New High Performance BMW X5 4.8is Debuts in the Middle East

Just a few months after the arrival of the new-look BMW X5, the latest
version of the best-selling Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), the new high
performance BMW X5 4.8is makes its debut in importerships across the
region. "The award-winning BMW X5 enjoys a huge success story in
the region with record sales of over 7,500 units since its launch in
2000. Now, this exceptional market performance will be heightened with
the new on and off road high performance X5 4.8is," said Guenther
Seemann, Managing Director BMW Group Middle East. The new BMW X5 4.8is
is powered by a 4.8-litre V8 engine delivering 360 bhp at 6200 rpm
rounding off the top of the X5 range, which also includes a 3-litre
in-line 6-cylinder and the 4.4 litre 8-cylinder models. Fitted with a
6-speed automatic transmission as standard, this power package gives
the X5 4.8is performance figures similar to those of a sports car. The
SAV flagship accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and achieves
a top speed of 246 km/h. "For the connoisseur, the X5 4.8is is
immediately recognisable as the top of the range of the X5
series," said Seemann. "Externally, enhanced sporting styling
to the front and rear valances differentiates the new X5 4.8is from the
standard X5. The other exclusive features are oval dual exhaust
tailpipes and unique V-spoke 20-inch aluminium wheels."
"The characteristic lines of the engine compartment lid run broader
and higher into the characteristic BMW dual kidney grill. The
kidney-shaped intake vents have also been re-designed. They are larger
and give the new X5 4.8is a greater presence." With its sporty
suspension settings, the X5 4.8is is 15 mm lower than the other X5
variants, providing a lower centre of gravity and excellent handling. In
addition, it is fitted with dual axle pneumatic self-levelling
suspension. This enables the driver to lower the X5 by an additional 20
mm or increase ground clearance by 40 mm when driving off-road. The X5
4.8is is fitted with BMW?s intelligent all-wheel drive xDrive
technology. The system immediately identifies when a change of power
distribution is necessary and reacts extremely rapidly - in on-road mode
usually even before a wheel loses grip. The xDrive offers enormous
traction benefits. On unsecured or slippery surfaces, only a few
milliseconds pass between the loss of grip in a wheel and the
redistribution of drive force to the wheels which still have grip. With
xDrive, starting on sand or climbing steep slopes with a loose surface
are made easy for an X5. "With the new all-wheel drive system
xDrive, active safety has been put at a new level since, in many cases,
it prevents critical situations on the road from even occurring,"
said Seemann. "Its qualities, in terms of passive safety, were
recently demonstrated in one of the toughest crash tests in the world.
The BMW Sports Activity vehicle was the first so-called large
off-roader to be awarded the highest possible ranking of five stars in
the Euro NCAP test." The BMW X5 4.8is is available in five paint
finishes; two of these - Imola Red and Le Mans Blue - are reserved
exclusively for this top model. Inside, Crème Beige Nappa
leather and Nappa leather / Alcantara trim are only available for the
high performance 8-cylinder model. A wide range of other equipment
features is available, including a large panorama glass roof, soft
close function for the upper luggage compartment lid section and
adaptive headlights.