Car Design News: New BMW X5 in Depth

Page 1: Short Version (I)
Page 2: Short Version (II)
Page 3: The Concept
Page 4: Driving Dynamics
Page 5: All Wheel Drive
Page 6: Power Units
Page 7: Automatic Transmission
Page 8: Exterior
Page 9: Interior
Page 10: Body & Safety
Page 11: The iDrive Control System
Page 12: Features and Equipment (I)
Page 13: Features and Equipment (II)
Page 14: Production
Page 15: Specifications

Power Units

Engines even more powerful and efficient.
Available right from the start: V8 gasoline engine, straight-six gasoline engine, all-aluminium six-cylinder diesel.
Diesel engine with third-generation common rail fuel injection.

A premium Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) requires a first-grade power unit with impressive muscle and perfect motoring refinement � and the new BMW X5 fulfils these criteria in absolute perfection, boasting two gasoline and one diesel engine with a range of power from 173 kW/235 hp all the way to 261 kW/355 hp.

Despite this increase in engine power, fuel consumption of both the V8 and straight-six gasoline engine is lower than on the former models.
And in the same way the new all-aluminium six-cylinder diesel also offers efficient dynamics in a new dimension. The new BMW X5 leads the way also in its dynamic potential, with the vehicle responding smoothly and instantaneously to every movement of the gas pedal and offering the driver of BMW�s SAV maximum driving pleasure when accelerating. The enhanced efficiency of the new power units, in turn, also has a positive impact on exhaust emissions reduced in the same way as the fuel consumption of the various models, and the new BMW X5 likewise goes straight into the premium class in terms of its supreme motoring refinement.

Supreme power and dynamics: the V8 gasoline engine.

The V8 gasoline engine stands for a new level of power and performance in its class made possible by engine capacity of 4,799 cc and maximum output of 261 kW/355 hp. The top-of-the-range power unit in the BMW X5 achieves maximum torque of 475 Newton-metres or 350 lb-ft in the speed range between 3,400 and 3,800 rpm, the muscular eight-cylinder accelerating the new BMW X5 4.8i in just 6.5 seconds from 0�100 km/h. Top speed, in turn, is limited electronically to 240 km/h or 149 mph.

Despite the increase in engine output by 26 kW/35 hp (11 per cent) over the former model, fuel consumption is down by 5 per cent, making this outstanding power unit the most efficient performer among all comparable engines. In absolute terms, the BMW X5 4.8i consumes 12.5 litres/100 kilo�metres, equal to 22.6 mpg Imp. And at the same time the new V8 naturally fulfils emission regulations both in the Euro 4 standard and ULEV II in the USA.

This top-of-the-range engine has been thoroughly improved and updated for the new BMW X5 4.8i. Apart from variable double-VANOS camshaft adjustment and fully variable VALVETRONIC valve drive, the V8 now comes with even more efficient engine management. Yet another feature serving to give the BMW X5 4.8i its supreme performance and maximum efficiency is the new two-stage intake manifold, a further improvement being the optimisation of the intake ducts and valves for higher throughput. To minimise pressure losses on the intake side, air now flows through two manifolds.

The exhaust system with its 4-in-1 pipes is brand-new.

In all, the various improvements made to increase engine output also help to reduce fuel consumption. At the same time the engine has become even more responsive and dynamic, while retaining all its superior running smoothness and refinement at all times.

VALVETRONIC for supreme running smoothness.

Introducing fully variable VALVETRONIC valve drive, BMW�s engineers have set a new milestone in engine construction � and in the meantime VALVETRONIC has become a distinctive technical highlight of BMW gasoline engines.

This fully variable valve drive allows throttle-free load management, meaning that engine output is controlled not by the throttle butterfly, but rather via the opening period of the valves serving, inter alia, to significantly reduce both fuel consumption and emissions particularly under part load and give the engine much better response.

BMW VALVETRONIC is featured both in the V8 and the straight-six power units driving the new BMW X5. The effect of this sophisticated technology is truly convincing in both models, with the engine responding perfectly to the gas pedal and thus following even the most moderate commands from the driver.

