BMW
X5
Its predecessor was the trendsetter creating a brand-new segment
in the market. And now the new BMW X5 is raising the driving
experience in a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) to an even higher
level.
Powerful eight- and six-cylinder engines, BMW xDrive permanent
all-wheel drive once again enhanced to an even higher standard,
and a brand-new suspension optimised from the ground up give
the new model supreme agility and driving dynamics. The new
V8 power unit develops maximum output
of 261 kW/355 hp, the new six-cylinder inline engine
with its magnesium/ aluminium composite crankcase offers 200 kW/272 hp,
and the new all-aluminium straight-six diesel with third-generation
common rail fuel injection churns out a superior 173 kW/235 hp.
The large and highly versatile interior of the new BMW X5 offers
maximum function and space for up to seven occupants. And at
the same time, thanks to innovative features and equipment
as well as high-class finish, the interior ensures exclusivity
of the same calibre and standard as a luxury performance saloon.
The new BMW X5 is the first SAV in the world available with
Active Steering, AdaptiveDrive (anti-roll stabilisation and
adaptive dampers) as well as a Head-Up Display, and comes as
standard on runflat safety tyres.
Offering enhanced dynamics and an even higher standard of all-round
supremacy, the new BMW X5 is continuing the victorious success
of a truly exceptional vehicle concept. When introducing the
former model, the first X5, BMW set up and established the
brand-new segment of the SAV Sports Activity Vehicle. As a
spacious, luxurious, versatile and, at the same time, robust
premium car offering excellent qualities through its electronically
controlled all-wheel drive and superior driving dynamics for
venturing out on rough terrain, the BMW X5 hit the headlines
right from the start. And the success of this strategy is clearly
reflected by more than 580,000 units sold worldwide in the
meantime.
Even greater precision: intelligent
BMW xDrive all-wheel drive technology. Electronically controlled,
variable BMW xDrive offers an even higher standard of precision
than before in the new BMW X5. The particular strength of this
intelligent all-wheel-drive system introduced by BMW is its
ability to significantly enhance traction on rough terrain
as well as driving dynamics under all conditions.
In a normal driving situation, permanent all-wheel drive distributes
engine power 40 : 60 front-to-rear. The system then responds
quickly, precisely and variably to any change in surface conditions
or the driving situation, instantaneously varying the distribution
of drive forces as required: Via a power divider with an electronically
controlled multiple-plate clutch, BMW xDrive feeds the power
of the engine precisely to the wheels where it can be used
best and most efficiently.
As a result, xDrive enhances driving dynamics in the new BMW
X5 by counteracting even the slightest trend to over- or understeer
in bends at the earliest point. A further advantage is that
BMW xDrive supports the vehicle’s traction and performance
off the beaten track, ensuring maximum traction also on rough
terrain by feeding drive power instantaneously
and variably to the wheels currently enjoying a higher frictional
coefficient.
Integrated Chassis Management with optimised control quality.
To ensure fast and precise distribution of drive forces, the
xDrive all-wheel-drive system, DSC Dynamic Stability Control,
engine management and Active Steering all interact with one
another via BMW’s
Integrated Chassis Management. As a result, the distribution
of drive forces, individual intervention in wheel brakes, and
engine management are all fully coordinated with one another.Again,
this all-round suspension control philosophy ensures the highest
conceivable standard of both driving dynamics and active safety.
DSC with additional functions.
The new BMW X5 comes with enhanced DSC Dynamic Stability Control
offering optimised comfort and functions. Indeed, the addition
of numerous new functions makes a particular contribution to
safe and active motoring
at all times.
Apart from driving stability control, the basic functions of
DSC comprise ABS anti-lock brakes, ASC Automatic Stability
Control, Trailer Stability Control, HDC Hill Descent Control,
DBC Dynamic Brake Control automatically maximising brake pressure
whenever required in a forceful braking manoeuvre, as well
as CBC Cornering Brake Control preventing the vehicle
from oversteering whenever the driver applies the brakes lightly
in a bend.
The ADB Automatic Differential Brake electronic differential,
finally, acts as a transverse lock between the wheels, automatically
applying the brakes on a wheel about to spin.
Over and above all these features, the new DSC system optimises
the efficiency of the high-performance brakes through a number
of functions and features: First, it sets off any decrease
in brake power under extremely high temperatures by increasing
brake forces appropriately in order to avoid fading (anti-fading
function). A further advantage is that the system builds up
brake pressure moderately whenever appropriate in order to
keep the brakes on standby in all situations which might require
spontaneous deceleration.
