Munich. Like its predecessors and indeed the entire BMW X model family, the fourth generation of the BMW X5 (combined fuel consumption 11.6-6.0 l/100 km; combined CO₂emissions: 264–158 g/km; provisional figures*) combines impressive off-road performance with outstanding driving dynamics quality on the road. With an extensive range of M Performance Parts for the new premium SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), BMW now in particular addresses those customers who wish to selectively refine the vehicle's sporty character and give this aspect further emphasise the character. The M Performance Parts available through the Original BMW Accessories programme will be available right on time for the worldwide market launch of the BMW X5 in March 2019.

Development of the full range of M Performance Parts has always drawn on the extensive motor racing expertise of BMW M GmbH. All components are perfectly matched – both with each other and with the specific properties of each model. In this way, they not only give the vehicle concerned a more striking, dynamic appearance but also serve a functional purpose. The features have a positive impact on the vehicle’s aerodynamic properties, for instance, or contribute additionally to the intelligent lightweight concept. 

The numerous exterior components in carbon fibre make for a more pronounced appearance. 
The M Performance exterior components in carbon fibre are especially effective in creating a particularly striking look in the BMW X5 that is clearly inspired by motor racing. They are all characterised by the honeycomb structure that is so typical of carbon fibre reinforced plastic. Finished by hand and sealed with a clear finish, the components are given a final high-gloss polish for an impressive depth effect. For example, the air intake trim element for the standard bumper and the front winglets not only visually enhance the front section, they also highlight the breadth of the SAV model. At the rear, the same applies to the rear winglets and the rear diffuser. The range of M exterior components in carbon fibre is rounded off with exterior mirror caps.

Finally, M Performance side sill foils in black matt are available for further enhancement of the vehicle’s sporty external look. They run from the front to the rear wheel arch along the entire lower sill and are branded with the M Performance inscription. 

All-terrain wheels available from BMW as M Performance Parts for the first time.

For customers who prefer to highlight and make use of the off-road capabilities of their BMW X5, the 20'' M light alloy wheel Star Spoke 748 M with all-terrain tyres is now available for the fourth generation of the BMW X5. The colour BMW M logo is especially eye-catching due to the fact that the rim is finished in sporty matt black. The specific rim design combined with the striking tread design of the all-terrain tyre reflects both robustness and stability. This new wheel/tyre combination also offers good rid comfort and is approved for use in winter.

Optional 22-inch tyres are also available for customers, that include a set of wheels from the M Performance Parts range. The 22" M Performance light alloy wheel Start Spoke 749 M with rolled rim well (flow forming) is about one kilogram lighter than a comparable wheel of the same size due to the special manufacturing technique used. All in all, the unsprung masses are reduced by approx. four kilograms as a result, which impacts positively on driving dynamics and turn-in response. 

Weight-optimised design also characterises the M Performance sports brake: the 4-piston fixed calipers on the front axle are made of aluminium, for example. Meanwhile the inner-vented and perforated M Performance brake discs – which are larger than in the serial brakes (19 inches) – ensure improved thermal resilience and therefore an increased braking effect even in extreme conditions. The brake calipers finished in red visually highlight the M Performance sports brake – and especially striking feature in conjunction with wheels that have an open rim design such as the M Performance light alloy wheel Star Spoke 749 M.

Carbon fibre look and motor racing functionality on the inside, too.
A wide selection of M Performance components derived from and inspired by motor racing is also available for the interior of the new BMW X5, once again providing both visual and functional enhancement. The M Performance steering wheel ensures the driver has secure control over the dynamic SAV at all times, for example. This is due to the extremely high-grip Alcantara handling area with large thumbrests and special underlining for excellent stability and a direct steering feel. In addition to standard details such as the red centre marking at the 12 o’clock position and the silver-grey, hand-sewn cross-stitch, the M Performance steering wheel is also available with M Performance steering wheel trim in carbon fibre with M Performance inscription and Alcantara insert. To match this, the shift paddles can also be selected in an M Performance finish featuring carbon fabric instead of the standard chrome surface.

