With the latest X-5s, off-road ability is no longer THAT terrible of an issue (improved 4WD and TC systems). The real limits to the X-5s off-road performance are lack of clearance, tavel, low range and most crucially, unsuitable tires.
X-5 sized all-terrain tires are available these days thanks to cooper tires (for most OEM sizes last time I checked), which has done a good job of minimizing the tire issue. However, clearance and suspension travel issues remain. And those plastic bits sticking off the bumpers of the 4.8i model don't help either.
But seriously, it's still better than a CR-V and RAV4 since it has enough torque to not get bogged in sticky mud even with no low range. It's full time AWD is still much superior to the reactive systems of the current soft-roaders. As long as you remember to swap to all-terrain tires, you shouldn't have too many problems with gravel, sand and some mud.
Oh, here's one A/T tire for the X5 from general tire:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/ ... ng=WR&speed_rating=YR
Anyway, its still no Land Rover, Landcruiser or Pajero.
X-5 sized all-terrain tires are available these days thanks to cooper tires (for most OEM sizes last time I checked), which has done a good job of minimizing the tire issue. However, clearance and suspension travel issues remain. And those plastic bits sticking off the bumpers of the 4.8i model don't help either.
But seriously, it's still better than a CR-V and RAV4 since it has enough torque to not get bogged in sticky mud even with no low range. It's full time AWD is still much superior to the reactive systems of the current soft-roaders. As long as you remember to swap to all-terrain tires, you shouldn't have too many problems with gravel, sand and some mud.
Oh, here's one A/T tire for the X5 from general tire:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/ ... ng=WR&speed_rating=YR
Anyway, its still no Land Rover, Landcruiser or Pajero.