BMW details new X5 SUV
More power, speed, capacity and economy - but is it ugly enough?
  2007 BMW X5 |
BMW's provided details of the new, second generation X5 SUV -- but it won't be here until spring next year.
Seven years after its 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show debut and presumably because there are so many SUVs now, BMW has decided that it's not an SUV any more, it's an SAV -- Sports Activity Vehicle.
New category means the company's able to claim to be the world’s first SAV to be offered with head-up display, active suspension system and active steering. It's also the first BMW to offer a third row of seats for added practicality.
The new X5 gets a choice of three engines, all of which feature increased power than those in the outgoing model, while also posting improved consumption and emissions figures. BMW predicts that the biggest seller in the UK will be a 2,993cc six-cylinder diesel but there's also a hefty a 4.8-litre V8 petrol engine -- as well as a three-litre six-pot.
The flagship X5 4.8i provides 355bhp and is faster from zero to 62mph and has a higher top speed than the supercharged Range Rover Sport or a Mercedes Benz ML500 Sport, according to BMW. The V8 powers the car to 62mph in a respectable 6.5 seconds before going on to a top speed of 150mph. Fuel consumption is 22.6mpg on the combined cycle and emissions are 299g/km -- which is actually not bad at all.
Based on the BMW's lightweight six-cylinder petrol engine, the 3.0si comes equipped with BMW’s double Vanos and Valvetronic variable valve technologies for added economy and performance. Double Vanos determines when the engine’s valves open, while Valvetronic determines by how much. The net effect of both systems is that the engine is always operating at its optimum efficiency with only the exact amount of fuel needed being used.
This gives the X5 3.0si a combined fuel consumption figure of 25.9mpg -- an 18 per cent improvement compared to the previous X5 3.0i -- and an emissions figure of 260g/km. It develops 272bhp at 6,650rpm with peak torque of 232lb-ft attained at 2,750rpm and zero to 62mph dispatched in 8.1 seconds. Top speed for the new BMW X5 3.0si is 140mph.
Oilburner
The X5 3.0d uses an engine with high-precision piezo crystal injection technology for better economy and emission figures. Combined with the introduction of an all aluminium crankcase that saves 25kg compared to the former 3.0-litre diesel engine, means the X5 records improved performance figures and is now seven per cent more fuel efficient with a combined fuel consumption figure of 32.5mpg while also emitting eight per cent less CO2, according to BMW. The 3.0d engine records 231g/km.
Output from the 3.0d engine is 231hp, up six per cent compared to the previous model, and maximum torque is 383lb-ft, up four per cent, available from 2,000 to 2,750 rpm. It provides zero to 62mph in 8.3 seconds before going on to a top speed of 134 mph -- 130 mph for a non-Dynamic Package equipped model.
BMW quotes all the above figures for the vehicle when fitted with the Dynamic Package except where stated.
Transmission
There's an all-new faster-shifting six-speed automatic transmission too, featuring a new torque converter with enhanced software resulting in gearshift times up to 50 per cent quicker compared with previous automatics. A new design of gearstick also creates more space on the centre console for additional storage space and cupholders. The use of an electronic parking brake in place of a conventional handbrake aids ergonomics further.
The X5's xDrive four-wheel-drive system transfers power between front and rear wheels depending on available grip, but it can now be specified with Adaptive Drive and Active Steering. Adaptive Drive uses hydraulic anti-roll bars to counteract cornering roll, and sensor-activated electronic damper control system to continuously adjust damper settings for optimum comfort.
Active Steering uses an electronically operated planetary gear intersecting the steering shaft that adds more lock than inputted by the driver at slow speeds for fingertip parking. When driving at speed the opposite occurs.
Other features
The new X5 can be specified with head-up display that projects speed, navigation and check control messages into the driver's line of sight so you can keep your eyes on the road.
You get run-flat tyres that allow a journey to continue in the event of a puncture for up to 90 miles at speeds of 50mph and provide stability in the event of a blowout. It comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels and run-flat tyres as standard with optional 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels offered.
Dynamic Stability Control+, is standard and comes with four features. Brake pre-tensioning that shortens stopping distances during an emergency stop by priming the brakes should it detect the driver lifting off the accelerator sharply in reaction to an incident ahead. Brake drying improves braking performance in the wet by periodically applying the brake pads to scrub away the film of water that can build up on the brake discs. Hill start assist allows a car to pull away smoothly on a steep gradient without rolling backwards, courtesy of the brakes being held for the short time it takes the driver to apply the accelerator after releasing the foot or handbrake. And finally, brake fade compensation applies additional braking without any extra effort from the driver should sensors detect that the brake pads are starting to lose ‘bite’ due to heat build up.
There's some fun to be had too: the X5's Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function of DSC+ allows for a greater degree of wheel slip for more tail-happy driving without the main traction control system safety net intervening. This option can be selected via a button on the centre console.
