Don’t be misled by the elegant, rich, comfortable look of the 2014 BMW X5; this third-generation SUV retains the all-wheel-drive capability to carry its occupant wherever they may choose to venture.
I didn’t test it in the snow, for, like a couple other BMWs this winter, it came equipped with summer sport tires and an advisory to “avoid driving in inclement weather.” Severe weather the past few months has meant driving in snow more often than not.
A 450-horsepower, 4.4-liter twin-power turbo V-8 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission (paddle shifters) rests beneath the hood of the X5 xDrive 50i. It offers smooth and powerful delivery.
In a fairly even split of in-town and on-highway miles, the X5 averaged 17.6 miles per gallon (EPA estimate is 14/22).
Such options as M sport trim, soft-close doors, Harman Kardon surround sound, head-up display, heated front and rear seats and steering wheel, 20-inch wheels and dynamic handling package boosted sticker price on the X5 to $83,975.
Schomp honored
Speaking of the German brand, Schomp BMW of Highlands Ranch is one of 32 dealers across the country to achieve “2014 Center of Excellence” status with BMW of North America. Of the top-performing dealers, BMW of North America CEO and president Ludwig Willisch said, “We trust they’ll use the designation proudly in their marketing, and we know they’ll enjoy the trip to Anguilla in the Caribbean as their reward.”
Other awards
Speaking of awards, several Colorado dealerships were included in announcements of brand awards in this week’s Automotive News. Don Hicks of Porsche of Colorado Springs and Kent Stevinson of Stevinson Imports in Littleton earned Premier Dealer recognition for Porsche. Larry Spradley of Spradley Hyundai of Pueblo was named to the Hyundai President’s Award list. Pikes Peak Acura of Colorado Springs was among businesses named to the Acura Dealership of Distinction awards.
Crouch, Tighe rites
Services were Friday for two longtime Denver area automobile dealers, Bill Crouch and Hugh Tighe Jr.
Funeral was at the Littleton United Methodist Church for Crouch, 77, longtime operator of Bill Crouch Chrysler Plymouth on South Broadway in Englewood and dealerships in Boulder and Colorado Springs.
Rites were at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Denver for Tighe, 88, who owned and operated Hugh Tighe Skyline Dodge on South Colorado Boulevard for 25 years.
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