The 2000 BMW X5 is all-new. Up until now, BMW didn’t even HAVE a sport utility (or actually, Sports ACTIVITY Vehicle, as BMW calls it), unless you count Land Rover’s offerings, which BMW owns. I don’t. This is because neither Land Rover nor any truck-based SUV really can compete with this trend-setting vehicle that redefines the standards of the breed. Up until now, when I have heard a manufacturer use a different description for one of their new offerings than the status quo, I figured it was a gimmick to try to differentiate their entry in a crowded field. In this case, BMW’s offering IS different.

It is the first SUV-like vehicle to actually handle like a sports sedan (which is just as well, since the X5 is loosely based on the BMW 5-series sedan, which is one of the best handling sports sedans on the market). It seems as if BMW wanted to have an entry that wouldn’t compete with it’s Land Rover line for luxury and/or off-road capability, but instead offer something that has the commanding view, wagon-like storage capacity, and AWD surefootedness of an SUV, with the handling characteristics of a 5 series sedan. Boy did they succeed.

The 2000 X5 is designed to compete on multiple fronts. On one hand, it’s definitely a luxury SUV that can go head to head with the Mercedes ML class or Lexus RX300. On the other hand, it’s a sports sedan in SUV clothing that AS OF YET HAS NO DIRECT COMPETITION. This is because no one has up until now been able to build an SUV-like vehicle that is truly fun to drive in the sports sedan/coupe genre. Even the most car like SUVs (the aforementioned Mercedes and Lexus models), while smooth riding, just do not handle as tightly as a good sports sedan does (and not just any one, the BMW 5-series, one of the best examples out there).

A multitude of reasons explains this. First, BMW started virtually from scratch with a new chassis and platform based on a unibody design that is longer, lower and wider than the Mercedes ML class. The front and rear subframes and suspension (MacPherson strut front and multilink rear) are adapted from the 5 series and 7 series sedans. However, unlike those capable sedans, the X5’s rear air springs utilize an automatic leveling system to keep it even, even with a full cargo load (1225 pounds). Its wheels are pushed as far as possible to each corner (similar to the cab-forward design used by Chrysler and numerous other manufacturers) which gives the X5 a more solid, stable stance. The front to rear weight distribution is 52/48, nearly even. There are a few new standard features that aid in handling.

The first, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), is meant to help maintain grip on wet turns. The second is Hill Descent Control, which is meant to stabilize downhill handling and keep speed consistent without holding down the brake pedal. The optional Sport Package includes even firmer springs, shock absorbers, and anti-roll stabilizer bars for all wheels. It also includes larger, 19 inch wheels (255/50R-19 in front, 285/45R-19 rear), and sports seats which grip you better during “sporty” driving. With the identical 4.4 liter, 282 HP V8 found on the BMW 540 and BMW 740 sedans, BMW claims the 0-60 time is 7.5 seconds.

It should be noted that the X5’s purpose is not to do heavy off-roading, as it has no low range or transfer case. But BMW figures that a vast majority of X5 owners will never use it for this purpose anyway.

The price? Well, base MSRP (which is what it’ll cost you for the foreseeable future) is $49,907 with the $570 destination charge included. This is WITHOUT options. However, the Sports Package would add $2470. Suffice it to say the X5 has a VERY long list of standard features already, some of which include dual zone automatic A/C, an alarm system with keyless entry, traction control, leather seating with dual 8-way power front seats, six airbags for the front passengers (and four available as an option for the rear passengers), a memory system for the outside mirrors, steering wheel and driver’s seat, roof rails, fog lights, 4 wheel anti-lock disc brakes, on-board computer, and yes, much much more……

I test drove a 2000 X5 to see all this for myself. Here are some personal observations.

Front: First of all, I’d like to point out this is the first sport utility-like vehicle that I find to be fairly easy to get into (without running boards), yet it offers a solid 7.1 inches of ground clearance, and a very commanding view from the driver’s seat. Once inside, luxury features abound. The stereo allowed one to change background noises (concert, jazz, church, etc…) which I must say I’ve never seen in a vehicle yet (but know is common on home stereos). The upgraded sound system was fantastic (300 watt, 12 speakers system), and easy to use. The X5’s super wide center console gives such a feeling of power and openness it’s unreal. The controls were easy to reach, although the climate controls took just a little time to figure out if you’re not used to BMWs (I admit I’m not).

