The X5 was BMW's first foray into the SUV (sport-utility vehicle) market. SUVs are big sellers and generate huge profits for car manufacturers, especially in the US, hence BMW felt it was a part of the market they had to enter. The X5 has a unitary body with a similar suspension layout to BMW's saloons. Consequently it handles extremely well, and is one of the best handling SUV available (apart perhaps from the even sportier Porsche Cayenne. The X5 is made in the USA, in the same plant as the Z4 sportscar is built. This makes great business sense for BMW, as the X5's biggest market is the USA.
It has the same 286bhp 4.4i V8 engine as was found in the 540i and the 740i (which were superseded by the 545i and 745i, which themselves were superseded by the 550i and 750i in late 2005), which means it is no slouch. Acceleration and top speed are class leading for SUV's, and impressive for any car. A turbo-diesel is also available, as well as a 3 litre straight six petrol engine. A range topping 4.6is V8 model was available, later replaced by an even more powerful X5 4.8is. My wife Eleanor currently drives a 2002 X5 3.0i Sport in black with grey leather. As a family car it is hard to beat and the only downside to running it is it's poor fuel consumption (around 17mpg around town). Despite it's thirst for fuel Eleanor is very fond indeed of her X5 especially as it drives so well.
Kyosho make this model of the X5, and it is no longer considered to be one of their best. It is well made with a good paint finish and a nice interior, but the engine bay is not that detailed and the wheels just don't look quite right. However to date (Jan 2006) it is the best 1:18th X5 available.
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