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"         The first-generation BMW X5 has been a runaway hit with consumers: over 600,000 have been sold, more than double what the German manufacturer \u2014 hardly known for SUVs \u2014 had planned on producing. The icing on the cake? This &amp;quot;sport activity vehicle,&amp;quot; as the company is fond of calling its SUV offering, has brought more first-time customers to the brand than any other model. And a whole new consumer demographic may find themselves behind the wheel in a couple of years, as this may be one of the first BMW models to receive a new clean-burning diesel engine in 2008.   The main gripes about the original X5 \u2014 limited cargo room for an SUV and a somewhat harsh ride (particularly for rear-seat passengers) \u2014 have been addressed. Although it doesn&amp;#039;t really appear larger to the eye, the new ute is nearly 7.5 in. longer than its previous self \u2014 the rear cargo area is now large enough to accommodate optional third-row seating. And thanks to an all-new suspension design, a longer wheelbase and wider track, the X5 retains all of the sporty handling characteristics of the first version but with much more compliant-feeling road manners.   The new inline-6 engine in the X5 3.0si remains at 3.0 liters in displacement yet gains power (260 versus 225 bhp) while offering improved mileage (17 city/23 highway versus 16/21). The new V-8 is pumped up to 4.8 liters from the previous 4.4-liter unit, with 350 bhp on tap, an increase of 35 horses. The bigger bore does account for a loss of one mile per gallon in both city and highway driving, to 15 city/21 highway. Both engines are mated to a now-standard quicker-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission, resulting in a drivetrain that is quiet, responsive and luxury-sedan refined.   A host of new options is available \u2014 active ventilated seats, high-definition and Sirius satellite radio packages, a rear-seat entertainment system, power tailgate and an active steering system vastly improved over the ones we&amp;#039;ve sampled in BMW&amp;#039;s sedans \u2014 to name but a few.   The X5 is a high-quality vehicle and is priced as such: The MSRP on the inline-6-powered 3.0si model lists at $46,595, with the V-8 4.8i version at $55,195 (in comparison, the 250-bhp Porsche Cayenne runs $43,400, with the 340-bhp Cayenne S at $57,900). Add a couple of enthusiast extras like the sport package (active roll stabilization, 3-spoke steering wheel, sport seats and trim) and active steering, and the price increases by almost $5000. Throw in family hauler options such as a rear-seat entertainment unit, Sirius satellite radio, and the technology package (rearview camera, park distance control, navigation system with real-time traffic info) and the extras tally to nearly $10,000 (Porsche&amp;#039;s options are also pricey).   For those who can afford a vehicle of this sort, the all-new X5 will reward with the traditionally rich BMW driving experience in the sport-utility segment. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/reviews/a12710/bmw-x5/>