Interior practicality
In a first for a BMW, the new X5 can be specified with an optional third row of seats allowing up to seven occupants to be transported in comfort. An increase of 19cm in overall body length and an increase in body width of 6cm, combined with innovative design, has made it possible to introduce a brace of seats in the rear, while still retaining luggage space; the extra seats are stowed under the boot floor when not in use. If you don’t add the extra seat row, you benefit instead from an additional 90-litres of storage below the boot floor.
In a standard five-seat configuration the boot measures 620 litres – up 155 litres compared to the outgoing X5, and capacity increases to 1,750 litres with all the rear seats stowed.
A drag coefficient of 0.33 places the BMW X5 at the top of its segment as the most aerodynamically efficient large SAV or SUV, reckons BMW. This low figure is partly achieved by a rear tailgate that incorporates a roof spoiler and a near flat underbody to aid airflow. Nine exterior colours are offered initially alongside four levels of trim and seven upholstery colours to allow owners to personalise their X5s.
BMW’s iDrive control system also comes to the X5 for the first time. A new ‘wave’ style of dashboard houses the colour display while the iDrive controller sits on the centre console adjacent to the new style of gear selector.
Parking camera
You can also specify a rear parking camera that's automatically activated when the reverse gear is selected and presents you with a wide-angle colour image on the iDrive display in the centre console.
Prices and details of the Dynamic Package will be revealed nearer to the spring 2007 launch date.
That I said that, but I realy liked the looks of the old X5 and now they maked it more looking like the X3 aaaaaaaaaaaaa why...hope its better in the flesh.
GTRene
Jeez when will people stop buying these obese, unwieldy lumps of iron? This new version is even wider than the old one so will hog more space on our narrow roads and cause more damage in the car parks as the yummies and their kids swing open the doors ready to hit the mall.
I hope they're taxed off the roads...
Jeez when will people stop buying these obese, unwieldy lumps of iron? This new version is even wider than the old one so will hog more space on our narrow roads and cause more damage in the car parks as the yummies and their kids swing open the doors ready to hit the mall.
I hope they're taxed off the roads...
There's also rumoured to be a 500 HP M version in the offing to take on the ML 63!..Count me in
I agree that it looks still better then the Q7 does
and the M version sounds great with a V10 under the bonnet
and some more agressiv looks...yummie GTRene
What do people see in these things? What happened to elegance. lightness and agility?
All the scaremongering about how speed kills and you will die on the roads, so everyone wants something they feel safe in and aren't concerned about vehicle dynamics.
What do people see in these things? What happened to elegance. lightness and agility?
All the scaremongering about how speed kills and you will die on the roads, so everyone wants something they feel safe in and aren't concerned about vehicle dynamics.
It's not about that at all. If it was they'd buy a Land Rover but a battered Landie doesn't quite cut it with in-fill suburbia and the Hoorays on the 19th.
It doesn't shout 'I'm superior' enough...
What do people see in these things? What happened to elegance. lightness and agility?
All the scaremongering about how speed kills and you will die on the roads, so everyone wants something they feel safe in and aren't concerned about vehicle dynamics.
It's not about that at all. If it was they'd buy a Land Rover but a battered Landie doesn't quite cut it with in-fill suburbia and the Hoorays on the 19th.
It doesn't shout 'I'm superior' enough...
You're showing the ridiculous nature of your own prejudice with that statement.
I've driven both an X5 and a battlecruiser spec'd Defender 110, in ANY impact, I'd rather be in the X5.
The Landie is undoubtably better at offroading and at pulling anything, even houses down if required, but safer it is not.
What do people see in these things? What happened to elegance. lightness and agility?
All the scaremongering about how speed kills and you will die on the roads, so everyone wants something they feel safe in and aren't concerned about vehicle dynamics.
It's not about that at all. If it was they'd buy a Land Rover but a battered Landie doesn't quite cut it with in-fill suburbia and the Hoorays on the 19th.
It doesn't shout 'I'm superior' enough...
You're showing the ridiculous nature of your own prejudice with that statement.
I've driven both an X5 and a battlecruiser spec'd Defender 110, in ANY impact, I'd rather be in the X5.
The Landie is undoubtably better at offroading and at pulling anything, even houses down if required, but safer it is not.
How do you know? Have you experienced a crash in each and every one of them?
You're missing my point. The X5 is without doubt well built as all BMWs are, but the fact remains that most buyers are paying for a bloated status symbol. If they wanted safety what is wrong with a Renault Megane (5 star crash rating) or, dare I say it, a Volvo?
Marketing research shows that SUVs are rarely used to their full potential and you've got to question their usefulness in Leafy Drive except maybe when we've had a foot of snow. But then, of course they become potential lethal weapons as their inexperienced, gadget-reliant, safety-featured owners try to control them...
