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

Interior

Greater functionality within an exclusive ambience.
Room for seven thanks to the optional third row of seats.
High-quality materials and maximum quality of finish.

Perhaps the most outstanding feature characteristic of every BMW X model is the driving experience quite superior in a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).
The cockpit of the new BMW X5 enhances this unique sensation through a successful combination of function, harmony and optimum structures, the primary point in developing the cockpit being intuitive use of all the instruments and controls by the driver.

Accordingly, all instruments and control units were conceived from the start for superior motoring in a powerful and versatile vehicle, the commanding seating position and the instrument panel angled slightly towards the driver offering a feeling of superior control and driving pleasure in all situations.
And the orientation to the driver so typical of BMW is also enhanced by the new, ergonomically optimised electronic gear selector lever.

Checking out the comfort zone in the middle between the driver and co-driver, the latter is also able to read and control all information and displays of importance in his own particular case. A primary feature in the direct line of vision of both the driver and front passenger is the iDrive control system positioned in the instrument panel on the same level as the circular dials for road and engine speed.

Elegant cockpit and significantly enlarged glove compartment.

The interior elements all follow that unique design language so typical of BMW, the discreet flair of a �twisting� band within the instrument panel and its harmonious transition to the inner door panels giving the cockpit a unique ambience of power and elegance.

Acting as a significant load-bearing element, the centre console literally dives deep beneath the instrument panel, creating a distinct contrast of light and shade and evoking the impression as if the instrument panel were literally hovering above the centre console.

The glove compartment is integrated smoothly and harmoniously into the upper half of the cockpit, its two lids opening like a butterfly in one coordinated motion � quite automatically at the touch of a button in the integrated electrical system.

Closing the glove compartment, in turn, is a manual operation, the glove box then being locked automatically as soon as the driver locks the car. In its volume, the glove compartment is far larger than on the former model, an improvement made possible, inter alia, by the higher position of the front passenger�s airbag optimised in its protective function.

As an option, the new BMW X5 comes either with a six-DVD or a six-CD changer, both of which are integrated in the upper half of the glove compartment for easier use and control.

The centre console: elegant design with even more functions.

The iDrive controller button, the electronic gear selector lever and the parking brake switch are all positioned ideally on the centre console, where various storage trays and the large, covered cupholders are within easy reach.

The same applies to the optional ashtray and cigar lighter, the ventilation controls for the second row of seats and the likewise optional DVD system complete with a monitor for the rear-seat passengers.

The passengers sitting at the rear of the new BMW X5 also enjoy easier access to the storage box in the centre console, the new system with its butterfly lid in the console offering extra comfort and convenience as the most important asset: Both lids open and close separately from one another at the touch of a button, and even after opening one lid the other may remain closed as an armrest.

An AUX-IN bush for connecting an external audio system is featured as standard within the spacious centre console storage compartment, while a complete Storage Package with illumination and a 12-V power socket may also be integrated here as an optional extra. A further option is a telephone kit with an eject box opening to the top.

Extending right through at the sides, the trim bars on the centre console add a particular touch of class. In the standard version they are made of painted plastic and as an option they also come in wood or aluminium.

Now on seven seats: more space and lots of comfort.

Comfortable seats with padded armrests allow relaxed cruising and provide a stylish ambience within the new BMW X5. Longitudinal adjustment of the driver�s and front passenger�s seats is manual, while height and angle adjustment is electrical via a switch directly on the seat itself. All-electric seats complete with a memory function on the driver�s seat come as an option, with electrically adjustable sports and comfort seats rounding off the range of optional features all the way to active seat ventilation including seat heating.

Passengers sitting in the second row of seats will enjoy far more space and comfort in the new BMW X5 than in the former model, with kneeroom for passengers in the second row increasing by 40 millimetres or almost 1.6��.

Tilting down and recessing the seats into the floor of the vehicle, finally, the driver obtains an extra-large, flat and uncluttered luggage area.

Practical and flexible: two seats in the third row.

