Press Kit Model Year 2002: X5

Please download the attached pdf-files to find the full details on the "X5 Story" for 2002: - Download 1: "2002 X5 Story" Other files available to download will provide information about: - Download 2: "2002 X5 Highlights" - Download 3: "2002 X5 Standard and Optional Features" - Download 4: "2002 X5 Specifications" - Download 5: "2002 X5 Pricing"

X5 FOR 2002: NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE 4.6is MODEL LEADS AN EVOLVED SERIES OF SPORTS
ACTIVITY VEHICLES

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, October 15, 2001... Right from its introduction in
1999, the BMW X5 was destined to transform expectations of what a sport-utility
vehicle could be and do. Indeed, the concept was so new that BMW decided to
call the X5 a Sports Activity Vehicle, not an SUV. As it had done in the 1960s
with the sport sedan, BMW created a whole new category of vehicle.

Here, in an all-new vehicle, were the traits that people value in SUVs: the
high, commanding driving position, the feeling of robust strength and safety,
ease of loading cargo into the vehicle, and ample ground clearance. All of
these are familiar SUV characteristics; what was so unfamiliar about the X5 was
its embodiment of traditional BMW virtues: brilliant performance, precise
handling, unparalleled quality, exciting yet tasteful design, and certainly
"last but not least" the pure pleasure of driving. And BMW had made certain
that that "feeling of strength" was more than just a feeling.

Critics and customers alike immediately recognized the validity of BMW's
concept. Among critics, here's what Automobile Magazine, for example, wrote in
conferring its All-Stars awards for 2001:

"Of all this year's All-Star nominees, the BMW X5 was one of only two vehicles
that were evaluated on both the racetrack and our off-road course."

"On the track, the X5 possessed everything we have come to expect from a BMW: a
perfectly balanced chassis, a flawless powertrain, quick reflexes, and
tenacious grip. Even when pressed to the limit, the composure of the X5 never
wavered. Not once did the BMW feel like a fish out of water, or a sport-ute on
a racecourse."

"The BMW SAV displayed the same unflappable confidence on our off-road course.
There, the X5 delivered what we expect from an exceptional sport-utility
vehicle: excellent traction on even the slipperiest of slopes, good ground
clearance, and ample wheel travel to tiptoe over moguls."

Each in their own words, other independent critics agreed:

Road & Track, January 2000: "...the Munich-engineered, Spartanburg, South
Carolina-built X5 is the most enthusiast-friendly sport ute, er, Sport Activity
Vehicle yet."

AutoWeek, January 10, 2000: "Yes, we were... skeptical about a BMW-ute, but the
X5 is incredibly good."

As for the customers, in just two model years the X5 became BMW's third
best-selling Series. So far in 2001 - through September - the two-model Series
surpassed all of 2000 with 28,550 units - an 83.8% increase,
period-over-period, from the '00 pace. Addition of the 4.6is model for 2002
further increases X5 sales potential, though it must be noted that this is an
exclusive, not volume, model.

What all this means, succinctly, is that BMW indeed achieved the goals it set
for the X5. Now, as the X5's third model year begins, BMW has added a new
high-performance model, the 4.6is, to the X5 Series and given the entire X5
line some appealing new features.

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2002: NEW MODEL, NEW OPTIONS

Actually, there is more to report than just what is happening for 2002, as some
significant new developments occurred in the 2001 model year:

- Addition of the second model, the 6-cylinder X5 3.0i
- Addition of inflatable head protection to the optional rear-seat side-impact
airbags
- Optional BMW Onboard Navigation System updated with -
- A larger, easier-to-read color monitor in 16:9 format (the ratio between
width and height); rearranged
- Optimized controls, facilitated by a swing-out panel that reveals the
cassette player. This arrangement leaves more space on the panel for the
controls.

Now, the 2002 model year brings another round of evolution. The highlights
include:
- The X5 4.6is, a new sport high-performance model, makes its debut. Its
features include a larger-displacement, more powerful engine, a specially
programmed automatic transmission, standard sport suspension, 20-inch wheels
and tires, unique exterior styling elements, a specially upholstered and
trimmed interior, and standard equipment so extensive that its option list is
quite short.
- The 4.4i model's V-8 engine delivers more power than before.
- Adjustable ride height, achieved by air suspension all around, appears as a
new option on the 3.0i and 4.4i models.
- New wheel-and-tire options are offered.
- Automatic headlight control, a new feature for all models, appears in the
3.0i and 4.4i Premium Packages and as standard on the 4.6is. The headlights and
all related lighting are switched on automatically according to ambient light
conditions.
- An in-dash single-disc CD player is newly standard in all models; it was
formerly optional. The previously standard cassette player becomes a
no-extra-cost option.
- Power lumbar support can now be combined with sport front seats
- Power-adjustable rear-seat backrests are a new feature, included in 3.0i and
4.4i Premium Packages and standard in the 4.6is.
- The 3.0i Premium Package has been expanded, and a Premium Package has been
created for the 4.4i model.
- Other option Packages have been renamed and/or reconfigured. (See Options &
Accessories, later in this text.)

The three X5 models for 2002 are thus -

X5 3.0i - 6-cylinder, 225-hp model, available with manual or automatic
transmission, at $39,545 including destination charge.

X5 4.4i - the original V-8 model, starting at $50,045.

X5 4.6is - the new super-performance X5, at $66,845.

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Please download the attached pdf-file to read the entire 2002 X5 story.