The regular Dry Braking function, on the other hand, optimises
brake performance in the wet. And last but certainly not least,
the Start-Off Assistant helps the driver set off on an uphill
gradient, without the vehicle rolling back.
The new BMW X5 also boasts a parking brake with both electromechanical
and hydraulic functions activated or released simply by pressing
a button.First SAV with runflat tyres fitted as standard.
The new BMW X5 is the first vehicle in its class fitted as
standard with runflat tyres. These safety tyres come on extended-hump
rims, the new BMW X5 boasting the fourth generation of runflat
tyre technology. Thanks to their stiffer flanks, these special
tyres prevent the risk of tyre damage also when driving off
the beaten track. And should the driver suffer a complete flat
all the same, he can still continue with runflat tyres for
a distance of up to 150 kilometres or 90 miles and at a maximum
speed of 80 km/h or 50 mph with the vehicle fully laden – and
if the vehicle is carrying a lower weight, the driver is able
to go on a lot further.
The new BMW X5 comes as standard with 18-inch light-alloy rims
and 255/55 tyres. Light-alloy rims measuring 19 and 20 inches
running on 275/40 tyres at the front and 315/35 tyres at the
rear are also available as an option – and naturally
also come with runflat technology.
Yet a further feature is the Tyre Defect Indicator warning
the driver of a gradual loss of air in the tyres. Any deviation
in tyre pressure is determined by comparing the speed of the
wheels, the warning then being provided by a graphic symbol
in the display of the instrument cluster.
Superior at all times: the V8 gasoline engine.
Clearly, a premium-segment
SAV requires a power unit able to provide impressive thrust
and performance combined with supreme motoring refinement.
And precisely this is why the new BMW X5 comes with a choice
of two gasoline engines and one diesel all meeting this high
standard.
Particularly the thoroughly renewed eight-cylinder gasoline
engine in the BMW X5 4.8i offers a new level of performance:
As the top engine in the range, this V8 displaces 4,799 cubic
centimetres and develops maximum output of 261 kW/355 hp,
with peak torque of 475 Newton-metres or 350 lb-ft between
3,400 and 3,800 rpm. This, clearly, means efficient dynamics
of the highest standard.
Accelerating from 0–100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, the BMW
X5
4.8i also reaches a new standard of performance likewise
borne out by its top speed limited electronically to 240 km/h
or 149 mph.
Despite this improvement in performance by 11 per cent over
the former model, fuel consumption is down by 5 per cent to
just 12.5 litres/100 kilometres in the EU test cycle, equal
to 22.6 mpg Imp. And it almost goes without saying that the
new V8 power unit in the BMW X5 4.8i fulfils the emission
regulations imposed by both the Euro 4 standard as well as
ULEV II in
the USA
Muscular and refined: the all-aluminium six-cylinder diesel
with third-generation common rail and piezo fuel injection
technology.
The diesel version of the new BMW X5 also offers all the fortes
of a premium SAV through its exemplary power and performance.
Weighing 25 kilos or 55 lb less than the former engine
thanks to its all-aluminium crankcase, this superior straight-six
develops maximum output of 173 kW/235 hp
from engine capacity of 3.0 litres. Peak torque of 520 Nm
or 383 lb-ft, in turn, comes all the way between 2,000 and
2,750 rpm.
The superior build-up of power from low engine speeds is attributable
to the newly developed exhaust gas turbocharger featuring variable
turbine geometry and electrical adjustment. And boasting the
third generation of common rail technology, the six-cylinder
in the BMW X5 3.0d features the most advanced fuel injection
system available for the diesel engine, with piezo fuel
injectors feeding fuel efficiently and precisely into the six
combustion chambers at a pressure of 1,600 bar.
This ensures not only a particularly powerful and economical,
but also a clean combustion process. And last but not least,
a particulates filter positioned close to the engine as well
as an oxidation catalyst housed in the same unit ensure efficient
emission control in accordance with the Euro 4 standard
The
new BMW X5 3.0d accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds,
and has a top speed of 216 km/h or 134 mph (210 km/h
or 130 mph on H-rated tyres).
Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is a mere 8.7 litres
of diesel fuel on 100 kilometres, equal to 32.5 mpg Imp, meaning
a reduction in fuel consumption by 7 per cent despite the increase
in engine output by 8 per cent. New six-speed automatic transmission
with even faster gearshift and enhanced shift comfort.
