Most notable among the design changes for 2007 is the X5's new optional third row seat, which bumps total passenger capacity up to seven. To accommodate those extra bodies, the X5's length has been extended about seven inches over the 2006 model. Furthermore, the wheelbase has grown by more than four inches, the width by more than two inches, the height by two-tenths of an inch, and the front and rear tracks by three and 2.2 inches, respectively. Curb weight has jumped up about 300 pounds. All that work, and you're left with a third row seat that's suitable only for kids or small adults, and despite the inclusion of a second row passenger seat that slides and tilts forward for easier access as well as an overhead grab handle, one that requires some finagling to reach. Our five-foot-eight-inch editor had enough head room, but was rubbing his knees against the second row's hard seatback. However, he did praise the third row for its contoured shape and sufficient padding, not to mention the adjustable headrests and small armrests. The front and second row seats were expectedly better, with the driver and front passenger getting soft yet supportive and spacious buckets, padded armrests, triple-setting heat, and plenty of room. Above, the optional glass sunroof opens wide, and may be the next best thing to a convertible SAV. Getting into the second row requires a small hop for shorter riders, though once seated they'll appreciate the comfort and room.

In particular, the driver benefits from a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a shifter that is within perfect reach when her elbow is resting on the center armrest. With the new electronic transmission, engineers were able to make the shifter smaller, thus allowing room for larger console-mounted cupholders. If you've experienced previous BMW products, you realize that's actually a pretty big deal. Standard equipment includes iDrive, which incorporates controls functions for primary components like the radio and climate control system. It's been simplified, but is still often too complicated to focus on while driving, and is best considered a time-killer for bored passengers. We prefer the basic radio controls on the instrument panel and steering wheel, which are blessedly simple and get the job done. Same goes for the climate control – we'll use the archaic dash buttons, thank you very much. Technology is great when it's beneficial and intuitive – from our perspective, iDrive continues to fall short on both counts.

Of course, the BMW X5's appearance has also been tweaked for 2007. The front fascia has been massaged and sits below revised headlights, which in turn feed into fenders featuring more aggressive flares. Flanks are accented by a distinct crease, updated mirror housings, a sharp inward curvature at the bottom of the doors, and muscular rear wheel wheels. Out back is another reworked fascia and a split tailgate comprised of an upward-swing lid and a lower folding tailgate. There's less space between the taillights and lower edge of the rear glass, and the fold-down tailgate has eliminated the need for a pronounced bumper step. Inside, there's a new three-spoke steering wheel, updated door panels that lose the big grab handles, and a less blocky dash design. Most of the materials are of high quality, including rich leather, a mesh material on the headliner and upper pillars, soft-touch plastics on areas most often touched, alloy and rubber on the dials, and premium carpeting. The visors, wrapped in cheap plastic, are the only parts that appear out of place.