BMW X5 E70 (2007-2013)

The second generation E70 X5 picked up where the previous BMW E53 left off and continued to success of BMW's flagship SUV. Bigger, longer, and wider than its predecessor, yet still keeping the same height, the exterior design looked more like a refreshed first generation X5, which wasn't such a bad thing. The major changes were found inside, showcasing an available third row, taking advantage of the increased interior volume. A new iDrive system with a control knob located on the center console was fitted for navigating through various vehicle parameters.

Much like the E53, the base model E70 3.0si was powered by a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-six engine that produced 260 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque - 35 horsepower and 11lb-ft of torque more than the previous generation. The upper trim level 4.8i received a 4.8L naturally aspirated V8 engine that made a plentiful 350 horsepower and 350lb-ft of torque. The new engine made 35 horsepower and 26lb-ft of torque more than the old 4.4L V8. Both engines received ZF automatic transmissions.

While the X5 may have lost the manual transmission option for the E70 generation, it did gain a very special model for the 2010 model year - the X5 M. The new model is what happens when BMW wants to make sure you get your kids to school and trips to Whole Foods in record time. Just when you thought the 4.8i was quick, the X5 M ups the ante with a 4.4L turbocharged V8 that produced a whopping 555 horsepower and 501 pound-feet of torque. All this brute force launched it from knot to 60 MPH in just 4.5 seconds and even did the quarter mile in 12.8 seconds at 109 MPH. It was pretty much a lifted M5 by the way it handled in the corners too.