Power is transmitted in the standard configuration of the new
BMW X5 by a six-speed automatic transmission likewise enhanced
to an even higher standard. This new six-speed automatic shifts
gears with incomparable speed, precision, and efficiency, new
converter technology and particularly
efficient software reducing reaction and shift times versus
a conventional auto-matic transmission by up to 50 per cent.
And the direct gear detection function enables the transmission
to shift down just as quickly when skipping one or several
gears, thus not taking up any additional time in the process.
With its exceptional gearshift dynamics and extremely direct
link to the engine, the new six-speed automatic transmission
helps to give the new BMW X5 an even higher standard of sporting
and active performance. At the same time it enhances the thrill
of comfortable, relaxed and fuel-efficient cruising at low
engine speeds.
New electronic gear selector.
The automatic transmission is shifted by an electronic gear
selector also featured for the first time in the new BMW X5.
The gearshift pattern as such is the same as on a conventional
automatic transmission, but the parking position is activated
by a button in the gear selector lever moving back after use
to its original position.
Transmission management is not mechanical, but rather by electrical
signals. To activate the manual gearshift, therefore, all the
driver has to is move the selector lever to the left, then
shifting gears sequentially by hand.
A further advantage of the new gear selector is short and ergonomic
shift travel, while a final benefit over and above superior
comfort is that the new selector lever leaves sufficient space
on the centre console for additional storage boxes and cupholders.
Powerful face, muscular rear.
The powerfully curved contours of the engine compartment lid,
the three-dimensional configuration of the rods in the BMW
kidney grille, and the headlight units fully integrated in
the side panels all help to give the front end of the new BMW
X5 a particularly powerful and dynamic look. At the top,
the dual round headlights would appear to be slightly cut off,
giving the new BMW X5 a clear and consistent focus.
The rear end also exudes a powerful touch of elegance, the
high edge of the rear bumper accentuating the width of the
vehicle and, accordingly, its strong and stable stance on the
road. This impression is then further enhanced
by the horizontal structure of the rear light clusters in typical
BMW L-design extending far into the rear lid as such. And last
but certainly not least, four light conductor rods give the
new X5 a striking and refined look also at night.
The combination of concave and convex surfaces combines the
powerful flair so typical of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
with the elegant presence of an outstanding premium car. These
contours create dynamic light and shadow lines symbolising
the agility of the vehicle and giving the surfaces a clear
structure. The muscular wheel arches, in turn, stand for superior
stability and, together with the powerful and wide track, contribute
to the individual look of the new BMW X5.
Aerodynamic, safe, and spacious: the body of the new
BMW X5.
Exceptionally good aerodynamics is one of the particular quality
features of the new BMW X5 and its special body design. Low
lift forces benefit both driving dynamics and safety on the
road, the drag coefficient of just 0.33 (BMW X5 3.0si) placing
the new model right at the top of its segment also in this
respect.
The new BMW X5 measures 4,854 millimetres or 191.10´´ in
length and 1,933 millimetres or 76.10´´ in width.
This increase in size versus the former model means much more
space and greater variability within the interior, the new
BMW X5 offering five full-size, really comfortable seats perfectly
suited for long distances.
Intelligent lightweight technology: even stronger on almost
the
same weight. Despite the larger exterior dimensions of the
new BMW X5, BMW’s
engineers have succeeded in keeping the weight of the new model
almost unchanged, while making the body even stiffer than before.
In order to reach the goal
of combining extra space with greater stability while avoiding
any significant increase in weight, BMW’s specialists
have focused consistently on lightweight technology. Both the
choice of materials and the arrangement as well as the geometry
of load-bearing elements, bars and supports are based on an
overall concept designed from the start for maximum safety
in a collision combined with superior agility
on the road.
Torsional stiffness compared with the former model is up by
approximately 15 per cent from 23,500 to 27,000 Nm/degree.
Low-slung support arms around the wheel arches firmly connected
to the engine support arms and angled in towards the middle
of the vehicle serve to optimise front-end stiffness without
adding extra weight. Around the C-pillars, a complete torsion
ring likewise serves to increase stiffness to an even higher
level than before. A further effect is provided by wedge contours
firmly clamping the tailgate between the two D-pillars. Positive
interconnection of the wedge elements resting at medium level
when closed on the two D-pillars is ensured by the soft-close
function of the tailgate featured as standard.
