If you own a pickup truck or SUV chances are your vehicle looks quite a bit different than from the day that you bought it home from the dealership. I'm not talking about wear and tear, scratches or dings, or any other thing that may have happened to it over the course of time. Rather, I am suggesting that you have customized it to look the way you want it to look. Let's take a peek at some popular accessories on the market for pickups as well as for SUVs.

There are literally hundreds of after market parts and accessories available for trucks and SUVs. The following list is an alphabetical example [well, almost] of add-ons for your consideration:.....


Air Filter - Reusable air filters are growing in popularity as motorists see both the performance and environmental benefits of using one.

Bed Mats - Scratches and stains are a thing of the past with a properly installed bed mat on any pickup truck.

Car Bras - Also known as hood protectors, many truck and SUV owners are opting for this important accessory to keep their vehicles free from flying debris as well as to give their vehicle a custom look.

Dog Box - Even poochie needs his place. Especially a great idea for protecting your GMC Yukon from pet hair and dander.

Engine Module - Looking for more power? An engine module will allow your truck or SUV to obtain higher horsepower and acceleration.

Fender Flares - Going for a custom look? If so, fender flares are the way to go and they offer additional coverage for the fender area too.

Grille Guard - Especially helpful if you have to round up cattle or want to offer extra special protection to your front end.

Hitch - Great for towing!

Intake Tube - More air for your engine, means more power.

Jumper Cables - You never know...

Knock Sensor - Not really an accessory, but listed because I needed a "K" to complete the example.

Liquid Tank - When you just have to keep it all cool...

Mud Flaps - A cool as well as useful accessory to keep your wheels looking great.

Nerf Bars - Tubular free form bumpers beat out stock bumpers every time.

Overhead Storage - Hey, you have to store your firearms somewhere, don't you?

Performance Chip - A great way to crank out more horsepower and thrust.

Q - Not much use for this letter, is there?

Running Boards - Sometimes you need something more than a pole vault to enter your 4 x 4.

Seat Covers - Custom fitted seat covers can protect your seats from rips, tears, and stains.

Tailgate Door - Remove the door and go with the net. Keeps everything in its place.

Umbrella - You'll need one to get from your truck to your home.

Vent Visor - Keeps the water from drenching you while exiting your GMC Suburban.

Winch - You just never know when you'll get stuck...

X+Y+Z - Okay, close enough. They don't name hurricanes with these letters, so why should accessories be any different?

If you were to fully accessorize your truck or SUV with all of these parts you would pay thousands of dollars for the privilege. Your vehicle would also look overdone too! Of course, it would be better for you to be selective and choose those accessories that mean the most to you. Shop an online wholesaler of automobile parts and accessories for the best prices too.

Photo: http://autoaccessories4less.com

Featured Links:

+ Dummy Health Guide for Malaysian
+ Dating and Relationship Blog
+ Malaysia Real Estate Blog
+ GeekMalaya - Malaysia Computer and Technology + Blog

Related Post:

+ Trailer buying guide
+ Truck tool boxes
+ Choosing the right tire for your stock Jeep Wrangler
+ What are nerf bar and why do you need them
+ Truck service body

Author: Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance automotive writer for various print and online publications. Please visit The Auto Writer and Auto Trends for your sampling of cutting edge automotive news.

Top Truck and SUV Accessories

Handling and Performance

When wanting power, the delivery of the power in a Highlander hybrid is pretty fast, near instantaneous, and the actual performance level of the vehicle is pretty close to being the best of any SUV on the market, regardless of hybrid or conventional engines. The power train in the Highlander is much closer to the Lexus RX 400h's, and the V6 engine has been modified to assist air conditioning and power steering, as well as being dual-cam. Both of the engines, electric and gas-powered together, give a combined horsepower of 167, as well as giving 247 lb-ft torque.

As for the gasoline engine itself, it is 3.3-liter V6, which is found in another one of Toyota's luxury vehicles, the RX 330. This particular engine is fantastic, being able to produce a horsepower of up to 268, and when it is given support by the two electric motors, it's only more impressive. As for the electric motor in front with the gasoline engine, the two together are definitely able to handle any driving conditions. The rear electrical motors are only used in the event that the front wheels may begin to lose traction or helping the acceleration achieve full-throttle.......



As for the gasoline engine, it has the same feature as many hybrids to simply turn off whenever the Hybrid is decelerating or stopping, so that the electric motor can take over.