The CD storage holder in the armrest is quite unique in design, and there is plenty of storage space in the map pockets, the center armrest, and behind the shifter. There seem to be an abundance of power outlets in this vehicle, both front and back (I counted 5). The seats were very supportive and comfortable (my vehicle had the sport package, which included the sport seats), and the Xenon headlamps floodlit the road ahead of me, making it almost as bright as day. (but I know how annoying they can be to oncoming traffic). Oh, did I mention that BMW’s new 5-speed Steptronic transmission comes standard with every X5? This is basically their version of the Tiptronic used in Audi/Porsche/VW, or the Sports Shift used in Honda.

For those just arriving from Mars, this is basically an automatic transmission that when shifted into Steptronic mode, one has a separate shift gate to tap the shifter up or down to go up or down a gear as they see fit. However, unlike a manual transmission, there is no clutch. The X5’s Steptronic does have the annoying tendency of shifting up a gear if your speed goes above a certain limit. I already knew these manumatic shifters shifted down automatically when your speed decreases below a preset limit, but I didn’t know they now control upwards shifting if you’re not quick enough to do it yourself. Now I do. Anyway, all in all it makes the X5 significantly more sporty and responsive than a normal automatic would have.

Rear: The rear seats are quite comfortable and roomy, even with the front seats back all the way. There is another power outlet for the rear passengers, and rear a/c/heating vents in the back of the front center armrest. And of course, cupholders. The rear seats fold down if necessary for extra cargo capacity. The X5 includes a full-sized spare, and more power outlets in the very rear for an electric plate warmer if you were to say, have a tailgate party. How, you ask? Why, by lowering the power liftgate! This is separate from the rear window, so it can indeed be used in such a way. One complaint/oddity: opening the rear hatch is a little bit of a pain, as your hand must reach up under an overhang on the rear hatch and apply pressure in such a way as to trigger a release switch. Finding how to keep the hatch up is another issue, as the test vehicle didn’t have gas springs to hold it up automatically.

The look of the X5 is definitely wide, beefy, and smooth. It has the front of a 5-series sedan, and the integrated fender flares built into the sheetmetal contribute to the X5’s solid, confident stance and profile. The back lights are reminiscent of the last generation 5-series sedan. A matte five spoke wheel design, and quad tailpipes make this vehicle a bad boy. Pure BMW.

The view from the driver’s seat was commanding. I felt like I was in a sport utility vehicle by that measure, but when I hit the accelerator and utilized the Steptronic transmission, I must say all similarities to an SUV went out the quad tailpipes. The confidence I derived from driving this vehicle grew with each successive mile. I slammed the brakes once, expecting the X5 to lurch forward, but VIRTUALLY NOTHING HAPPENED. I just stopped on a dime, thanks to those massive disc brakes. I pulled hard turns on a deserted country road, trying to get this vehicle to rock just a little. NOTHING. I’ve seen many cars, and sporty ones at that (including coupes) fare worse. Also, the 39.7 ft turning radius is top notch for not only this class of vehicle, but many others as well. For the first time ever, the supposed high center of gravity commonly found on this type of vehicle did not in any way affect my driving habits, or make me feel I had to tone down whatever came naturally with the 282HP V8 that puts a wide smile on one’s face.

The acceleration with the V8 was quiet, powerful, and smooth. I don’t know that this did 0-60 in 7.5 as BMW claims, but it felt darn good getting there in any case.

In all these regards, the X5 wasn’t first in class; it deserves a higher compliment:

The BMW X5 is it’s OWN CLASS of vehicle.

Overall, the 2000 BMW is a fantastic rush to drive. If you have always wanted the commanding view, hauling/towing ability, and AWD stability of an SUV-like vehicle, combined with the handling of a BMW 5-series sedan, this is the only vehicle that matters. The Mercedes ML 430 may come closest (MSRP with freight, $44,395.00), but although it is very car-like and luxurious concerning ride, it just doesn’t handle as well in the sense of a true luxury sports sedan. Perhaps the Mercedes ML55 (MSRP with freight $65,545.00) would be a better comparison, but you pay much more, wait for the right, and even then, I don’t know that the handling will be the same. The same goes for the Lexus RX300 (MSRP with freight $35,100.00, and note that this is with a V6, not V8 (there is no V8 offered on the Lexus, although BMW is planning to offer an X5 3.0i (a larger version of the 2.8 liter inline 6 cylinder engine used on the BMW 328 and BMW 528 series vehicles, with more horsepower and torque as well) in the coming months).

I like vehicles that do it all, without compromise. The X5 offers this in my opinion.

So for once, a manufacturer has correctly created an acronym-laden description that is not just a fancy name to stand out: The BMW X5 Sport Activity Vehicle. If you have the means, I definitely recommend trying one. I have no reservations about saving a space for it in my 10 car garage (if and when I have one).