The New BMW X5: A New Look and a Host of Technological Advances
* World innovation: xDrive - new intelligent four-wheel technology for
increased road grip, agility and safety
* The X5 4.4i boasts a new 315 Horsepower VALVETRONIC V8 engine mated to a
6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic Transmission - improved performance, economy and
driving pleasure
* A new 6-speed manual transmission for the X5 3.0i
* New design: a refinement of the now famous BMW SAV look
Whitby, Ontario...When the X5 debuted in 1999 it left no doubt that a vehicle
with true go-anywhere capability could also deliver BMW levels of performance,
luxury, safety and style. The X5 delivered in spades. Four years after its
launch, the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle still enjoys enormous
popularity. To ensure that this popularity continues, the engineers and
designers came together to devise a thoroughly improved driving experience,
which gave rise to a number of technical innovations and a bold new look.
The main highlights of this new SAV include the new intelligent four-wheel
drive system - xDrive, the more powerful V8 engine, new transmissions and the
modernization of central design elements. All this means that the X5 will
remain the perfect vehicle for the driver with sporting ambitions, who wishes
to combine the excellent handling and drive characteristics typical of BMW with
a unique Command Position and the ability to master a wide range of driving
situations, including off-road.
A new V8 engine and two new six-speed transmissions - improved performance,
economy and driving pleasure
The new BMW 4.4-liter V8 engine with VALVETRONIC valve control, Double VANOS
and fully variable intake system has already set new standards for refinement
and performance in the new BMW 7 Series. This engine will now power the X5
4.4i, with its unique qualities adapted to meet the requirements of a Sports
Activity Vehicle. The 4.4-litre V8 generates 315 horsepower and the X5 4.4i can
accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.0 seconds. The new X5 4.4i is equipped
with the new six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission. Its six perfectly
spaced gear ratios ensure that there is always plenty of power on tap while
providing maximum efficiency.
The X5 3.0i will, of course, continue with its 3.0-liter, 225hp in-line
six-cylinder engine. For 2004 it now is available with a six-speed manual
transmission for those who prefer to shift for themselves in traditional sporty
BMW fashion.
Beginning in Spring 2004 a new high performance version of the X5 will also be
available to Canadian consumers - the new BMW X5 4.8is.
Intelligent use of power: The world innovation xDrive four-wheel drive system
In order to make the most of the new powertrain updates BMW's newest all-wheel
drive system helps to ensure optimum performance in all driving situations. The
xDrive intelligent four-wheel drive system is a completely new design, and it
sets new standards of road holding and agility among four-wheel drive vehicles.
The xDrive system can perform the stepless and variable distribution of drive
forces between the front and rear wheels at an unprecedented speed.
xDrive reacts with unprecedented speed
xDrive reacts faster than other systems because it is able to think further in
advance. It not only makes use of the information obtained from the wheel
sensors which signal when any of the wheels are spinning, but also data
collected by the sensors from the DSC system. For example the yaw rate, the
information regarding rotational movement of the vehicle itself, and the
steering wheel position supply important data concerning the current situation.
This enables xDrive to distribute the drive power ideally and at any given
moment between the front and rear wheels, for instance in a dynamic driving
situation in bends, thereby significantly minimizing under- or oversteer. In
addition to the clear increase in agility and driving enjoyment, xDrive also
provides great safety benefits.
As a result of its fast reaction time, the new system provides greatly improved
road holding characteristics. Whether the driving surface is rough or smooth,
it only takes a few milliseconds once friction is lost between the wheel and
the surface for the drive forces to be redistributed to the wheels that have
traction. The electronically controlled multi-disk clutch loses no time and
reacts immediately. Starting off on an icy smooth surface or climbing steep
uphill slopes prove to be simple exercises for the new X5 thanks to xDrive.
Pronounced design elements sharpen the profile.
The revised technical features of the X5 also provided the designers with a
good reason to further improve the vehicle's visual appearance. This has
resulted in a certain sharpening of the X5's character, making its enormous
technical performance discreetly visible to the more sharp-eyed among us, with
typical BMW understatement.
The front of the car has been completely revised right up to the A-pillar. The
character lines in the hood are wider and higher and run into the BMW typical
double kidney grille design. The kidney-shaped air inlets have also been
redesigned. They have been enlarged and as a result they lend the X5 increased
presence. The dual headlights have been given more pronounced external
contours, which means that along with the now more rounded indicator lamps,
they better match the new appearance of the BMW model range. As with some other
recent BMW designs the four round headlights are more prominent thanks to the
illuminated rings.
The front skirt section now has a more pronounced design. Its air inlets are
larger and divided in the center, representing a continuation of the character
lines from the hood. At the rear, the new transparent glass lights harmonize
perfectly with the fresh appearance of the new BMW X5.
Safety - still a top priority
As far as safety is concerned, the new X5 again scores extra points, profiting
from the extensive revision. The new xDrive four-wheel drive system has raised
active safety to a new level, offering a driver an extra measure of security in
virtually any driving situation. The X5 has successfully proven its passive
safety qualities in one of the most stringent crash tests in the world. The BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle was the first so-called "Large Offroader" to be awarded
a score of five stars in the Euro NCAP Test. It is also rated as a "Best Pick"
by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in its 40 mph offset crash test.
Visibility at night is also improved. The new, optionally available Adaptive
Head Lights ensure optimum illumination of the route. The new Bi-Xenon
headlamps guarantee excellent road illumination. These are fitted as standard
in the eight-cylinder models and are available as optional extras for the
six-cylinder vehicle.
For those who use the special performance features of the X5 for towing
purposes, there is a further unique safety feature - the trailer stabilization
control of the new X5 prevents dangerous rocking movements. The DSC vehicle
stability regulation system is fitted with sensors that are able to recognize
potentially dangerous pendulum motions and to apply braking forces to help
return the trailer to safe motion.
The new BMW X5 will be premiered in September 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The first vehicles will be shipped out to Canadian customers only a few weeks
later - beginning in mid-October.
BMW Group Canada, based in Whitby, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW
AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance
automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and the 2003 North American
Car of the Year - MINI. BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of
BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs on new and
pre-owned BMW and MINI Automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and
pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 35 independent BMW retail
centres, 16 independent BMW motorcycle retailers, and 17 MINI retailers
represents the BMW Group across the country.
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