BMW X5 Overview

BMW describes the X5 as a Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) rather than an SUV, to emphasize its on-road ability despite its size. Like the Lexus RX 300 and Mercedes M-Class, the X5 heralded the shift from truck-based body-on-frame SUVs to sedan-based crossovers that would come to fruition in the late 2000s.


BMW X5




BMW X5


BMW X5


BMW X5


BMW X5


BMW X5


BMW X5


BMW X5


BMW X5


BMW X5


BMW X5


BMW X5


BMW X5

BMW’s next X3 will grow in size but prices will remain the same

It seems that virtually every nameplate grows in size with every new iteration, and the 2010 BMW X3 SUV will be no different.

BMW's X3 is often derided as a poor man's X5, a comparison that will become much more credible once the next-generation model rolls in early next year. The new model will be almost as big as the original X5 and better equipped, but thanks to increased competition in the small SUV segment pricing will remain similar to the current X3.

This increase in size and a greater range of equipment means the 2010 BMW X3 will be moving upmarket, but its prices will hover at their current levels to stave off competition from the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes Benz GLK, both of which undercut the current X3 by around $2,000 and $6,000 respectively.

That means the new X3 will likely be priced no higher than the $40,525 sticker for the current model. The GLK, meanwhile, starts at $34,775, while the Q5 quattro starts at $38,025.

The information comes from BMW’s U.S. chief, Jim O'Donnell, who told Automotive News that cost savings will be made from building the X3 at the Spartanburg plant in South Caroline rather than importing it from Europe as is the practice with the current model.

Even with more features and no price hikes, BMW is still remaining realistic about the vehicle’s sales performance. Last year, the company sold close to 18,000 X3 SUVs, but this year sales are barely expected to reach one-third of that figure.