The new BMW X5 4.8is. All- wheel dynamics at its utmost.

Munich. Just a few months after the debut of the revised BMW X5, the new
top model of the bestseller is going on the market as of April: the BMW
X5 4.8is has a unique power unit under the bonnet. The new 8-cylinder
was developed especially and exclusively for the Sports Activity
Vehicle (SAV) and delivers 265 kW (360 bhp) at 6200 rpm. It rounds off
the top of the X5 range, consisting up to now of a 3-litre in-line
6-clinder diesel and petrol engine model and the 4.4 litre 8-cylinder.
For the connoisseur, the X5 4.8is is immediately recognisable as the top
version of the BMW X5 series. Both the front and rear apron are
aerodynamically adapted and bear sporty design elements. The other
exclusive features are oval dual exhaust tailpipes and 20-inch
aluminium wheels with 275/40 W tyres at front and 315/35 W at rear.
Developed for maximum performance capacity: engine and brakes. The
heart of the new BMW X5 4.8is is the very powerful 8-cylinder power unit
which puts a rated torque of 500 Nm on the crankshaft at 3500 rpm. The
basis for this development was the BMW V8 engine with VALVETRONIC valve
control, bi-vanos and fully variable intake system as used in the 7
Series, 6 Series and 5 Series. From this, the BMW engineers developed a
high-performance engine exclusively for the X5 with a larger cylinder
bore and new crankshaft with enlarged stroke. In order to provide
adequate gas exchange for the 4.8 litres capacity thus created, the
intake and exhaust system have been extensively modified and the engine
management system adapted. Fitted as standard with an as well modified
6-speed automatic transmission, this power package gives the X5 4.8is
performance figures similar to those of a sports car: the SAV flagship
accelerates in 6.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and achieves a top speed
of 246 km/h. This kind of dynamic performance also places high demands
on the brake system. New, larger high-performance brake discs with 356
mm diameter at front and 324 mm at rear, both inner vented of course,
ensure safe deceleration from all speeds. As standard: dual axle
pneumatic suspension with self-levelling. With its sporty suspension
settings, the X5 4.8is is already 15 mm lower than the other X5
variations as standard. This can particularly be noticed when the car
is driven in a sporty style due to its lower centre of gravity, the
reduced tendency to tilt on bends and the diminished brake squat,
resulting in excellent handling. In addition, the top model is fitted
as standard with dual axle pneumatic self-levelling suspension. This
system enables the driver to lower the X5 by an additional 20 mm or
else increase ground clearance by 40 mm when driving off-road.
Intelligent power: the all-wheel system xDrive. Just as important as
the impressive performance of the new engine is the drive technology
which is put on the road in optimum fashion in every situation. This is
ensured by the intelligent all-wheel drive system xDrive which sets new
standards in traction and agility amongst all-wheel drive vehicles.
xDrive enables the continuously variable and uniquely fast distribution
of drive forces between the front and rear axle. Together with the new
engines, xDrive is the technological highlight of the X5 revisions. 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. Action rather than reaction: xDrive thinks
and acts faster. xDrive acts faster than other systems since it is
always able to think ahead. To this end, it not only uses the
information from the wheel sensors which indicate imminent wheel spin,
but also the data collected by the sensors of the stabilisation system
DSC. For example, the yaw rate information on vehicle rotation
movement and the steering wheel angle provide important data on the
current driving condition. xDrive can thus provide optimum distribution
of drive force between the two axles at any time when taking bends
dynamically and thus significantly minimise understeering or
oversteering. In addition to a tangible increase in agility and driving
pleasure, xDrive also provides a considerable safety bonus. Chassis
regulation systems such as DSC often do not have to intervene until
much later than is the case with conventional all-wheel drive concepts.
With its speed of response, the new system 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. The electronically
controlled multi-plate clutch loses no time and reacts immediately.
With xDrive, starting on snow or climbing steep slopes with a loose
surface are thus easy exercises for an X5. Striking design elements
sharpen the profile. The discreet visual differentiation features of
the X5 4.8is harmoniously highlight the revised design of the new X5.
For example, the front has been completely reworked up to the A column.
Here, the bonnet relief characteristic of the BMW X models has been
more strikingly emphasised, showing the greater dynamism of the new BMW
design style with alternating convex-concave surfaces. The
characteristic lines of the engine compartment lid now run broader and
higher into the characteristic BMW dual kidney grill. The kidney-shaped
intake vents have also been newly designed. They are now larger and
give the new X5 a greater presence. The kidney rods have a robust yet
elegant wave-like profile characteristic for the BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle. The dual headlamps in bi-xenon technology have been given a
more dynamic exterior contour and with the equally more strongly
rounded direction indicators are matched to the new appearance of the
BMW model range. A characteristic nocturnal appearance has been
achieved by the designers by means of the illuminated corona rings
around the four headlamps. The front apron has a more striking design
with larger air intake vents separated at the centre, creating the a
visual extension of the characteristic bonnet lines. The bumpers now
connect seamlessly with the headlamps. At the rear, the new rear lights
round off the fresh appearance of the new BMW X5 harmoniously in clear
glass visual style. Extensive equipment, exclusive paint finishes and
materials. The BMW X5 4.8is is available in five paint finishes, two of
these - Imola Red and Le Mans Blue ? are reserved exclusively for the
top model. The exterior is in Shadowline high gloss as standard. In the
interior, too, BMW X5 4.8is provides new highlights: the standard sport
seats or optional comfort seats can be chosen in exclusive Crème
Beige, also only available for the high performance 8-cylinder model
there are two-colour covers in Alcantara / Nappa leather for the sport
seats. A wide range of other equipment features are available,
including a large panorama glass roof, soft close function for the
upper luggage compartment lid section (standard) or adaptive headlights.
For those who want to make full use of the traction properties of the
X5 4.8is in the winter, there is an exclusive wheel of the size 8J x 18
with 255/55 R 18 with M+S tyres as an accessory. Top awards for
safety. In terms of safety, too, the new X5 takes a leading position
and benefits from its extensive revision. 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.
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. For
questions please contact: BMW Group Africa and Caribbean Region
Jean-Michel Juchet General Manager Marketing and Public Relations Phone:
+49/89/382-21248, Fax: +49/89/382-26844 Email: Jean-Michel.JA.Juchet@bmw.de