It is also possible to give the driver’s workplace a motor racing look and feel in areas that are outside the direct field of vision in the new BMW X5. Contributing factors here are the M Performance floor mats with M Performance inscription, a pennant in the typical M colours and a surround in leather look including decorative seam in contrasting colours, as well as pedal pads and footrest in stainless steel. The asymmetrical profiles of the latter underscore the striking motor racing look.

Drive Analyser for comprehensive driving style analysis.
The M Performance Drive Analyser is available to those wanting to achieve motor racing optimisation not just in the BMW X5 itself but also in terms of their own driving style. It consists of an OBD stick, which is plugged into the on-board diagnosis socket, and a smartphone app. The Drive Analyser is derived directly from motor racing: it provides the driver with all the main driving dynamics data, offering extensive and professional logging and analysis options. It also enables trip recording on a smartphone video camera, driving data logging and route tracking based on GPS position data.

A love of motor racing in general and M Performance products in particular can also be expressed by means of features that are not directly connected with the driving experience in the new BMW X5 itself. The M Performance slide set for the BMW LED door projectors enables the BMW M logo or other motifs relating to M Performance to be projected onto the asphalt when getting in and out of the car, for example. The M Performance key wallet made of high-quality Alcantara with carbon fibre insert can by firmly attached to the vehicle key by means of a hexagon socket screw in M light blue, thereby protecting it from scratches and damage. The same combination of looks and function is provided by the M Performance tyre bags made of high-quality and highly resilient plastic: these protect the wheels from soiling during transport and storage.

Munich. Black is powerful, black is exciting, and black is exclusive: the same can be said of the new Black Fire Edition of the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M (combined fuel consumption: 11.1 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 258 g/km*). The two special editions see BMW emphatically continue its success story in the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) sectors.

From August 2017, both cars will be available in a variant that visualises all the strengths of the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M. The Black Fire Edition combines exciting exterior and interior design with high-class, exclusive furnishing details. The special edition pairs all this with the impressive driving dynamics and power delivery of the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M models.

^.

Impressive design.

No matter what terrain the BMW X5 M Edition Black Fire and the BMW X6 M Edition Black Fire find themselves on, these special models cut a fine figure on any route. The rich shade of black in the Sapphire Black Metallic paintjob alone catches the eye. The same and more can be said of the black M double kidney with black bars. It is a unique feature of the Black Fire Edition.

This also applies to the forged 21-inch M alloy wheels in black. These large wheels with mixed-sized tyres (front: 10 J x 21, rear: 11.5 J x 21) are weight-optimised and instrumental in transferring the power generated by the M TwinPower Turbo Technology to the road. Another distinguishing feature of the Black Fire Edition are the standard carbon mirror caps. They accentuate the lightweight design of both models and show the close relationship between both the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M and motorsport.

Motorsport feel on the inside.

Great emphasis is also placed on premium quality and exclusivity inside the BMW X5 M Edition Black Fire and BMW X6 M Edition Black Fire. Fully-electric M multifunctional seats with integrated headrests come as standard in full fine-grain Merino leather, in contrasting Black and Mugello Red. The fine tone is underlined by the contrasting red seams on the full leather upholstery, which also includes the central console. The feel and colour of the BMW Individual headliner in anthracite, another feature of this special edition, makes it the perfect complement to the premium full leather upholstery. The interior trim shines in piano finish black. The logo of the X5 M or X6 M Edition Black Fire, which adorns the right side of the interior trim on the passenger side of the car, also shows that there is something special about the car.

As well as the standard, multifunctional M leather steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles, the BMW M Performance Alcantara steering wheel with light-blue leather motorsport accent is also available as an option and at no extra charge. It not only creates a racing feeling, but also boasts an eye-catching design and extremely prevalent gripping area made from Alcantara – for optimal grip in all temperatures. This is perfectly suited to the impressive driving performance and dynamics demonstrated by every BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M.

Power on the streets.

