Published on May 30th, 2013 | by Daniel Sherman Fernandez

BMW Releases An All New X5 SAV

BMW is taking the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) even further into the realms of luxury cars with the introduction of the new, third-generation X5. BMW invented the concept of the SAV with the original X5 and is the global market leader in the segment, with more than 1.3 million sales of the previous two models. The new X5, which goes on sale starting this 2013 in right hand drive, delivers major advances in design, luxury, comfort, versatility, efficiency, driving pleasure, safety and connectivity. It will be available with five TwinPower Turbo engines – four diesel and one petrol – a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and the option of two or four-wheel drive (sDrive and xDrive).
More driving enjoyment with even greater efficiency BMW coined the phrase ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ because it perfectly summarises the character of the X5 – a car with the all-roads, all-weather capabilities and the space and versatility of an SUV, with the driving enjoyment of a BMW. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder xDrive30d is 19 per cent more fuel efficient, with economy improved by 7.4mpg and CO2 reduced by 33g/km – despite power and torque increases of 13hp and 20Nm. The M50d, powered by a three-stage single turbo version of the 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, is 12 per cent more efficient. Consumption is reduced by 4.5mpg and CO2 emissions down by 22g/km, while maintaining its high power and torque outputs. The xDrive50i has a new-generation 4.4-litre V8 engine now incorporating VALVETRONIC variable valve timing as well as twin turbochargers. Power is improved by 10 per cent (41hp) and there has been a 50Nm increase in torque, but consumption falls by 20 per cent (4.6mpg) and CO2 emissions have been cut by 50g/km compared with the previous engine. These three engines will be joined at the end of the year by a four-cylinder diesel – taking advantage of the new X5’s considerably reduced weight and another six-cylinder diesel. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine is new to the X5 and appears in the sole two-wheel drive model, the sDrive25d, and the xDrive25d, which provisionally achieve fuel economy of 50.4mpg and 47.9mpg respectively. The respective provisional CO2 figures are 149g/km and 155g/km. The xDrive40d, with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, is expected to have average fuel consumption of 44.1mpg with CO2 emissions of 169g/km. All versions come with an eight-speed automatic transmission which not only adds to driving enjoyment but also makes its own contribution to fuel-saving. The ECO PRO mode adapts the engine management, accelerator response and transmission characteristics to support a particularly fuel-efficient driving style, and even programmes the climate control and heated seats and mirrors for the most efficient use of energy. In conjunction with the standard BMW Professional Multimedia navigation system, it can even advise the driver to ease off the accelerator when approaching corners or lower speed limit areas through the Proactive Driving Assistant function. This also helps to lower fuel consumption. EfficientDynamics: now with reduced weight and less dragThe new BMW X5 is equipped with a raft of EfficientDynamics features which complement the new engine line-up and standard eight-speed automatic transmission to keep fuel consumption and emissions to a minimum. They are joined in the new model by extensive weight and drag-reduction measures, making the new X5 the lightest and most aerodynamic car in its class. The X5 is fitted as standard with ECO PRO, Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand use of auxiliary units, electric power steering and low rolling resistance tyres. Extensive use of ultra-high-tensile steels in the body structure, an aluminium bonnet and magnesium instrument panel support and thermoplastic side panels have reduced the weight of the X5 compared with the previous model, with the xDrive30d weighing just 2,145kg. The car’s drag co-efficient (Cd) has meanwhile been reduced to as low as 0.31 (xDrive30d) thanks to active upper and lower air flaps in the front air intakes, air deflectors on the front wheel arches and a range of detailed improvements. The new X5 becomes the first BMW X model to feature vertical Aero Curtains and Air Breathers, which ensure that air passes over the wheels with the minimum of disturbance, and Air Blades, which work with the rear spoiler to smooth airflow around the car. All versions have an electromechanical parking brake and a powerful anti-lock braking system backed up by a vast array of driver assistance features – Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control and an Automatic Differential Brake. Brake Assist, Brake Standby, Hill-Start Assistant, Brake Fade compensation, Brake Drying and Hill Descent Control (on xDrive versions) are also standard. A lighter version of xDrive all-wheel drive The latest version of the BMW xDrive system, which intelligently manages the torque split between the front and rear wheels, has been enhanced for efficiency and now weighs 1.4kg less. It takes information about road and wheel speeds, steering angle and accelerator position to interpret the driver’s intentions and what the car is doing to calculate how to apportion engine torque. Design: robust, dynamic, luxurious and functional The design of the new X5 is deliberately evolutionary, a modern and eye-catching update of the style which has made the car the global best-seller in its class, while the spacious interior with seats for up to seven people now offers even greater luxury and functionality. Signature exterior features are a short overhang, long wheelbase, upright A-pillars and a short distance between the front axle and the instrument panel. The forward-leaning and muscular kidney grille is set into a triangle between the three-dimensional twin circular headlights with LED elements, the LED foglamps and the X-shaped contours within the front bumper. Adaptive LED headlights are optional.
A Harman Kardon Surround Sound system and a Bang & Olufsen Advanced audio system are available.

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BMW Releases An All New X5 SAV

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