UNSTOPPABLE SUCCESS: 10 YEARS OF THE BMW X5.

Munich. With unparalleled dynamic performance on the road and outstanding
traction on rough terrain, the BMW X5 has been on an unstoppable course for
success for ten years. BMW presented the first generation of the
all-wheel-drive five-door vehicle at the North American International Auto Show
in 1999, thereby founding the segment of the Sports Activity Vehicle(R) (SAV).
The world premiere marked the start of an unprecedented success story. Within a
decade, over 845,000 units of the BMW X5 have been sold. As a result of the
consistent ongoing development of the SAV(R) concept, there are now three BMW X
models to choose from, with a fourth ready to start production later in 2009.
In creating a segment, the BMW X5 became the key inspiration for an entire
competitive field of all-wheel-drive vehicles. In its anniversary year, now in
its second generation, the BMW X5 remains the role model and benchmark of its
class in terms of driving dynamics, efficiency, versatility, premium quality
and safety.

From the very beginning, the key to the success of the BMW X5 lay in its
combination of two qualities which had never been matched in a single vehicle
before. The new model successfully transferred characteristic BMW driving
pleasure into a completely new market segment. For the very first time, the
spacious, full-time all-wheel driven BMW X5 combined the driving dynamics of a
BMW Sedan with impressive mobility off the beaten path as well. Its ultra-rigid
body structure and independent suspension set the BMW X5 apart from
conventional off-road vehicles, with the driving stability system Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC), including Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X) and
Hill Descent Control (HDC), ensuring impeccable manners both on and off the
road.

Dynamic performance and versatility were also expressed in the design of the
vehicle. Another striking feature was the raised seating position which
instantly gave the driver the same sense of command and control which was
provided by the chassis technology. In addition, the spacious, versatile and
high-quality interior provided a whole new driving experience for an
all-wheel-drive vehicle.

The second generation of the BMW X5, launched in autumn 2006, saw the
consistent development of the Sports Activity Vehicle's characteristic features
continue. The new BMW X5 once again set the benchmark throughout the extended
competitive field of BMW X models thanks to its increased space, comfort and
luxurious ambience. It offers even more advanced drivetrain technology and
innovative chassis design along with enhanced driver assistance systems. Like
its predecessor it is produced at BMW's North American plant in Spartanburg,
South Carolina and is the first BMW to potentially provide seating for up to
seven occupants. Its intelligent all-wheel drive system, BMW xDrive, enhances
both driving dynamics on the road and traction over rough terrain. The
full-time, electronically controlled all-wheel drive, which is also networked
with the DSC system, distributes drive power variably between the front and
rear wheels.

With the success of the BMW X5, the cornerstone was laid for the current status
of BMW as the world's most successful manufacturer of premium all-wheel drive
vehicles. This commitment to ongoing improvement has resulted in numerous
awards for the vehicle's design, quality and safety which reflect the increased
appeal of the original BMW Sports Activity Vehicle®. In 2007 the BMW X5
received the design award "autonis" of the automobile journal "auto motor und
sport" for the most attractive design and a gold award in the J.D. Power
customer satisfaction study in North America, as well as securing class victory
in the "auto 1" competition of the international "Auto Bild" Group. These
prizes were followed in 2008 by class victory in the "auto, motor und sport"
readers' vote "The best cars". Twice in succession, the BMW X5 also won a place
among the three vehicles with the most stable value in the German automobile
market, causing the magazine "Auto Bild" to pronounce it "Value Master of the
Year" in both 2007 and 2008.

As long ago as 2000, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the
US declared the first generation BMW X5 to be the safest vehicle ever to be
subjected to one of its crash tests to that point. In 2003 the SAV achieved the
highest possible score of 5 stars on the Euro-NCAP crash test. The current BMW
X5 received the "Top Safety Pick Award" for outstanding crash test results from
the IIHS in both 2007 and 2008.

The 2009 BMW X5 also occupies a leading position in the area of efficiency.
State-of-the-art V8 and inline 6-cylinder gasoline engines and, for the first
time in the US, a version of BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance
technology, ensure that the BMW X5 combines its excellent qualities with fuel
consumption and exhaust emission levels which are exemplary in its segment.
This is also evidence that the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy has
had a significant effect on BMW X models, too. After all, the fuel consumption
of all engine types of the BMW X5 has been considerably reduced in the course
of its ten-year history - despite a significant increase in power. The 2009 BMW
X5 xDrive48i, with 350 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds, is rated
at 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, 16 mpg combined according to the EPA - 14
percent better than the original 2000 BMW X5 4.4i which had almost 70
horsepower less output. The 2009 BMW X5 xDrive30i surpasses its predecessor
models by 35 horsepower, yet it
is rated by the EPA at just 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined - a
12.5 percent improvement. To put it another way, when the EPA rating for the
6-cylinder 2001 BMW 3.0i is adjusted to the new test cycle, it is exactly the
same as the rating for the V8 2009 BMW X5 xDrive48i, which is larger and nearly
two seconds quicker to 60 mph. Thanks to its BMW Advanced Diesel power plant,
the X5 xDrive35d takes efficiency to a new level, without sacrificing
performance. With 265 horsepower and an astounding 425 lb-ft of torque on tap,
it is capable of accelerating to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds and yet delivers an
EPA rating of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined.

This improvement in fuel consumption, not only significantly less fuel used but
also fewer greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere, ensuring that the
ongoing development of the BMW X5 remains both tangible and relevant.

For questions please contact:

Corporate Communications

Andreas Lampka, Product Communications BMW Automobiles
Telephone: +49-89-382-23662, Fax: +49-89-382-20626

Dirk Arnold, Product Communications BMW Automobiles
Telephone: +49-89-382-12325, Fax: +49-89-382-20626

Tom Plucinsky, BMW Product Communications Manager
(201) 307-3783 / thomas.plucinsky@bmwna.com

Matt Russell, BMW Product Communications Specialist
(201) 307-3755 / matthew.russell@bmwna.com