The driver's seat is intelligent too. With sizable side and thigh bolsters, including fore and aft thigh support and 8-way adjustability, plus lumbar, it would be difficult to remain uncomfortable. To aid a sore back while taking the sting out of cold seats on a winter's morning, heated cushions with three temperature settings are standard, not as powerful as Audi's 6-way butt warmers but still better than the average two position components.

Its 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel offers power tilt and telescopic functionality while integrating audio, cell phone, and cruise control buttons. BMW's controversial i-Drive isn't part of the X5 4.6iS package, but a comprehensive display is, allowing control of audio, navigation and driver preferences.

As for its interior accommodations the X5 is sizable for people but its 465 L (16.4 cu ft) of cargo room when all seats are in place is hardly SUV-like, the usable volume seeming smaller than a similar capacity midsize sedan's trunk due to its limited floor space and vertical load area. Fold the seats flat, however, and its 1,955 L (69.0 cu ft) baggage area beats the new Porsche and a few other SUVs in the class.

The optional features list is short, and includes only a cargo net at $195, rear side airbags at $425, electric rear seats for $750, a convenient retractable cargo floor at $625 and lastly, trick looking brushed metal and rubber running boards for $795. Add these on to the X5 4.6iS' starting price of $94,500 and the total comes to $97,230.