There's also rumoured to be a 500 HP M version in the offing to take on the ML 63!..Count me in
I agree that it looks still better then the Q7 does
and the M version sounds great with a V10 under the bonnet and some more agressiv looks...yummie GTRene
There's also rumoured to be a 500 HP M version in the offing to take on the ML 63!..Count me in
I agree that it looks still better then the Q7 does
and the M version sounds great with a V10 under the bonnet and some more agressiv looks...yummie GTRene
they did a one of X5 Le Mans with a 700hp V12
now thats a car for saving some time
www.fantasycars.com/1/News/700_hp_BMW_X5_Le_Mans/700_hp_bmw_x5_le_mans.html
and here the video
http://videos.streetfire.net/iPlayer.
GTRene
You're missing my point. The X5 is without doubt well built as all BMWs are, but the fact remains that most buyers are paying for a bloated status symbol. If they wanted safety what is wrong with a Renault Megane (5 star crash rating) or, dare I say it, a Volvo?
Marketing research shows that SUVs are rarely used to their full potential and you've got to question their usefulness in Leafy Drive except maybe when we've had a foot of snow. But then, of course they become potential lethal weapons as their inexperienced, gadget-reliant, safety-featured owners try to control them...
So what, Ferraris are rarely used to their full potential and are obviously bought mostly because of the badge. They could get the same performance from a Porsche or even a Mitsubishi, lets ban them then
BMW 3 series infamously outsell Mondeos these days, should these evil badge snobs be taxed out of existence as well?
Audi TTs are nothing more than a glorified Golfs, that seems rather pointless, lets tax them out of existence and make them all drive Golfs.
MPVs and Vans are just as big, just as obscuring of vision and driven by the same irritating people, why not tax them out of existence as well?
In fact lets clean out trucks and buses as well, after all they are far bigger, far more annoying, far more polluting and far more dangerous and the roads are full of the damn things.
I have an intense dislike for SUVs as well, but just because I don't like something doesn't mean it has no right to exist. I exercise something called tolerance.
Jeez when will people stop buying these obese, unwieldy lumps of iron? This new version is even wider than the old one so will hog more space on our narrow roads and cause more damage in the car parks as the yummies and their kids swing open the doors ready to hit the mall.
I hope they're taxed off the roads...
Lets get the facts rather than jump on the band wagon:
The current X5 is shorter than the current crop of estate cars
It is roughly just as wide as a standard saloon
Does it REALLY do anymore damage to the road as to any other car?
If someone can't drive it isn't down the the 4*4, regardless of what car it is I'm sure it will scratch your car, even a little Fiat Uno can do damage.
Do you whinge about 6.0 V8s in the Audi A8s or 3.4 TTs? Do you whinge about vans? As mentioned on Top Gear they dramatically outsell cars
What emmits more emmissions: softly driven 4*4 or sports car given a thrashing?
Chances are my next car will be an X5, why? Because I now have a kid and without wanting to sound heartless and I couldn't give a stuff about the other roadusers as long as it means my little girl is OK.
You're missing my point. The X5 is without doubt well built as all BMWs are, but the fact remains that most buyers are paying for a bloated status symbol. If they wanted safety what is wrong with a Renault Megane (5 star crash rating) or, dare I say it, a Volvo?
Marketing research shows that SUVs are rarely used to their full potential and you've got to question their usefulness in Leafy Drive except maybe when we've had a foot of snow. But then, of course they become potential lethal weapons as their inexperienced, gadget-reliant, safety-featured owners try to control them...
So what, Ferraris are rarely used to their full potential and are obviously bought mostly because of the badge. They could get the same performance from a Porsche or even a Mitsubishi, lets ban them then
BMW 3 series infamously outsell Mondeos these days, should these evil badge snobs be taxed out of existence as well?
Audi TTs are nothing more than a glorified Golfs, that seems rather pointless, lets tax them out of existence and make them all drive Golfs.
MPVs and Vans are just as big, just as obscuring of vision and driven by the same irritating people, why not tax them out of existence as well?
In fact lets clean out trucks and buses as well, after all they are far bigger, far more annoying, far more polluting and far more dangerous and the roads are full of the damn things.
I have an intense dislike for SUVs as well, but just because I don't like something doesn't mean it has no right to exist. I exercise something called tolerance.
Forgive me if I'm wrong but I thought most people who enjoy cars/driving/speed (as I do) choose a car that can tick as many boxes as possible for a given budget.
A badge isn't even on my list. If Skoda built the car that fulfilled all my requirements and offered reasonable resale value, I'd buy it.
I defend anyone's right to drive what they choose. But the fact remains we live in a vastly over populated, polluted country with overcrowded roads in increasingly poor condition. We all pay tax to pay for the upkeep of these roads and if it is proved that one car causes more damage over another then it seems reasonable that the owner of that car should bear a bigger proportion of the cost...
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