The hybrid can reach 60 mph in about 8 seconds, and that is certainly considerably faster than a conventional Highlander. Not to forget, though, the Highlander only has to consume around the same amount of gas as a compact sedan.

As for the handling, the vehicle is tight and composed. With the 300 lbs of extra weight added by the electric motor in back, the Highlander settles on the ground much better than others. Other than that, the strut suspension, of the MacPherson variety, is along the front stabilizer bars and wit rear, making the vehicle much easier to put on rough roads.

Gas Mileage and the Green Factor

Toyota Motor Corporation has long focused on this move towards being eco-friendly, and so it is no shock that the Toyota Highlander is another in a long line of Econ and EV driving vehicles. The green quality of this vehicle is impossible to ignore, as this is a vehicle that actually limits what exactly the throttle can do in order to secure a more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly car. While that makes it more difficult for the engine to truly reach its full capacity, the EV mode still makes the vehicle more efficient.

The US EPA had a rating of 27 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg in highway driving, which is amazing in comparison to other hybrid sedans on the market, much less SUVs. In looking at the ratings, it is quite obvious that because the electric motor operates so often while driving in city conditions, the mileage is much better.

Finally, the Highlander is a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle, also known as an SULEV. This particular SUV is fairly straightforward, as the toxins and harmful emissions from this particular vehicle are even less than someone smoking a cigar. It sounds amazing, but it is true, as there is 80% less pollution from the Highlander than from a conventional, average-sized SUV. As a result, this vehicle is the perfect suburban vehicle.

Additional Features

Already previously mentioned, the Highlander is the only SUV currently on the market that actively offers a third-row seat. As opposed to the RX 400h or Ford's Escape hybrid, even the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, this vehicle is still hands down better than the competition for room.

As for safety features, the air-bags are strategically placed, as well as there being a reinforced body and an electronic brake force distribution. The brake systems are anti-lock, as well as there being a star safety system. There are also daytime running lights, helpful in the event that there is fog or other inclement weather. Finally, there is a theft-deterrent system in place that also causes an immobilization of the engine.

The warranty from Toyota is not as spectacular as the vehicle itself, mainly because it only covers the first 3 years, or for mileage up to 36,000 mi. The actual warranty for the power train is 60 months, or, of course, 60,000 miles, and that isn't quite as long as some of the other warranties Toyota offers for vehicles.

Although, given all of what has been talked about, the Highlander is a pretty amazing vehicle overall. The features and the description of the exterior are definitely in support of the opinion that this vehicle is the best hybrid SUV on the market now. When you're someone who doesn't normally like to buy SUVs, but you have a concern for the environment and may need to get an SUV, this is definitely the car for you.

Photo: http://www.toyota.com/highlander/

Ads: Health, Beauty, Fitness blog

Related Post:

+ Are hybrid trucks the wave of the future?
+ Chevrolet Silverado Performance Tuning
+ 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer SS
+ 1990 Dodge Dakota
+ Top 5 Trucks for gas mileage

Author: You can check out more hybrid car reviews at hybridcarchat.com. Join the hybrid forums and receive a free guide to increasing your gas mileage.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Extended Review

The 2008 Honda CR-V is the latest in line with the Suv's keeping up the Honda style and technology. The CR-V 2008 is a step over its predecessor, the crv 2007. There are many significant changes in this car and higher technology integrated. From the outside the body is sleek and smoother. The car features body colored bumpers. The Ex and the EX-L classes include one touch power mono roof. Included in this is a tilt feature. Also this car sports folding power side mirrors.

The interior of the car is also improved a lot. It is bundled with the available Honda satellite linked navigation system to help you drive around. It essentially keeps you from getting lost. The leather seats are heated for driving comfort. The steering column is tilt and telescopic so that it can fit and adjust according to the driver.

Significant changes have been made in the engine also. The car is powered by a 166 hp DOHC I VTEC engine having 4 cylinders. It has a great fuel economy and the vehicle gives ultra low emission carrying the ULEV designation. It runs as 1800 rpm. It has a torque of 161 lbft. The mileage that this car gives is also very good averaging at 20/27 miles per gallon on the city and on the highway......



The style is basically a blend between the premium SUV and the SUV formula CR-Vs. The SUV adds to its features the power driver's seat and an automatic climate control. The CRV was one of the best selling SUV vehicles of the year 2007 with its many versatile features and providing a spacious five passenger seating.