The new BMW X5 is available for the first time with a third row of seats also moving down where required completely into the floor of the vehicle. In this case the size of the luggage compartment may be varied most flexibly by moving the second row of seats or adjusting their backrests. Folding out individually as required, the seats in the third row are ideal for passengers up to about 1.70 metres or 5�7�� in height. They naturally come with three-point inertia-reel seat belts and headrests adjustable for height, with armrests integrated in the wall panels. The belt systems and headrests in the third row, together with the crash-optimised D-pillars and the energy-absorbing structure of the inner panels, all serve to ensure optimum occupant safety.

The air vents for heating and cooling as well as two cupholders are integrated in the centre console.

In the seven-seater version of the new BMW X5, the second row of seats adjust 80 millimetres or 3.15�� in length, with backrest adjustment in four steps by a maximum of 12�.

The Easy-Entry function ensures comfortable and convenient access all the way to the rear, a lever serving to release the rear edge of the second row of seats then tilting completely to the front and providing easy access to the third row. And last but not least, grab recesses in the C-pillars are also very helpful in moving to the rear.

Designing the inner door linings and grab recesses around the third row of seats, the development engineers were assisted by a very special kind of external support, checking out the first interior design concepts together with children on a prototype of the new BMW X5. The opinions of these young �passengers� on the optimum position of the armrests and grab recesses were then naturally taken into account in full in the ongoing development process.

Spacious and flexible: the luggage compartment.

Regardless of the number of seats actually used, the new BMW X5 provides lots of space behind the tailgate opening in two sections. The first point is that the luggage compartment is 100 millimetres or almost 4�� longer than in the former model, with luggage capacity increasing under the VDA standard by 110 litres (3.9 cubic feet) or 22 per cent to 620 litres (21.7 cubic feet) in the five-seater version of the new BMW X5.

An additional compartment beneath the floor of the luggage compartment as such on vehicles without the third row of seats offers another 90 litres or 3.2 cubic feet. And completely tilting down the asymmetrically split seat bench in the second row, luggage capacity increases to no less than 1,750 litres or 61.3 cubic feet, maximum luggage volume in the new BMW X5 thus increasing by 13 per cent or 200 litres (7.0 cubic feet) over the former model. Even with the third row of seats in use, finally, 200 litres or 7.0 cubic feet of luggage space still remains available.

New trim for a truly exclusive ambience.

A well-balanced concept of materials and colours gives the new BMW X5 truly exceptional flair combining the style of a luxury performance saloon with all the versatility and functionality of a modern SAV. In combination with nine exterior paintwork colours, four equipment variants, six equipment colours and trim strips in five different versions offer a wide margin for individual choice.

These options in customising the new BMW X5 make a significant contribution to the vehicle�s unique appeal. And this is quite appropriate, considering that these days an automobile is increasingly becoming an important element of modern life, and is therefore far more than just a mere means of transport. So it is only natural that the customer is making increasing demands of the ambience on board the vehicle he � or she � chooses.

Precisely this is why BMW offers high-grade wood trim for the first time made of brown-tinted and high gloss polished bamboo as a particularly decorative element within the interior and as an alternative to conventional wood finish. Bamboo is indeed particularly appropriate through its excellent material qualities, low weight, high resistance to pressure, tension and bending forces, as well as its very good finish. Processed the classic way with a very large share of craftsmanship, the thin bamboo trim strips featured within the new BMW X5 offer truly unique character.

Sophisticated materials, harmonious design.

High quality and harmony of all components creates a truly unique ambience within the interior of the new BMW X5. The interior as a whole is open and generous, with the horizontal orientation of the instrument panel providing a particularly powerful and muscular touch. High-quality grain on the instrument panel and the striking seams on the interior components, in turn, bear distinct testimony to the elegant character of the vehicle. And finally, the combination with a two-piece trim bar featuring different surfaces gives even greater emphasis to the sophisticated style and flair of the dashboard.

In their design and configuration, the controls and instruments fit perfectly into this overall picture, careful use of metal in pearl gloss chrome providing consistent flair and appeal where appropriate. Indeed, this material extremely attractive in its looks and feel is used on the door openers, the rotary knobs, the trim surrounds, and the openings for the air ventilation system.

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