Both models generate a top performance of 423 kW/575 hp (both: combined fuel consumption: 11.1 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 258 g/km*) from the 4.4-litre V8 engine. Both cars do 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds with the standard 8-speed M Steptronic gearbox. The maximum torque of 750 Nm produces impressive drive in the rpm range between 2,200 und 5,000 min^-1. The xDrive four-wheel drive system has been set up with a rear-wheel bias, which improves the agility of the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M. The Dynamic Performance Control system seamlessly distributes the drive torque between the rear wheels.

In combination with the outstanding deceleration values of the M compound brakes, which boast excellent deceleration values, precise dosage, light weight and increased thermal stability, everything is in place to allow an agile and dynamic driving style. The unmistakable sound of the M TwinPower turbo engine makes the impressive performance of both models audible, thus providing an extremely emotional driving experience. The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) also allows every driver to adapt the sportiness of their BMW X5 M or BMW X6 M to any situation and to suit their individual preferences, at the push of a button. In “DSC on” mode, the brake interventions work to prevent understeer and oversteer. “MDM” allows greater wheel slip, meaning ambitious drivers are able to perform small drifts. Deactivating DSC (“DSC off”) makes it possible to explore the limits on the racetrack, and to use the accelerator pedal to get the car drifting.

The new special editions will be available starting in August 2017.

^{* Fuel consumption figures based on the EU test cycle and may vary depending on the tyre format specified.}

^{Further information on official fuel consumption figures, specific CO2 emission values and the electric power consumption of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: “Leitfaden über Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen” (Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/en/offers/publications/guideline-for-fuel-consumption.html. LeitfadenCO2 (GuidelineCO2) (PDF ‒ 2.7 MB)}

In the event of enquiries please contact:

Matthias Bode, Spokesperson BMW M Performance Automobiles

Telephone: +49-89-382-61742

Email: matthias.bode@bmwgroup.com

Pressroom: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Email: presse@bmw.de

^{The BMW Group}

^{With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.}

^{In 2016, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.367 million cars and 145,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax was approximately € 9.67 billion on revenues amounting to € 94.16 billion. As of 31 December 2016, the BMW Group had a workforce of 124,729 employees.}

^{The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.}

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BMW, one of the world’s most successful premium carmakers, also boasts an excellent position in the all-wheel-drive market, a segment it first entered 30 years ago. Around one in three BMW cars sold around the world is now equipped with the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system. BMW’s success in this segment has been driven not only by the ever-popular BMW X models but also by all-wheel-drive models based on the other model series, from the BMW 1 Series to the BMW 7 Series. Across these model series, a large choice of AWD models is offered in a wide range of engine versions. At the same time, BMW continues to refine this technology and take it in new directions. By offering BMW xDrive in combination with a hybrid drive and with a front-wheel-drive platform, the company has repeatedly demonstrated its proficiency in the all-wheel-drive field, proficiency that will secure BMW’s position at the forefront of this sector well into the future. Today, BMW offers more than 110 models – of either transmission type – with BMW xDrive in 12 different model series, as well as the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 sports car and the compact BMW 225xe with electrified all-wheel drive.

The focus from day one: traction and dynamics.
BMW’s first foray into the all-wheel-drive market came with the unveiling of the BMW 325i “Allrad” at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in 1985. From the outside, the newcomer didn’t immediately reveal its inner qualities, so its performance when the journalists took it out on the test track was even more of an eye-opener. This very first BMW all-wheel-drive system not only improved traction away from surfaced roads and in adverse weather conditions, but also made for more dynamic handling through corners. “The new BMW is the new champion when it comes to handling,” was the verdict of the testers from German car magazine Auto Zeitung not long after the first unveiling.

Today, the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system takes typical BMW driving dynamics to new levels. The current generation of this system is controlled by the Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) system, which ensures that xDrive always responds appropriately at the earliest possible moment, based on reliable sensing and monitoring of the current driving situation. The interventions may be performed either entirely by BMW xDrive, or by xDrive in combination with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Dynamic Performance Control (DPC). The resulting fast and precise control of drive power distribution ensures typical BMW handling characteristics even under extremely dynamic cornering.