This SUV has a sedan like handling features. It is engineered towards complete safety of the passengers. This car has a five star safety crash safety rating that is the highest rating to be ever given out by the federal government. This rating includes both frontal impact as well as impact from the rear. The CRV is rated as the top safety pick by the Insurance institute of highway safety. The CRV is only the second SUV that has every obtained the highest safety rating by the federal government for both frontal and real impacts and also obtain the top stop in Insurance institute of highway safety rankings.

The Honda CRV 2008 is built refining its own style and added further enhanced features. These are serious upgrades in terms of quality and control. One of the most essential features is having a dual zone climate control system in the car. The drivers' seat has an eight way power adjustment feature and a power lumber support that is an added feature in the CR-V EX-L. The EX-L models are also equipped with premium audio systems which are taken from the Honda satellite linked navigation system cars. This car brings together the features of the best SUVs and has the ride and comfort and the handling of a sedan. With the dynamic and the interior styling this car is sure to attract both new and old Honda buyers.

Also as mentioned the SUV is packed with safety features making this car the safest car of the year. A lot of detailed emphasis has been put into safety. The safety technology that has been applied to this out distances the nearest competition by implementing the features that are beyond the conventional industry standards. This includes side curtain airbags that contain a rollover sensor. Also a front side air bag with a passenger side occupant position detection system. It is equipped with antilock breaking system and electronic brake distribution. Also included is a tire pressure monitoring system. It has a rigid body with fully independent suspension. This results in a quite cabinet which has smooth and agile handling capabilities. The 4.2 v-tech cylinder engine and a standard 5 speed automatic gear transmission provide and excellent balance of power that makes driving this car a pleasure.

The construction feature of the SUV features extensive use of high speed steel to provide rigidity. There are various luxury features in the interior that make the car more delightful like the center table that is used for holding beverages. There is also a 12 v power outlet available as an auxiliary jack along with the audio system. The audio system provides the interior with 160 watts of power and allows portable music playbacks. Over all this is a splendid car to own in the city as well as for a smooth ride in the highways.

Photo: http://www.casanovacars.com

Ads: Health, Beauty, Fitness blog

Related Post:

+ 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
+ 2007 BMW X5 SAV
+ Are Hybrid Trucks The Wave of The Future?

Author: Search, post, and find car reviews, auto classifieds, and used cars at VehicleRide.com

2008 Honda CR-V Review

Thanks to the Chrysler Group’s relationship with Mercedes – both companies are owned by DaimlerChrysler – the automaker markets a successful group of full size, rear wheel drive cars powering the Dodge and Chrysler brands. Tapping Mercedes technology in the form of their suspensions, rear differentials, and automatic transmissions three vehicles, including the Dodge Magnum, are now gracing North American highways with their “can’t miss” presence. The Dodge Magnum wagon, as the first vehicle based on the LX platform, has successfully erased most people’s concept of what a “station wagon” should be. With its menacing front end, rakish body lines, and abundant hauling capacity the Magnum is no mere “mom mobile” instead, the car is a true sport wagon. Taking that theme to the extreme is the Magnum SRT8, the ultimate fusion of sport wagon and muscle car.

When it comes to engines, Magnum owners have plenty of choices. From the 2.7L V6 powering the SE, to the 3.5L V6 found underneath the hood of the SXT, to the explosive intensity generated by the 5.7L Hemi V8 that comes with the sporty R/T, Magnum owners have a variety of choices not found in many vehicle’s of its class. Thinking that some Dodge fanatics would want even something more powerful than the R/T, the brand released the SRT8 in 2005 which features a 6.1L Hemi V8 that bangs out an extraordinary 425 horses and 420 lb.-ft of torque. Add on the 20 inch aluminum wheels, firm up the suspension, and equip the model with bigger brakes and you have one untamable Magnum!

Even with its added luster, the Magnum SRT8 isn’t keeping Dodge devotees from pimping their rides to help them achieve the look and feel that they want. Some popular, highly desirable aftermarket parts for the Magnum SRT8 include:






Cool/Cold Air Intake Systems – If you want even more horsepower and improved torque, then an air intake system for your Magnum is in order. Airaid and Dub Air are two brands that have effectively created systems that have been specifically made for your Magnum SRT8. With the Airaid you have a choice of two models; the premium version comes with a Ram air scoop for added good looks. Both Airaid systems bump up horsepower by 14 and torque by 17, while the Dub Air produces near equal power improvements as well. Enjoy the throaty tone of an air intake system with your SRT8!



