2013 BMW X5 with only 49,000mi. The vehicle is in excellent condition. THe engine and transmission works like new. Fresh and clean brown interior with panoramic roof. 3-rd row seats.

Overview

For 2013 BMW is leaving its (arguably) niche-topping X5 midsize crossover SUV pretty much alone. That’s because this 5- to 7-passenger 4-door Sports Activity Vehicle (as Beemer enchantingly designates its entire crossover lineup) is anticipated to don its next-gen garb for the 2014 model year. This naturally leaves potential buyers in the somewhat awkward position of pondering a soon-to-be-bygone trim, or waiting a year for the upgraded version. For those who’d rather not dally, expect the 2013 trims to remain the base xDrive35i, the turbo-diesel xDrive35d, the agile xDrive35i Sport Activity, the uber-luxurious xDrive35i Premium and the V8-powered xDrive50i. All trims, of course, come with standard xDrive “intelligent” all-wheel drive (AWD), not to mention plenty of standard luxury features, nimble handling and turbocharged power in both diesel and gasoline-burning versions. Dimensions will carry over from 2012 as well, thus cargo capacity remains 75.2 cubic feet in all trims, with the rear seats folded. Towing capacity, by the way, remains maxed out at 6,000 pounds with proper equipment.

For some reasonably priced alternatives until the next-gen X5 comes out, tire kickers might want to check out the Acura RDX, Infiniti FX and the Land Rover LR4. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz is expected to offer its reworked M-Class in late spring, while Porsche’s Cayenne offers significantly improved ride and performance over just about everything, but is, alas, considerably more expensive.

In any case, those poised to pounce on the 2013 X5 can look for the traditional choice of three engines, starting with the gasoline-burning direct-injected (DI) 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder (I6) powerplant found in the xDrive35i variants. Mated with a shiftable 8-speed transmission, the six-banger is capable of 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, and, with variable valve timing (VVT), is EPA-rated at 16 mpg city/23 highway burning the required premium unleaded. The xDrive50i, meanwhile, sports a twin-turbo DI 4.4-liter V8 powerplant that again mates with the 8-speed shiftable automatic for 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Despite VVT, look for an EPA-estimated 14/20 from the hard-charging V8.

The xDrive35d, on the other hand, boasts an economical yet adequately potent 3.0-liter turbodiesel I6 that’ll throw down 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque with its standard 6-speed shiftable automatic. Expect a heady 19/26 from the blown diesel.

Beemer’s highly touted xDrive AWD system is managed by a mechanical center limited-slip differential and channels most torque to the rear wheels in normal driving, instantly transferring power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip, front and rear.