Versatile and agile for the breed, BMW's biggest crossover is a classy choice in the midsize luxury market.

As a card carrying Winter Denialist, I'm loving this season. I know that some people like snow. But me? I'm good. Had a ton last year, saw some this year. Bring on Spring. There's a theory among we WD's that certain actions can help keep Ol' Man Winter at arm's length. For example, if you buy a new snow blower, the Fickle Universe may respond by refusing to snow, so you can't use it. There are other variations on this theory — buying new snow tires, even new skis. This year, I'm trying another variation: test driving a lot of four wheel drive vehicles. Therefore, this week's test drive (and sacrifice to the Weather Gods) is the 2012 BMW X5.

The X5 is a midsize, luxury crossover. One of the pioneering entries in this class (first offered in 1999), it's still one of the best, wrapping luxury, utility and sportiness in a handsome package. All models are All Wheel Drive (which carry the designation xDrive, in BMW-speak). Excluding the Uber Performance, X5 M, three models are offered, each with a distinct engine. The xDrive 35i packs a three liter six cylinder. The turbocharged six is rated at 300 horsepower and 300 lb. ft. of torque. Next up is the xDrive 50i, which is powered by a 4.4 liter V-8. The 50i ups the ante on turbos (twin) and muscle (400 horsepower and 450 lb. ft. of torque). Naturally, raising the power lowers the time it takes to get from 0-60. The six makes the trip in the mid-six second range, while the V-8 shaves about a second off of that time. The third engine choice — and the one fitted in our test driver — is BMW's 3.0 liter, 6 cylinder turbo diesel. While its 0-60 time (about 7 seconds) is still quite respectable for a 2 1/2 ton vehicle, the focus of the xDrive 35d's engine shifts from m.p.h. to m.p.g's. The turbo diesel gets an EPA estimated 19 miles per gallon in town, and 26 mpg's on the highway. A 22.5 gallon fuel tank gives this model a theoretical cruising range of 585 miles. With 425 lb. ft. of torque on tap to go along with 265 horsepower, the turbo diesel ladles out the low end power in generous helpings. The X5 diesel feels snappy off the line, and travels comfortably at highway speed, with only some slight valve clatter to remind you that it's a diesel.

Considering its class, the X5 handles quite well, its four wheel independent suspension imparts an agility that feels more like a car than an SUV. Ride quality is passenger friendly and while the power steering has a little more heft at low speeds than the norm, I found that a plus — not a minus.

The X5's interior is comfortable, functional and well-constructed. The second row is very accommodating, holding adults with no excuses, and the seatbacks fold nearly flat forward (though you may need to move the first row seatbacks to get clearance for the headrests). The X5 holds five, and if you opt for the third row seat ($1,700), you'll add room for a pair of kids. Use of the third row for passengers also cuts cargo space appreciably. The base amount of 23.2 cubic feet rises to a quite usable 75.2, with the third row folded flat. Access to the cargo bay is by means of a split, tailgate/liftgate combination. If you're over 6' tall, you'll need to duck under the liftgate, and if you don't drop the tailgate, your gear will have to be hoisted over a high liftover.

Front cabin storage rates about average in volume. The center console has a split, center opening that's more cumbersome and less useful than a simple, rear mounted hinge would be. And, if you opt for the iPod attachment, the cradle resides in the console, robbing you of stowage space. The interior is well constructed and has a low-key, luxurious look and feel. Suggestion: choosing lighter tones on the inside instead of all black brightens the look appreciably. Controls housed in the base of the center stack require your eyes to travel a long way from the road to take in. The available navigation system demands some study time to master. The option list is long and tempting and potentially hazardous to your car budget, if you don't exercise some restraint. Some stand-alone examples: head's-up dash display ($1,300), keyless entry ($1,000), adaptive drive ($3,500). The gear shifter resembles a gaming joystick and I found it a little more fussy to operate than I'd like. New for 2012, BMW Assist, an iPod/USB adapter and Hi-Fi sound system are standard on all models. The 35d also picks up a laundry list of newly standard items this year. The roster includes: a power adjustable steering column, power liftgate, roof rails, floor mats, auto dimming mirrors, lumbar support, heated front seats, park distance control, ambient lighting, privacy glass and leather upholstery.

The X5 still impresses, in the segment that it helped create. The turbo diesel engine adds a combination of fleetness and fuel economy that isn't often found in crossovers and SUV's. Versatile and agile for the breed, BMW's biggest crossover is a classy choice in the midsize luxury market.

Source: Times Union