2008 BMW X5

Crossovers -- which handle like sedans but have the ground clearance and all-wheel drive of an SUV -- are now common, but BMW had one of the first entrants to the segment with the X5 in 2000. The second generation X5, introduced in 2007, added more cargo space without compromising handling, and is offered with an inline-6 or a V8 engine. With a cabin trimmed like a luxury sedan, it isn't intended to compete for off-road honors, but will look great at an upscale ski resort.

BMW offers the X5 in two models. The basic 3.0i is fitted with BMW's 3-liter inline-6, shared with the X3, which produces 260 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. The upscale 4.8i with lots of luxury upgrades is equipped with BMW's 4.8-liter V8, which produces 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque and is capable of towing a 6000-pound trailer. All X5s are equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission. Independent tests indicate fuel efficiency of 17-18 mpg.

BMW restyled the X5 in 2007, keeping the sleek lines, but lengthening it by seven inches to add a little more rear legroom and more cargo room and offer an optional third-row seat. Height and width also were increased by two inches. Weight increased by 400 pounds, to 5000 pounds, but BMW has still managed to preserve the supple sports-sedan handling of this rig, which matches the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and beats the Volvo XC90.

Though the all-wheel drive is capable of handling on-road rain and snow, but with less-than-SUV clearance, the vehicle is more suited for dirt roads than rock climbing. BMW prefers to call it a 'sport activity vehicle' (SAV) than a sport-utility in any case, and with the additional cargo room (11 cubic feet larger than a Volvo XC90 though, surprisingly, less than the BMW X3) it can easily handle off-road bikes or camping equipment.

The interior is much more like a BMW 7-Series than a sport-utility, as well, All materials are top quality, and the perforated upholstery is soft and comfortable. Second row seating is spacious, but the third-row seats are best left to the children. Climate and audio can be controlled independently, as well as by that iDrive single-knob computer-screen system (standard on both models) which has been the object of much criticism, but does make the navigation system easy to operate.

In addition to the larger engine, the 4.8i is equipped with steering-linked headlamps and multi-adjustable front seats. An lengthy list of options is available on both models, including satellite navigation, rear seat entertainment system, back-up camera, full-roof sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, driver's seat massage, front and rear climate zones, and many others. A Sport Package includes anti-roll stability control and run-flat tires.

Safety equipment includes two-stage dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, front-seat side-impact air bags, antilock brakes with electronic traction control, adaptive headlights, and cornering lights.