Performance Exhaust Systems – The Magnum SRT8’s exhaust system is adequate, but a Magnaflow Exhaust maximizes performance with its cat-back design and stainless steel properties. You get a rich exhaust tone, see horsepower and torque increase by 16 and 19 respectively, and you get a lifetime warranty with your Magnaflow exhaust system. Yes, the same stainless steel used by Boeing and Airbus in their jets is the steel that is used by Magnaflow.

Of course, many enthusiasts are installing both the performance intake system and the exhaust system to help them achieve the ultimate driving experience that a Dodge Magnum SRT8 can possibly offer to them.

Yes, there is nothing “station” about the Dodge Magnum, a car with the potential to effectively haul people, haul stuff, and to haul ass!

Author: Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer for Premier Truck Accessories: http://www.premiertruckaccessories.com a leading retailer of SRT aftermarket products for the Dodge Magnum SRT8: http://www.premiertruckaccessories.com/srt8.html including performance air intake and exhaust systems: http://www.premiertruckaccessories.com/srt8combo4.html . Please stop by our online shop today to explore our huge supply of performance parts and accessories.

Dodge Magnum SRT8

The 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe has been designed and crafted by Chevrolet the automobile manufacturer with family safety in mind. Just like any other vehicle from Chevrolet, the 2007 Tahoe has made it a point to be able to perform well as well as provide safety before a crash, during a crash, as well as after a crash. This vehicle comes in three trim levels that comprise of the LS, the LT, and the LTZ.

The 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe is one of the first creations of General Motors as per new full size sport utility vehicles. The interior layout of this vehicle is quite symmetrical and very engaging. It also incorporates a build quality that is vastly superior to any other previous vehicles crafted by the company. The vehicle had dropped off the hard plastic trim framing controls and put in its place modern and cohesive construction that provides and exudes a more European look. The new interior holds beautiful import materials thus providing a premium-touch surface and a tasteful element in styling. As per noise, this hubbub from the road and the wind is well hidden and kept away from its passengers. It holds the capacity to absorb persistent surface degradation. The whole vehicle is very rattle-free.



As per the company’s leaning towards safety, they have included several features so as to showcase their efforts in providing extreme safety during inevitable accidents, crashes, and collisions. Antilock brake systems, or also known as ABS, has been designed so as to assist in maintaining steering control. This system does this by reducing wheel lockup during hard braking on slippery surfaces. The StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System has been added in so as to improve vehicle stability especially on slick surfaces. When this feature senses that the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe is not responding to steering input, it automatically adjusts the engine torque and brake pressure at each wheel so as to assist the driver in getting the Tahoe back on track. Other safety features include Daytime Running Lamps, the OnStar system, the Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children, or LATCH, system, frontal air bags, side-impact airbags, head-curtain side air bags, and front air bags with passenger sensing system.


Other features of the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe include bumpers, power doors, black door handles, halogen fog lamps, a luggage rack with center rails, heated mirrors, a rear parking assist, 17-inch aluminum wheels, cargo mats, cargo shades for the third row, a cruise control, climate controls, an electric defogger, a remote keyless entry, an adjusted and tilt wheel steering column, a sunroof, sun visors, temperature control and a theft-deterrent system among many others.


Whether having a journey on extreme conditions or on sleepy town roads, the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe deserves excellent maintenance so as to be able for this vehicle to continuously offer the best functionality and longevity. Maintenance involves taking care of its parts as well as involving replace worn out parts. Worn out parts could jeopardize the health of the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe and could pose to be a danger for its driver and passengers. Excellent and quality Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet car parts could be found at Auto Parts Discount’s online store. http://www.carpartswholesale.com is one of the leading online stores where owners can get guaranteed high quality parts at low prices.

Author: Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 38 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications. His site is Auto Parts Discount http://www.carpartswholesale.com/cpw/chevrolet-car-parts.html

2007 Chevrolet Tahoe

It will be BMW’s first ever car to be made available with the option of a third-row seating, to welcome up to seven passengers.

That's the all-new, second-generation BMW X5 SUV, to be launched soon in Europe.

SUV or... SAV for Sports Activity Vehicle, as BMW called it since its launched its first generation in 1999, lifting its image - and specifications - above the more utilitarian attribute of Sports Utility Vehicles.





Selling more than 580,000 units of the first X5 generation was a respectable figure for a luxury priced SUV, considering in particular that it was the first step for the Bavarian brand into the SUV market as such. Having well over half a million people trust the brand with its first step in SUV land, especially in the elitist premium price brackets, can be safely qualified as an achievement.

