The second-generation X5 has grown. It is 7.4 inches longer, 2.4 inches wider and as inevitably as the Patriots seem to make the playoffs heavier at 5151 pounds, up 218 pounds from the first V-8 engined X5 we tested. The new, larger footprint has allowed BMW to add the seemingly obligatory third-row seat, which is fine for small kids on short journeys but tight for grownups. Still, with this row folded, there are now 19 cubic feet of cargo room, an increase of three cubic feet.

The old BMW X5 had a lot of charm, based on its marriage of BMW road manners and dramatic styling. It was fast and fun to drive for an SUV, which was enough to outweigh its lack of luggage capacity for its many buyers.