Car Evolution: New BMW X5 in Depth

Page 1: Short Version (I)
Page 2: Short Version (II)
Page 3: The Concept
Page 4: Driving Dynamics
Page 5: All Wheel Drive
Page 6: Power Units
Page 7: Automatic Transmission
Page 8: Exterior
Page 9: Interior
Page 10: Body & Safety
Page 11: The iDrive Control System
Page 12: Features and Equipment (I)
Page 13: Features and Equipment (II)
Page 14: Production
Page 15: Specifications

Short Version

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.

Driving dynamics typical of BMW � unique in the SAV segment.

Throughout its entire production cycle, the first SAV in the world was able to maintain its status as a benchmark in driving dynamics. Now, introducing the new BMW X5, BMW�s drivetrain and suspension specialists have lifted the yardstick for performance, agility, dynamics and suspension comfort to an even higher level.

The driving experience is characterised, as before, by significant ride height and a commanding seating position. Further fortes also maintained in the new model are the unitary bodyshell, independent suspension, and permanent, electronically controlled, variable all-wheel drive.

Both the gasoline and diesel engines with eight and, respectively, six cylinders have been significantly optimised to an even higher standard of excellence, now offering even more superior performance and motoring culture. And the suspension, finally, is brand-new from the ground up, conveying the power of the engine in superior style to the road or, as the case may be, to a rough track.

A feature quite unique in the SAV segment is the combination of a double wishbone front axle with the integral IV rear axle in the new BMW X5.
This cutting-edge configuration allows a particularly high standard of lateral acceleration, extremely good directional stability, and exemplary roll comfort all at the same time. Yet another innovation is rack-and-pinion steering with its variable transmission ratio facilitating a precise style of motoring in its middle position while offering the driver a more direct response in bends with a larger steering angle.

The new BMW X5 is the first vehicle in its class available as an option with Active Steering including Servotronic. This unique steering system adjusts the steering transmission ratio additionally to the road speed of the vehicle in the interest of an even higher standard of agility. At high speeds Active Steering provides even safer directional stability, while when parking or manoeuvring all the driver has to do is turn the steering wheel twice from its extreme left to its extreme right position.

A further benefit of Active Steering in the new BMW X5 is the active contribution it makes to stabilising the vehicle. When applying the brakes on different surfaces, for example, that is with a different frictional coefficient on either side, Active Steering provides an appropriate but discreet counter- steering effect to prevent the vehicle from swerving out of control.

World debut: AdaptiveDrive with data transfer via FlexRay.

The new BMW X5 is the first SAV in the world available as an option with AdaptiveDrive providing carefully coordinated interaction of the anti-roll bars and dampers. Incorporating the vehicle�s sensors, AdaptiveDrive permanently monitors and calculates data on the speed of the vehicle, the steering angle, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, body and wheel acceleration, as well as ride height. Using this information, the system then masterminds both the sway motors in the anti-roll bars and the electromagnetic valves on the dampers, thus adjusting the side angle and damping of the new BMW X5 appropriately at all times.

The bottom line, therefore, is that AdaptiveDrive gives the new BMW X5 a standard of supremacy on the road never seen before in this segment.
And simply by pressing a button, the driver is able to choose either a sporting or a comfort-oriented set-up in the AdaptiveDrive mode.

To ensure fast and reliable coordination, AdaptiveDrive for the first time uses the FlexRay high-speed data transmission system. Developed by a consortium of specialists under the guidance of BMW, this system offers a level of data transfer capacity never seen before, now exchanging vehicle data even faster between the individual suspension control systems and ensuring even greater precision in the process.

The new BMW X5 is the first vehicle in the world to feature FlexRay technology.

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 of 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.

DTC for greater slip and more dynamics.

The new BMW X5 also comes with DTC Dynamic Traction Control reflecting the supreme dynamic driving potential of BMW�s SAV. Indeed, DTC is a special mode of DSC tailored specifically to the new BMW X5 and activated by pressing a button on the centre console.

To meet the needs of offroad motoring, DTC raises the threshold for intervention by the engine and brakes, enabling the BMW X5 to set off smoothly on surfaces such as loose snow or sand, with the drive wheels intentionally spinning slightly. And a further advantage of DTC is the sporting and even more active style of motoring it allows on hard tarmac.

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.

Fast-revving and light: the straight-six gasoline engine.

The straight-six gasoline engine in the new BMW X5 3.0si also reflects the state-of-the-art in engine technology: This 3.0-litre power unit combines supreme fast-revving performance with equally supreme smoothness and harmony on the road. Maximum output is 200 kW/272 hp, peak torque is 315 Newton-metres or 232 lb-ft at 2,750 rpm.

Benefiting from its magnesium/aluminium crankcase, the new six-cylinder weighs just 161 kilos or 355 lb, making it 10 kilos lighter than its predecessor � an advantage which benefits the vehicle�s harmonious axle load distribution and agility, and helps to reduce fuel consumption at the same time.

The BMW X5 3.0si accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and has a top speed of 225 km/h or 140 mph. Running on H-rated tyres, top speed is limited by the factory to 210 km/h or 130 mph.

Average fuel consumption in the EU cycle is 10.9 litres/100 km, equal to 25.9 mpg Imp (provisional figure). Again, this is 14 per cent more economical than on the former model, despite the increase in engine power by 18 per cent. 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.

Presence and elegance: the design of the new BMW X5.

Compared with its predecessor, the new BMW X5 is 18.7 centimetres or 7.4�� longer and 6.8 centimetres or 2.7�� wider.

Inside the vehicle, this growth means a significant enhancement of both comfort and functionality, while from outside BMW�s five-door SAV continues to boast a high standard of powerful elegance. Indeed, BMW�s body designers have succeeded in carefully enhancing the proportions of the new SAV, in the process giving even greater emphasis to the overall impression of the vehicle with its particular touch of agility.

This impression is clearly borne out not only by the short body overhangs front and rear, but also by the larger wheels. And at the same time the optical balance of the front and rear section helps to give the new X5 even more harmonious proportions referring directly to the vehicle�s four-wheel-drive technology.

With its longer wheelbase, the new BMW X5 exudes a far higher standard of stability and presence. The stretched side look of the vehicle is limited by the muscular D-pillars, with the merging lines of all pillars helping to provide an appropriately shortened roofline again enhancing the overall look of slender elegance.

Yet a further classic feature of BMW design is the contour line rising up slightly to the rear and coming out most distinctly on the level of the door opener. Starting out behind the front wheel arches, this characteristic contour line embraces the entire rear end of the vehicle, without being interrupted even by the rear light clusters.

Photo Gallery>>>