The all-wheel-drive system is biased towards the typical BMW rear-wheel-drive characteristics. That is to say, on the all-wheel-drive models a greater share of the drive power is sent to the rear wheels, even under normal driving conditions. This maintains the typical BMW precise steering response, with virtually no torque steer. For crisp turn-in and high tracking stability, the latest-generation BMW xDrive system starts increasing the amount of power sent to the rear wheels as soon as the vehicle enters a corner, further enhancing the driving pleasure for which BMW is a byword.

BMW all-wheel-drive technology: continuous evolution since 1985.
The full-time all-wheel-drive system featured on the BMW 325i “Allrad” of 1985 split the drive power in a ratio of 37 to 63 per cent between the front and rear wheels. In response to wheel speed differences, visco locks in the transfer case and rear differential were capable of providing a virtually rigid connection between the front and rear wheels, in order to improve traction and stability. This model’s name was soon changed to BMW 325iX, and from 1988 it was offered in a “touring” version as well (lower-case spelling up to and including the E46 series).

1991: BMW 525iX.
Three years on, BMW introduced an all-wheel-drive model in the BMW 5 Series too. For the first time, the power split was now electronically controlled. The newly developed system featured multi-plate clutches that allowed the default 36:64 front-to-rear power split to be varied seamlessly and automatically in line with driving conditions. Initially a hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch was used at the rear axle, but this was later replaced by electronically controlled selective braking intervention. The system monitored the driving situation using wheel speed signals from the Anti-lock Braking System, supplemented by further information about brake status, engine speed and throttle valve position.

From the outset the all-wheel-drive system of the BMW 525iX was a class apart. The electronic control system delivered a very fast and precise response, resulting in safe, neutral handling characteristics even in difficult driving conditions, such as on wet roads or snow. In the BMW 5 Series, too, the first all-wheel-drive models were offered in both Sedan and touring versions.

1999: The Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) opens a new chapter.
In the run-up to the new millennium, a highly innovative vehicle concept from BMW made its sensational debut. The BMW X5, the first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), impressed customers with driving dynamics that were unmatched among other all-terrain vehicles of the time. The outstanding all-wheel-drive system played a big part in this. A planetary gear system split the drive power in a ratio of 38:62 per cent between the front and rear wheels, while electronic control systems such as DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ADB-X (Automatic Differential Brake) and HDC (Hill Descent Control) ensured the new BMW X5 was both sporty on the road and equipped to handle challenging conditions off the beaten track.

In the years following the successful launch of the SAV concept, there was no let-up in the fast pace of all-wheel-drive development at BMW. The next year, 2000, a model-specific version of the BMW X5’s all-wheel drive technology became available for the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series.

2003: BMW xDrive makes its debut in the BMW X3 and BMW X5.
Four years on from the debut of the BMW X5 in 1999, BMW kept up the momentum by launching the SAV concept in a further vehicle segment. The new BMW X3 was more compact than the BMW X5 and offered even more agile handling. It set new benchmarks and remained the only premium model in its class for years to come.

The newly developed BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which was introduced in the same year in both the BMW X3 and the BMW X5, soon extended BMW’s lead in the AWD segment. Based on an extremely fast-acting electronic multi-plate clutch in the transfer case, xDrive worked in tandem with the Dynamic Stability Control system (DSC) to continuously adapt the drive power split to the current driving situation. In addition to wheel speed, for the first time the electronic control system also took into account Dynamic Stability Control data, for example about steering angle, accelerator position and lateral acceleration. This is what makes BMW xDrive the world’s first, and still only, “intelligent” all-wheel-drive system. Unlike conventional all-wheel-drive systems, which only react when at least one wheel is already spinning, xDrive is able to detect a risk of oversteer or understeer at the very first signs, and proactively corrects this by redirecting the flow of drive power.

