AutoArt 1:43 2007 BMW X5 4.8i

2007 marks the second generation of the BMW X5 mid-sized luxury crossover SUV. Sorry; make that an SAV. BMW prefers the term Sport Activity Vehicle... whatever.

Using the new E70 automotive chassis gives the new X5 a bit more room to offer a 7 seat option and more standard goodies like their famous iDrive and more parts shared with the 5-series sedans. The fuel injected 4.8 liter V8 is good for 350/350 in a package that handles like the mid-sized sedan. The extra room offered is not going to support a trip to Home Depot, but it'll allow a major shopping spree at Wal-Mart.

AUTOart has done a nice job capturing the look and stance of this, uuh, SAV in 1/43. The creases are crisp and the molding, roof rails, hardware and grill are perfectly scaled. The fore and aft badging are tampo'd raised discs. Discs and calipers are visible through the 5-spoked wheels with the tiny BMW propellor logo on the hubs. Chromed oval exhaust tips peek through their surrounds and you can follow the dual exhausts back to the headers. The front and rear light groups are incredibly realistic and the full glazing is optically clear.

Each AUTOart 1/43 offers some operational feature. On this model, the hood opens to reveal a credible engine bay and even the underside of the hood has the proper bracing molded in. The interior is nicely done with a black interior accented with faux wood trim and plenty of paint detailing. The badged steering wheel, rearview mirror and shifter all are well scaled. The undercarriage is mostly molded in but contains a minimal parts count of exhaust, rear axles. differential and lower rear control arms to give it a credible look.

At its price point, there's little here to fault. Perhaps a dab of signal amber on the fender side lights would be in order and you've got yourself a near perfect little replica of what has become an upper middle class status symbol.

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