The all-new X5 will be available then in standard 5- or optional 7-passenger configurations, and in any case, with more power, lower emissions, better fuel consumption, an all-new six-speed automatic gearbox and several new technologies in the segment such as the head-up display, run-flat tyres, adaptive drive suspension management.

Back in 1999, t he first generation BMW X5 was the first SUV-type vehicle to offer a genuinely sporty car-like drive, thanks to its crossover structure with a unitary body construction rather than a traditional truck-like body-on-frame architecture.

Hence the German automaker Sports Activity Vehicle phrase to underline its dynamic attributes over the rather utilitarian construction of many traditional SUVs.

Seven years after its 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show debut, the all-new X5 mission will be to reconfirm, once again, its premium status with a new list of firsts for its category. The Bavarian carmaker describes it new X5 as the world’s first SAV (OK, we'll read it as crossover SUV) to be offered with Head-up Display, an active suspension system - BMW’s adaptive drive package, active steering and run-flat tyres.

For a brand often described as the ultimate driving machine, description starts from... the engines, naturally. And the new BMW X5 is powered by the latest, most advanced engines.

A choice of three units will offered at launch, two petrol and one diesel, all of which feature increased power compared to the engines in the outgoing model, while also posting more economical consumption figures and reduced emissions.

In the UK, the biggest seller is expected to be a 2,993cc six-cylinder diesel but, for those preferring petrol power, the X5 can also be specified with a 2,996cc six-cylinder or a 4,799cc V8 engine........


Starting from the most frugal between the three choices, the BMW X5 3.0d uses a diesel engine with high-precision piezo crystal injection technology for better economy and emission figures. This advanced technology, combined with the introduction of an all aluminium crankcase that saves 25kgs in weight compared to the former 3.0-litre diesel engine, sees the new X5 record improved performance figures. It is now seven per cent more fuel efficient with a combined fuel consumption figure of 32.5 UK mpg (27.08 US mpg), or 8.69 litres per 100 km, while also emitting eight per cent less CO2. The 3.0d engine records 231g/km.

Although more economical, the new BMW X5 3.0d comes with increased power. Output is 231hp, up six per cent compared to the previous model, and maximum torque is 520 Nm, up four per cent. Peak torque is available from 2,000 to 2 ,750 rpm offering near swift yet refined motoring, powering the BMW X5 3.0d from zero to 62mph (100 km/h) in 8.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 134 mph (215 km/h), or 130 mph (209 km/h) for the non-Dynamic Package equipped model.

Based on the world’s lightest production inline six-cylinder petrol engine, the BMW X5 3.0si comes equipped with BMW’s Double Vanos and Valvetronic variable valve technologies for high performance, yet economical motoring. In simple terms, Double Vanos determines when the engine’s valves open (timing), while Valvetronic determines by how much they should open (lift).

The net effect of both systems is that the engine is operating constantly at its optimum efficiency with only the exact amount of fuel needed being used. Hence, the X5 3.0si has a combined fuel consumption of 25.9 UK mpg (21.58 US mpg), or 10.9 litres per100 km, an 18 per cent improvement compared to the previous X5 3.0i, and an emissions figure of 260g/km.

Developing 272hp at 6,650rpm, the engine peak torque of 315 Nm is reached at 2,750rpm, with zero to 62mph dispatched in 8.1 seconds. Top speed for the new BMW X5 3.0si is 140mph (225 km/h) when fitted with the Dynamic Package, or 130mph (210 km/h) without it.

With its 355hp engine, the BMW X5 4.8i is the flagship of the range. It is faster from zero to 62mph and has a higher top speed than the supercharged Range Rover Sport or a Mercedes Benz ML500 Sport. The 4,799cc V8 powers the X5 4.8i to 62mph in 6.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 150mph (241 km/h), when fitted with the Dynamic Package. With this performance, fuel consumption is 22.6 UK mpg (18.83 US mpg), or 12.5 litres / 100 km on the combined cycle and emissions are 299g/km.

The new BMW X5 comes with an all-new faster-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. It features a new torque converter with enhanced software resulting in gearshift times up to 50 per cent quicker than the previous automatic gearbox.



A new design of gearstick also creates more space on the centre console for additional storage space and cupholders, while the use of an electronic parking brake (EPB) in place of a conventional handbrake aids ergonomics further.

The BMW X5 intelligent xDrive four-wheel-drive system transfers power between front and rear wheels depending on available grip for optimum handling, and it can now be specified with Adaptive Drive and Active Steering - two advanced systems never offered before on a BMW X model.

