UK Presskit: The new BMW X5

The New BMW X5 Contents 1. The new BMW X5: Short story p.3 2. Drivetrain p.8 3. Chassis p.12 4. Design p.16 5. Market and History p.21 6. Safety p.23 7. Standard equipment p.25 8. Optional equipment p.28 9. Technical specifications p.35 10. Dimensions and torque curves p.36

1. The new BMW X5 - Short story

The arrival of the first BMW X5 in 1999 was nothing short of revolutionary. A
large 4x4 that genuinely behaved like a sports tourer. It produced a string of
rivals following in its wheel tracks and opened up the new segment of Sports
Activity Vehicles (SAV) in the car market.

The 2007 X5 sets a new standard. It features an enviable list of world firsts
in the Sports Activity Market including Head-up Display, Adaptive Drive and
Active Steering. Its engines have more power, yet better fuel consumption and
lower emissions than the model it replaces.

A chassis incorporating BMW's renowned xDrive four-wheel-drive set-up, the
latest Dynamic Stability Control+ stability system and a double wishbone front
suspension (a first for a production BMW) give it the best-in-class driving
dynamics. The optional third row seating configuration for added practicality
is another first for a BMW.

See download for table of basic detail and prices for each of the models.

Jim O'Donnell, Managing Director of BMW (UK) Ltd, said: "The BMW X5 is the best
car in its class. No other SAV comes close in terms of the combination of
driving dynamics, style, practicality, luxury and exclusivity. While rivals
might lay claim to better off-road performance or a greater luggage capacity,
none covers all the basics like the X5 and none surpasses its on-road
capability. 600,000 buyers of the first X5 proved the formula was right. The
fact that we have most of 2007's allocation already accounted for is testament
to the new X5's popularity and sure-fire success."

The new BMW X5 will go on sale in the UK on 28 April, 2007.

The BMW X5 - a driver's car
BMW is renowned for producing cars for the keen driver. A rear-wheel-drive
configured drivetrain, 50:50 weight distribution and a range of powerful yet
economical powerplants ensures excellent driving dynamics. The BMW X5 is no
different and although it comes with four-wheel-drive, albeit with a bias to
the rear, it is still aimed at the same type of buyer. In fact the car is the
first BMW product to come with a double wishbone front suspension for enhanced
on-road agility. Such an arrangement is usually the preserve of racing cars or
a high performance road car.

The new BMW X5 has a wheelbase measuring 2,933mm, up 113mm compared to the
previous X5, and this allows for a larger wheel footprint in comparison to body
length. The result? Less overhang of bodywork and better poise. The track of
the X5 has also been increased to lower the centre of gravity to aid the car's
handling. The front track has been increased by 68mm to 1,644mm and the rear
has increased by 74mm to 1,650mm.

With a torsional body stiffness of 27,000Nm per degree, the new BMW X5 is
stiffer than a BMW E30 M3 Group A race car which incorporated 100 feet of high
strength steel roll cage tubes. Such torsional rigidity in the BMW X5 prevents
the body from flexing when driving. By using a mix of ultra high-strength-steel
with advanced weight saving metals and strategically placed torsional beams and
support struts, engineers have managed to increase rigidity by 15 per cent.
This has been achieved while still maintaining BMW's traditional 50:50 weight
distribution and minimising any weight increase. The bonnet of the X5 is made
of aluminium as is the instrument panel and core suspension components.

The BMW X5 offers unsurpassed on-road ability in its class due, in part, to its
intelligent xDrive four-wheel-drive system. The latest stability control
technology, Dynamic Stability Control+, supports the xDrive system. On the BMW
X5 DSC+ comes with four new functions as standard for added safety and comfort:

• Brake Pre-tensioning shortens stopping distances during an emergency stop
by priming the brakes should it detect the driver lifting off the accelerator
sharply in reaction to an incident ahead.
• Brake Drying improves braking performance in the wet by periodically
applying the brake pads to scrub away the film of water that can build up on
the brake discs.
• Hill-start Assistant allows a car to pull away smoothly on a steep gradient
without rolling backwards, courtesy of the brakes being held for the short time
it takes the driver to apply the accelerator after releasing the foot or
handbrake.
• Brake Fade Compensation applies additional braking without any extra effort
from the driver should sensors detect that the brake pads are starting to lose
'bite' due to heat build up.

