the Lincoln MKT has the least powerful engine on offer.

The traditional buyers in a segment that features big and brawny SUVs have very few expectations when it comes to fuel economy. The BMW X5’s fuel figures, though low as per segment standards, feel decent when considered in tandem with its size. The BMW X5 manages an average mileage of 16 MPG in the city, which subsequently increases to 23 MPG on the highway. Combined, the X5 manages 19 miles per gallon of fuel, which is the highest in the segment. It features a fuel tank that has a total capacity of 22.5 gallons and manages to cover a total distance of 360 and 517.5 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively.

In comparison, the Porsche Cayenne and Lincoln MKT manage similarly combined averages as the BMW X5. The Audi Q7 manages a combined mileage of 18 MPG, which is only diminutively lower than other cars of the class. However, Audi features the largest fuel tank in the segment and consequently covers the maximum distance in a single refill, managing 422.4 and 580.4 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively/.

The cabin of the BMW X5 is its most alluring aspect. It looks exceptionally well, and the wooden accents that run through the dashboard and central console add a lot of character to the overall design.

The seats are comfortable and feel relaxing on long drives. The total head-, shoulder- and legroom are 36.6/60/40 and 39.3/58/36.6 inches for the front and rear passengers, respectively. In terms of cargo capacity, the X5 has a maximum capacity of 61.8 cubic feet with all seats folded.

In comparison, the Lincoln MKT has the maximum amount of cargo space on offer at 75.9 cubic feet, followed by the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne at 72.5 and 62.9 cubic feet, respectively. In terms of total passenger space, both the Cayenne and X5 have a seating capacity of 5 passengers, while the Lincoln and Audi can seat seven passengers. In terms of passenger space for the front and rear passengers, the Lincoln MKT remains consistent and emerges victorious. Some standout interior features include:

• Navigation system
• Nappa leather upholstery
• iPod and USB adapter
• Heads up display
• Cruise control

How intuitive is the 2011 BMW X5 ’s infotainment unit?

The infotainment system on the BMW X5 features an 8-inch display screen and comes standard with features like AM/FM stereo, CD player, and HD radio. The infotainment system is innate in its usage and feels responsive. As one moves up the trim ladder, a premium sound system is made available at the buyer’s disposal. Other salient infotainment features include:

• Auxiliary audio input
• Radio data system
• CD-controller stereo
• Optional entertainment system
• Premium sound system

Perhaps, the one aspect that is a deal-breaker for any buyer in the segment is the way BMW X5 is designed. The 2011 iteration of the X5, unlike other BMW cars, lacks a sense of excitement and refinement. It feels outmoded.

The subtleness of the overall design does not work in the X5’s favor, given that all other cars in the segment have adopted rather aggressive design elements. Even though there are few design tweaks given to the current iteration, they do not make a compelling case in the X5’s favor. The X5 has a total length, width, and height of 191.1, 76.3, and 67.4 inches, respectively. It has a total ground clearance of 8.3 inches and a wheelbase that is 114 inches long.

In comparison, the Lincoln MKT is the longest car in the segment, standing at a total length of 207.6 inches. Consequently, it also features the longest wheelbase in the segment at 117.9 inches. The Audi’s Q7 is the widest car in the segment at 78.1 inches, while the Porsche Cayenne is the tallest at 69.3 inches. In terms of descending weight order, the Audi Q7 is the heaviest car in the segment at 5,192 lbs, followed by the BMW X5, Lincoln MKT, and Porsche Cayenne at 4,960, 4,637, and 4,475 lbs, respectively. Some standout exterior features include:

• Roof rails
• Running boards
• M Sport package wheel upgrade
• Sport Activity package wheel upgrade
• Panoramic sunroof

With an extensive list of active and passive safety features, the BMW X5 promises to be a safe and reliable car. While NHTSA ratings are not available, the X5 receives a rating of good in the IIHS crash tests. Standard safety features on the BMW X5 include airbags for the driver and passenger airbags, traction control, and electronic stability control. Salient safety features include:

• Auto-leveling headlights
• Rollover Protection system
• Electronic stability control
• Brake assist
• Child safety locks

The BMW X5 has a lot of potential. It is spacious, opulent, and rational. Its fuel efficiency may seem low but is the best-in-class when compared with competitors. The engine options on offer are potent and add a lot of punchiness to the drive. However, it is BMW’s old school and outmoded design that stands as a barrier in its path to success. If you’re looking for a generalist vehicle and do not prioritize exterior styling, the X5 is your pick, but we would recommend looking elsewhere.