Adaptive Drive uses active hydraulic anti-roll bars to counteract the cornering forces of the car to keep the body from leaning too heavily and unsettling the occupants. In addition, the system incorporates an Electronic Damper Control system that uses sensors to continuously adjust the damper setting for the optimum comfort.

Active Steering - To make parking effortless at slow speeds, active steering uses an electronically operated planetary gear intersecting the steering shaft to add more lock than inputted by the driver. Steering becomes more direct. When driving at speed, the opposite occurs for a smoother, more composed ride.

The new BMW X5 can be optionally specified with Head-up Display – a first for its category. For enhanced safety, the system projects speed, navigation and check control messages into the line of sight of the driver who can keep his /her eyes on the road ahead while still being made aware of important instructions.

Another safety benefit comes from the standard fitting (UK specs) of run-flat tyres – again a first for an SAV or SUV. Run-flat tyres allow a driver to continue the journey in the event of a puncture for up to 90 miles (145 km) at speeds of 50mph (80 km/h).

Run-flat tyres also provide the best stability in the event of a blowout.

The BMW X5 comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels and run-flat tyres as standard with optional 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels offered.

With the latest in traction control technology, Dynamic Stability Control+, comes also standard (UK specs), with four unique functions for added safety and comfort:

- Brake Pre-tensioning shortens stopping distances during an emergency stop by priming the brakes should it detect the driver lifting off the accelerator sharply in reaction to an incident ahead.

- Brake Drying improves braking performance in the wet by periodically applying the brake pads to scrub away the film of water that can build up on the brake discs.

- Hill Start Assistant allows a car to pull away smoothly on a steep gradient without rolling backwards, courtesy of the brakes being held for the short time it takes the driver to apply the accelerator after releasing the foot or handbrake.

- Brake Fade Compensation applies additional braking without any extra effort from the driver should sensors detect that the brake pads are starting to lose ‘bite’ due to heat build up.

With the new X5, the driver will also be able to select the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function of DSC+. DTC allows for a greater degree of wheel slip for more spirited driving without the main traction control system safety net intervening. This option can be selected via a button on the centre console.

In a first for a BMW, the new X5 can be specified with an optional third row of seats allowing up to seven occupants to be transported in comfort. An increase of 19cms in overall body length and an increase in body width of 6cms, combined with innovative design, has made it possible to introduce a brace of seats in the rear, while still retaining luggage space.


With all seven seats in place, there is 200 litres of boot space (half the average of a family car boot / trunk volume). The two extra seats, complete with three-point seat belts and head restraints, are stowed under the boot floor when not in use. BMW X5 owners who do not specify the third row of seats benefit instead from an additional 90-litre storage compartment situated below the boot floor.

In a standard five-seat configuration the boot measures 620 litres – up 155 litres (33.33%) compared to the outgoing X5. For size able objects, luggage capacity increases to 1,750 litres with all the rear seats stowed - a figure greater than that of any other BMW.

While being one of the most practical cars BMW has ever made, the new X5 still has, as expected from the brand, with its premium prices too, a luxurious interior feel and a dynamic and sporty exterior shape.

A drag coefficient as low as 0.33 places the BMW X5 at the top of its segment as the most aerodynamically efficient large SUV. This low figure is partly achieved by a rear tailgate that incorporates a roof spoiler and a near flat underbody to aid airflow.

In the UK, nine exterior colours will be offered initially (from next spring) alongside four levels of trim and seven upholstery colours.

BMW’s iDrive control system also comes to the X5 for the first time. A new ‘wave’ style of dashboard houses the colour display while the iDrive controller sits on the center console adjacent to the new style of gear selector. The controller is complemented by eight buttons integrated as system short cuts for ease of use.

Supplementing the standard fit front and rear Park Distance Control , X5 customers can optionally order a rear camera for added parking convenience. Automatically activated when the reverse gear is selected, the driver is presented with a wide-angle colour image on the iDrive display in the center console.

Author: Bechara Aboul-Nasr: Automotive editor and publisher of Motion Trends car magazine and media services. Based in Toulouse, France, since Oct. 2000. Previously, automotive editor of Al Hayat International daily newspaper in London, UK (1988-2000). Additional photos and specifications can be found with the article at http://www.motiontrends.com/2006/m09/BMW/BMW_X5_SUV.shtml and http://www.motiontrends.com/2006/m09/BMW/BMW_X5_SUV_engines.shtml

2007 BMW X5 SAV