The driver of a BMW X5 is now also able to select the Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC) function of DSC+. DTC supports both stability on low friction surfaces
and spirited dry tarmac driving. Its higher slip thresholds before DSC+
intervenes allows an X5 to more easily pull away on loose surfaces such as snow
or gravel.

Diesel power
The most popular BMW X5 in the UK will be the 3.0-litre diesel featuring a new
engine for enhanced performance and economy. With its piezo injection system
and second generation common-rail technology, this 2,993cc unit is eight per
cent more fuel efficient than the previous model offering an impressive
combined fuel consumption figure of 32.5mpg. The BMW X5 3.0d emits eight per
cent less CO2 recording 231g/km - less than a six-cylinder engined Ford Mondeo
or Jaguar X-Type and any Audi Q7 or Mercedes ML.

Such impressive economy is not at the expense of performance. Output from the
3.0d engine is 235hp, up eight per cent compared to the previous model, with
maximum torque of 520 Nm, up four per cent. The BMW X5 3.0d accelerates from
zero to 62mph in 8.3 seconds before going on to a top speed of 134 mph (130 mph
for a non-Dynamic Package equipped model).

Petrol power
Based on the world's lightest comparable production six-cylinder petrol engine,
the BMW X5 3.0si uses BMW's patented Bi-VANOS and VALVETRONIC variable valve
technology to post some impressive performance figures. It has a combined fuel
consumption of 25.9mpg (an 18 per cent improvement compared to the previous X5
3.0i) and an emissions figure of 260g/km (a 17 per cent improvement).
Developing an output of 272hp the X5 3.0si accelerates from zero to 62mph in
8.1 seconds before going on to a top speed of 140mph (when fitted with the
Dynamic Package).

Representing the flagship of the range the BMW X5 4.8i comes with an engine
that produces 355hp and can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 6.5seconds -
faster than any of its main rivals - before going on to a top speed of 150mph
(when fitted with the Dynamic Package). Fuel consumption is a respectable
22.6mpg on the combined cycle and emissions are 299g/km.

All new BMW X5 models now feature as standard an all-new, faster-shifting
six-speed automatic transmission for quicker and smoother driving controlled by
a newly designed gear selector. The transmission features a new torque
converter to improve its operation while the gearstick shape is more tactile
and requires less travel when operated.

Seven-seat practicality
The BMW X5 is the first BMW capable of being specified with a third row of
seats. A total of seven occupants can now be transported. The rear seats are
ideal for children. Should the owner require more luggage than passenger space
the two rear seats can fold away and be stowed flush in the boot floor.

With all seven seats in place a 200-litre luggage area is still available,
while with five seats in use and the two rear seats folded away this increases
to 620 litres. Should an owner want the maximum available boot space then the
largest ever luggage capacity offered by a BMW is possible - 1,750 litres with
all rear seats folded flat in a five-seat configured X5. Such load-lugging
capability has been made possible by the increased dimensions of the new X5.
Compared to the previous X5 this model is 187mm longer and 17mm wider
(including mirrors). The increased dimensions have not affected the aerodynamic
capability of the BMW X5 and it still has the best-in-segment aerodynamics with
a drag co-efficient of 0.33 (X5 3.0si).

The exterior styling of the X5 was a key purchasing driver for buyers. The new
X5 demonstrates a clear relationship to this model offering a modern
interpretation of its sharp lines and aggressive styling. A larger kidney
grille aids cooling while the bonnet features raised contour lines to highlight
the power of the engine. At the rear, L-shaped tail lights incorporate LED
technology for greater visibility. The X5's tailpipes protrude from the lower
valance for a more stylish look, while bold horizontal lines emphasise the car'
s wider track.

Inside, a new design of dashboard houses BMW's iDrive control system fitted to
the X5 for the first time. The intuitive system is complemented by eight
programmable keys or 'Favourite Buttons' on the centre console for use as
shortcuts. These allow owners to programme their most frequently used options
from the iDrive system for added convenience. A rear view camera to ease
parking can also be specified, with the image displayed on the iDrive screen.

