BMW offers the 2007 X5 in two variations: 3.0si and 4.8i. With a starting price of $46,595 (including a $695 destination charge), the 2007 BMW 3.0si offers buyers a 260-horsepower six-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive traction, a heated washer system joined with rain-sensing wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel with memory, dual front power seats with memory and leatherette upholstery, and BMW's much-discussed iDrive central control. However, that $46,000-plus price tag also delivers dual-zone climate control, a 205-watt sound system with an MP3 player and dual subwoofers, six airbags, and possibly the vehicles best selling point – free scheduled maintenance spanning four years or 50,000 miles. Want more? Fair enough. Options include ventilated front seats with massage ($2,100); a Cold Weather Package featuring a heated steering wheel, pass-through ski bag, heated front seats, and headlight washers ($900); a Premium Package boasting a dual-pane sunroof, rear storage system, dark walnut interior trim, leather seats, four years of BMW Assist, and more ($3,950); a Rear Climate Package ($900); a power liftgate ($500); various interior wood treatments ($500); a navigation system with real-time traffic information ($1,900); high definition radio ($500); third row seats ($1,700); a heads-up display ($1,000); and a host of other goodies you'd expect on a premium SU…uh, sorry…SAV, like a rear DVD system, a camera-assisted parking system, Bluetooth connectivity, and more. All great stuff, but most impressive might be the $3,600 Sport Package with its 19-inch wheels, sport seats, and BMW's AdaptiveDrive sophisticated sport suspension. Plus, the Sport Package is your ticket to the Active Steering option ($1,250), which is a must-have for any X5.

That would seem to leave little reason to consider, let alone build the X5 4.8i, especially considering its $55,195 base price (including that $695 destination charge). That's true, until you consider the 4.8i's 350-horsepower V8 and additional standard features such as a rear automatic air suspension, premium leather seats, walnut interior accents, and larger brakes. Options generally mirror those of the 3.0si, with the exception of no-cost poplar or bamboo wood trim (swapping out the standard walnut) and optional 20-inch alloy wheels ($950).