Long-Term Road Tests

I have cold hands. Back when I used to live in cold climates, they would be like freezer packs from about November to April -- big hit with girlfriends. Although California has improved the situation, my hands still get a little cold and unlike Indiana or Toronto, I'd look like a moron if I went around Santa Monica with gloves on.

While managing editor Donna DeRosa loves herself some heated seats for a wonky back, I found myself just as happy with our X5's heated steering wheel included in the $900 Cold Weather Package that also features Donna's heated front seats, a ski bag and retractable headlight washers. Unlike a few other heated steering wheels I've come across, the X5's doesn't roast your hands, it provides gentle warmth. It's like driving with your hands on a cup of tea, which I'm actually doing in the midst of typing this.

James Riswick, Automotive Editor @ 4,165 miles