2010 BMW X5 (E70) xDrive 50i 8AT AWD (408 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The German automaker introduced the second generation of the X5 in 2007 and didn’t wait too long to give it a refresh just three years later.

While the engineers hurried to make the engines compliant with the Euro 5 emission standards, the design team didn’t work too much. In fact, only hard-core BMW fans could notice all the changes between a facelifted and a non-facelifted version of the X5 (E70). Or to keep the carmaker’s specific designation, the LCI (Life Cycle Impulse). Nevertheless, the big SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) was successful, and it sold in big numbers even though the world was struggling with a financial crisis.

On the outside, the 2010 X5 featured a new front bumper with larger air intakes to cool the brakes and the engine. Furthermore, BMW installed satin-silver trims on the side scoops and a shield-like plastic element at the bottom of the bumper. In the rear, the X5 showed similar-looking taillights, although there were more LEDs than on the 2007 model. Last but not least, the rear bumper was also redesigned and sported a wider body-colored area than on its predecessor.

Inside, at first sight, it was the same car, but that impression lasted until the owners turned on the infotainment system. It was a new iDrive, and its menus were much more intuitive. But the rest of the cabin remained basically the same. BMW offered an option for a third row of jump seats placed in the trunk area.

But the most significant changes happened under the hood, where BMW installed a new range of engines. Moreover, the carmaker ditched the formerly used six-speed automatic and replaced it with a newer and better eight-speed automatic gearbox. Depending on the version and options, the X5 was fitted with all-wheel drive or just rear-wheel driven wheels.