Base versions of 2007 BMW X5, dubbed 3.0si, draw power from a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with Valvetronic valve timing, with a total output of 260 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 225 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,750 rpm. A sprint to 60 mph is estimated to require 7.8 seconds. The remaining X5 trim, the 4.8i, uses a 4.8-liter V8 pushing 350 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and a very respectable 350 lb.-ft. of twist at 3,400 rpm. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds for the V8 model, as well as ULEV II emissions compliance. A Steptronic manually-interactive automatic transmission is standard on all 2007 BMW X5s, now offering six speeds rather than five, and according to BMW, much quicker shifts. Gear changes are electronic, actuated by a simple click forward or back of a small lever.

Buyers of this updated example of BMW’s largest SUV will also enjoy and benefits from the brand’s xDrive full-time all-wheel-drive system, one that operates with a 40-percent front/60-percent rear power distribution until slippage occurs, at which point power is immediately reassigned to bias the wheels with the best grip. This technology also allows engine power to be doled out to appropriately counteract over or understeer during those lively runs through the canyon. Helping to limit such occasions is a double-wishbone front suspension coupled with a rear independent setup consisting, in part, of four control arms and soft front swing mounts.

Variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering is designed to deliver the 2007 BMW X5 driver plenty of response, with even more dialed in during aggressive driving, such as when slicing through corners at a good clip. New for 2007 are standard 255/55 run-flat tires wrapped around 18-inch alloy wheels. Larger 19s and 20s can be ordered, though the 19s are paired with all-season rubber, whereas the 20s carry on with the run-flat theme. Regardless of what tire and wheel setup is chosen, a standard tire pressure monitor promises to raise the alert if air pressure falls out of spec.