In the years that followed, the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system was fitted not only on the X models but also on the xDrive versions of the BMW 3 and 5 Series Sedan and Touring models. By the time the second generation of the BMW X3 was introduced in 2010, more than 600,000 units of this series had already been sold worldwide. A little earlier, sales of the BMW X5 – which entered its second generation in 2006 – had topped the one million mark.

2008: SAC with Dynamic Performance Control and hybrid drive.
With the two Sports Activity Vehicles now firmly established in their respective segments, in 2007 BMW went on to present the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), the brand-new BMW X6 elevated the typical dynamic character of the BMW X models to a new level of intensity. For the first time, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system was combined with Dynamic Performance Control (DPC), which varies the drive power split between the rear wheels when cornering to ensure unrivalled agility and stability, even under sudden throttle changes or on overrun. In 2009, the BMW Active Hybrid X6 demonstrated a further perfect pairing – between BMW xDrive and hybrid propulsion. Meanwhile, in the same year, BMW M GmbH added two very special models to its range of high-performance sports cars. With an M-tuned BMW xDrive system, including Dynamic Performance Control, the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M boasted performance that was previously unknown in the all-wheel-drive market.

2009 also saw the arrival of a new X model, the BMW X1. For many years to come, the BMW X1 was destined to remain the only vehicle of its kind in the premium compact segment. Its intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system, like that of the new BMW X3 (2010), was also combinable with Performance Control. This system selectively brakes the wheel on the inside of a turn while simultaneously increasing engine power, resulting in quick and precise turn-in to corners and taking the agile handling of both models to new levels.

BMW xDrive also available for other model series.
The steady advance of the BMW X models has been accompanied by an increase in the number of xDrive versions offered in the other BMW model series too. Designed to improve cornering agility and precision, BMW xDrive provides an enhanced driving experience and an optimal combination of dynamics and comfort. So it was only a matter of time before this intelligent drive technology made its debut in the BMW 7 Series as well, in 2009. In spring 2012, the first all-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible models were then offered in the sporty BMW 6 Series. BMW xDrive can also be specified on the current BMW 3 and 5 Series and, since 2013, on the Convertible, Coupe and Gran Coupe models of the new BMW 4 Series.

Driving progress ever forward.
BMW took things forward in the premium mid-sized segment with the launch of the BMW X4 in 2014. The new Sports Activity Coupe offers a unique blend of driving enjoyment, sophisticated style and contemporary practicality. It comes with BMW xDrive as standard and is available in a wide range of engine versions. In the same year, BMW also presented the third generation of the BMW X5, the second generation of the BMW X6, and M Sport versions of both models. BMW xDrive also made its debut in the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. This was a debut with a difference, being the first time BMW had combined its intelligent all-wheel-drive system with an all-new front-wheel-drive format.

With the BMW i8, unveiled in 2014, the BMW Group took a bold new step in new directions – which also extended to the all-wheel-drive system. This 2+2-seater sports model is powered by a highly advanced plug-in hybrid drive system that pairs an internal combustion engine driving the rear wheels with a high-performance electric motor driving the front wheels.

Focused on the future: BMW xDrive meets BMW eDrive.
BMW’s latest all-wheel-drive models bring technology advances that are firmly focused on the future of mobility. The BMW i8 was followed by the international launch of the first production plug-in hybrid model from the BMW core brand: the BMW X5 xDrive40e. Thanks to full-time BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive and eDrive BMW EfficientDynamics technology, this Sports Activity Vehicle mates thrilling and effortless sporty performance with outstanding efficiency. Intelligent hybrid power management synchronises the operation of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor to maximise efficiency at all times, while also responding perfectly to the driver’s demands. The drive from the two power units is transferred to the road via the full-time BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

BMW 7 Series: Integral Active Steering combinable with BMW xDrive.
In September 2015, the sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series makes its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). This high-end BMW luxury model pioneers groundbreaking innovations on all fronts, and will be available with BMW xDrive from its market launch in October. The new luxury sedan will also be the first model to allow intelligent all-wheel-drive to be combined with Integral Active Steering – that is to say with passively steering rear wheels.

Please find attached the complete press kit for download.