High- and ultra-high-strength steel is used above all at the
rear of the new BMW X5 in order to maximise stiffness and impact
resistance in a collision from the rear while still using a
minimum amount of material for this purpose. At the front a
cast aluminium spring support likewise helps to reduce weight
while at the same time optimising body stiffness.
The special configuration of the front side panels and their
support modules made of plastic also serves to meet several
objectives in development, not only saving weight and providing
greater freedom in design, but also ensuring enhanced pedestrian
safety and protection.
Stable passenger cell, wide range of safety features.
The most significant passive safety element in the new BMW
X5 is the stable passenger cell. Forces acting on the vehicle
in the event of a collision are diverted through the engine
support arms and the chassis down several load paths in order
to prevent extreme loads acting on individual structures.
Inside, the new BMW X5 features not only frontal and hip/thorax
airbags, but also curtain head airbags at the side as standard.
These curtain airbags inflate whenever required out of the
covers on the A-pillars and roof lining, efficiently protecting
the occupants in the first two rows of seats from injury should
the worst come to the worst.
The new BMW X5 comes with three-point inertia-reel seat belts
on all seats. A further highlight in all cases is the belt
force limiter plus a belt tensioner on the front seats. And
last but certainly not least, ISOFIX child seat fastenings
are featured as standard on the second row of seats.
In the event of an imminent rollover, the rollover sensor in
the new BMW X5 ensures immediate activation of the curtain
airbags and belt latch tensioners. And being networked to DSC
Dynamic Stability Control, these sensors will always respond
not only in good time, but exactly in line with current requirements.
The bottom line, therefore, is that the new BMW X5, through
its body structure and wide range of safety features, offers
all the qualities for achieving best marks in all crash tests
relevant the world over.
The interior: functional and refined.
The unique driving experience in the new BMW X5 is clearly
borne out from the start through the characteristic commanding
position enjoyed in particular by the driver. This higher seating
position and the arrangement of the instrument panel slightly
angled towards the driver create the impression of unrestricted
control over the vehicle.
The comfort zone on the dashboard in the middle between the
driver and the front passenger comprises all functions and
displays also for convenient use and scrutiny by the front-seat
passenger. A particular highlight directly in the line of vision
of both occupants at the front is the iDrive Control Display
positioned in the instrument panel at the same level as the
circular dials.
Through its slender design and harmonious transition to the
door linings, the instrument panel looks both powerful and
elegant all in one. In conjunction with the load-bearing element
on the centre console tapering out towards the bottom, it creates
the impression as if the entire dashboard were hovering freely
in space.
Apart from this attractive design, sophisticated materials,
tasteful colour combinations, comfortable seats and padded
armrests all act together to provide a truly stylish ambience.
The sheer generosity of space available, numerous storage options
and perfect finish all go together to reflect
the typical character of a high-quality, multi-purpose Sports
Activity Vehicle.
The interior of the new BMW X5 combines the exclusive style
of a luxury performance saloon with all the variability and
functionability of a modern SAV. Four interior colour worlds,
six equipment and trim colours and five different versions
of trim strips, combined with no less than nine exterior colours,
provide a wide range of options in customising the vehicle.
And galvanised trim strips in Pearl Gloss Chrome featured as
standard interact perfectly with the trim panels to add an
extra touch of style, value and elegance.
BMW iDrive with eight favourite buttons.
The new BMW X5 is equipped with BMW’s trendsetting iDrive
control concept to mastermind the Navigation, Air Conditioning,
Entertainment, and Communication functions. Comfort and communication
settings are controlled by the iDrive Controller on the centre
console, the functions and settings chosen are displayed on
the Control Display. This new,
anti-dazzle monitor automatically adjusting in brightness to
ambient light is positioned at exactly the right point within
the instrument panel, enabling the driver to take in the information
displayed at any time without turning his head and only very
briefly moving his eyes away from the road.
Eight favourite buttons for individual choice of functions
by the driver serve to further simplify control of the system.
So simply pressing one button, the driver is able in this case
to call up particularly frequent functions such as important
telephone numbers, regular destinations, or a favourite radio
station.
As an option information relevant to the driver may also be
presented on the Head-Up Display quite unique in the SAV segment
and again placed at a particularly convenient point on the
windscreen. This ensures that the speed of the vehicle, navigation
instructions, speed control data as well as warnings from the
Check/Control are all properly presented in the driver’s
direct line of vision.
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