BMW X5: Model Change Announcement

BMW X5 | BMW X5

X5 Model Change

The flagship model of BMW's Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), the "X5," is undergoing a model change.

Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)

Abundant Customization Options

The flagship model of BMW's SUV (SAV), the "X5," enters its third generation with a model change.
This new "X5" measures 4,886mm in length, 1,938mm in width, and 1,762mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,933mm.Previous ModelChanges from the previous model are minor. The exterior features a front face that echoes the latest BMW design seen in the "3 Series" and "4 Series," and a tail design reminiscent of the "X3."3 Series 4 Series X3

The interior offers a luggage capacity of 650-1,870 liters. Optional features include comfort seats, sport seats, seat heating/cooling, reclining rear seats, and a third row of seats. Entertainment systems are available, including Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen audio systems and tablet-style displays for rear passengers. The tailgate now features an automatic opening/closing function. Furthermore, the degree of customization for interior and exterior design has been expanded with the introduction of "Design Pure Experience" and "Design Pure Excellence" option packages. A "M Sport Package" will also be available concurrently.

In terms of performance, the previous model was announced at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show and released in 2007. This model change, occurring after a significant seven years, has focused on aerodynamic optimization, improved environmental performance, and enhanced safety features to modernize the vehicle.

Compliant with EU6

The new "X5" will initially launch with three models.

The sole gasoline engine model is the "X5 xDrive50i," equipped with a 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine (maximum output 330kW (450ps) at 5,500rpm, maximum torque 650Nm at 2,000-4,500rpm). This model excels in performance, achieving 0-100km/h in 5 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. Its environmental performance is rated at 10.4-10.5 L/100km fuel consumption and 242-244g/km CO2 emissions.

Meanwhile, the diesel engine models will start with the "X5 xDrive30d."

Equipped with a 3-liter inline 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine (maximum output 190kW (258ps) at 4,000rpm, maximum torque 560Nm at 1,500-3,000rpm), this model achieves 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 240km/h. It is compliant with EU6 standards, with fuel consumption of 6.2 L/100km and CO2 emissions of 162-164g/km. These are remarkably excellent figures considering the vehicle's size.

The "X5 M50d" belongs to BMW M GmbH's "M Performance" lineup, offering a powerful and sporty driving experience. Its 3-liter inline 6-cylinder diesel engine, paired with three turbochargers, produces a maximum output of 280kW (381ps) at 4,000-4,400rpm and a maximum torque of 740Nm at 2,000-3,000rpm. It completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.3 seconds, with a top speed limited to 250km/h. Despite being a high-performance model, its environmental credentials are not compromised, achieving 6.7 L/100km fuel consumption and 177g/km CO2 emissions. Naturally, this model is also compliant with EU6 standards.

From November 2013

A wide range of optional suspension packages is another characteristic of the new "X5." The "Comfort Adaptive Suspension Package" features "Dynamic Damper Control," which enhances driving stability. It also incorporates rear air suspension with a self-leveling function, automatically adjusting damping characteristics to driving conditions for improved ride comfort.

The "Adaptive M Suspension," available for the "X5 M50d" and when the "M Sport Package" is selected, offers similar functions to the "Comfort Adaptive Suspension Package" but provides a firmer suspension setting when SPORT or SPORT+ driving modes are selected.

The "Dynamic Adaptive Suspension Package," with its sporty characteristics, is said to further reduce body roll and enhance stable driving compared to the aforementioned packages. The "Professional Adaptive Suspension Package" integrates both the "Comfort Adaptive Suspension Package" and the "Dynamic Adaptive Suspension Package," promising a harmonious blend of high-level dynamic performance and comfort.

Safety features include the "Driving Assistant Package," which adds lane departure warning and collision avoidance functions, including automatic braking. Additionally, the "Driving Assistant Plus Package" offers "Active Cruise Control" with stop-and-go functionality, and "Traffic Jam Assistant" to keep the vehicle centered in its lane at low speeds. The "Active Protection" system tightens seatbelts and closes windows and the sunroof in case of a potential collision, and also includes a fatigue detection function.

Furthermore, the "Intelligent Emergency Call System," which automatically notifies emergency services of the vehicle's location in the event of an accident, is planned to be standard equipment in many markets.

Advanced driver support functions are also available, such as automatic high beams with glare prevention, Night Vision, and "Dynamic Light Spot," which illuminates people and animals in dark areas.

Production will take place at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, USA, which also produces the "X3" and "X6," and will later produce the "X4." In Germany, the market launch is scheduled for November 2013.X6 X4

In December, the lineup will be expanded to include the "X5 xDrive40d," "X5 xDrive35i," "xDrive25d," and the rear-wheel-drive "X5 sDrive25d," which records CO2 emissions of 149g/km.

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