The interior of the BMW X5 has been upgraded to add a more luxurious feel. High
grade interior fabrics and plastics feature in conjunction with the standard
cloth upholstery. The majority of customers are expected to specify the
optional Nevada leather or the Exclusive Nappa leather.

More world firsts
The BMW X5 is the first SAV to feature a double-wishbone front suspension for
optimum ride and handling, and the first to offer Active Steering for added
parking convenience and a more composed steering feel at speed. The optional
Adaptive Drive aids the driving characteristics further by countering the
natural lean of the car during cornering for a more composed ride. It achieves
this via active anti-roll bars allied to an Electronic Damper Control system.

The use of FlexRay technology for the fastest method of data transmission is
another world first. FlexRay is now the most advanced in-car system of its type
in the world. Through the use of more powerful computer processors, and what is
essentially a greater bandwidth, FlexRay is able to cope with far greater
amounts of data than previous car electronic systems.

Safety
The BMW X5 is leading the way in car safety with the introduction of two unique
innovations for the segment. It is now the first SAV in the world to be offered
with Head-up Display and also the first to come with Run-flat tyres as
standard. Head-up Display is a system that projects speed, navigation and check
control messages onto the windscreen into the line of sight of the driver. This
allows the driver to keep his eyes on the road ahead while still being made
aware of important instructions.

Run-flat tyres are fitted to the BMW X5 to offer the highest standards of car
safety and customer convenience available. Run-flat tyres allow a driver to
continue his journey in the event of a puncture and this latest fourth
generation of BMW Run-flats allow for a deflated tyre to be driven at speeds of
50mph for up to 155 miles.

However, research has shown that 80 per cent of all punctures suffer a gradual
loss of pressure and in these instances the driver is able to cover a far more
significant and quite staggering 1,200 miles before needing to replace the
tyre. Run-flat tyres also provide the best stability in the event of a tyre
blowout as the DSC+ system continues to operate for all round protection.

The BMW X5 comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels and Run-flat tyres as
standard with optional 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels offered.

Two advanced headlight systems can be specified on the BMW X5 and both benefit
driver safety. High-Beam Assistant allows an owner to drive on full beam
headlights for the greatest distance to deliver the best in night-time
visibility, automatically dipping when sensors detect oncoming vehicles or
appropriate ambient light conditions. Adaptive Headlights permit greater
visibility when cornering because the headlights turn by up to 15 degrees
depending on steering input. This permits the curve of the road to be
illuminated as well as the direction the car is pointing.

The BMW X5 comes equipped as standard with six airbags: two dual stage front, a
side airbag located on each front door and two curtain head airbags covering
both first and second row seats. ISOFIX child seat attachments, three-point
seat belts and adjustable head restraints are standard on the rear passenger
seats.
X5 buyers

The BMW X5 has historically been bought and used by males. BMW's own research
found that 86 per cent of owners were male and aged 41-50 years old. A figure
which might explain why, contrary to continued public perception, only a third
of BMW X5s are used as school run cars. The introduction of third row seating
is expected to bring more family buyers to the marque and this optional seating
specification is likely to be chosen by a quarter of all buyers.

History
When it was first unveiled in 1999 the BMW X5 opened up a new sector of the
market by moving away from the utilitarian offerings of rival four-wheel-drive
vehicles. Sold initially as a 4.4-litre V8 petrol, buyers preferring the
characteristics of a six-cylinder powerplant had to wait until 2001 before a
petrol and a diesel variant were offered. By 2002 an X5 4.6is went on sale to
cater for those buyers who craved even greater on-road performance.

The entire range was revised in 2003 and, while all engines were upgraded and
the car's styling subtly refreshed, the big news was the introduction of
xDrive. BMW's innovative four-wheel-drive system dispensed with heavy
differentials, instead favouring an electronically activated clutch working in
conjunction with the Dynamic Stability Control system. The pairing allows for
the near instantaneous distribution of drive to the wheels with the most grip
for the best dynamics, safety and traction in all conditions. April 2007 marks
the launch of an all-new X5
available with three different engine options.