Motoring refinement and reduced fuel consumption all in one: the straight-six gasoline engine.

The new BMW X5 3.0si is powered by the latest version of BMW�s straight-six world-famous for its fast-revving performance and refinement.

Maximum output of the 3.0-litre power unit is 200 kW/272 hp, peak torque is 315 Newton-metres or 232 lb-ft at 2,750 rpm, enabling the new BMW X5 3.0si to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 8.1 seconds and continue up to a top speed of 225 km/h or 140 mph. Running on H-class tyres, on the other hand, top speed is limited by the factory to 210 km/h or 130 mph.

Average fuel consumption of the new BMW X5 3.0si in the EU cycle is 10.9 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 25.9 mpg Imp (preliminary figure).
This makes the outstanding performer 14 per cent more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, despite an increase in output by 18 per cent.

The higher output of the new straight-six results, inter alia, from fully variable VALVETRONIC valve drive and variable double-VANOS camshaft control.

These improvements mean an increase in engine output over the former model by no less than 30 kW/41 hp. And at the same time the new straight-six excels above all through its impressive responsiveness together with smooth and harmonious motoring refinement, once again making the engine the absolute benchmark in style and performance in its segment.

Yet a further improvement is the reduction of engine weight versus the former power unit: Thanks to its magnesium/aluminium crankcase, the power unit is some 10 kilos or 22 lb lighter, weighing a total of just 161 kg or 355 lb.

The crankcase is made up of a magnesium shell outside and an aluminium insert inside complete with the cylinder liners and coolant ducts, providing ideal conditions for superior stiffness, smoothness and a long engine life.
At the same time the reduction in weight around the front axle significantly benefits the agility of the new BMW X5 3.0si.

The water pump in the coolant system driven electrically and operating only when required makes an additional contribution to the all-round economy of the new six-cylinder.

Traction and efficiency combined: the straight-six diesel.

The diesel version of the new BMW X5 stands out through exemplary power, traction and running smoothness, as well as its particularly efficient use of fuel: Maximum output of the 3.0-litre straight-six is 173 kW/235 hp, and peak torque of no less than 520 Newton-metres or 383 lb-ft comes between 2,000 and 2,750 rpm, guaranteeing powerful traction from low engine speeds.

This substantial power and torque from the ground up is attributable in particular to the newly developed exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and electrical adjustment. In addition, the rotor blades on the turbine side have been optimised, the efficiency of the compressor wheel enhanced to an even higher level. As a result, the turbocharger cuts in at an early point without the slightest delay, its efficient operation enhancing both engine torque and maximum output.

The new BMW X5 3.0d accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and has a top speed of 216 km/h or 134 mph (210 km/h or 130 mph with H-rated tyres). Fuel consumption, on the other hand, has been reduced to a mere 8.7 litres of diesel/100 kilometres in the EU test cycle (equal to 32.5 mpg Imp), and is therefore 7 per cent lower than on the former model � certainly a remarkable result considering the increase in engine output by 13 kW/17 hp (8 per cent).

A technical highlight of the straight-six diesel in the new BMW X5 3.0d is the all-aluminium crankcase replacing the previous grey-cast-iron engine block. Use of aluminium alone reduces the weight of the engine by 25 kilos or 55 lb, while engine stiffness and stability remains more than sufficient without requiring any reinforcing inlays or bolts. The cylinder liners are also made of aluminium and are inserted in a thermal process into the aluminium block.

Maximum efficiency: common rail fuel injection with piezo-injectors.

Featuring the third generation of common rail technology, the six-cylinder power unit in the new BMW X5 3.0d also boasts the most modern injection system available for a diesel engine: The piezo-injectors operate with maximum efficiency and precision in injecting fuel into the six combustion chambers at a pressure of 1,600 bar.

These new, very compact injectors allow exact dosage of the fuel supply, at the same time keeping pre-injection to a minimum. As a result, the combustion process is not only particularly dynamic and economical, but also clean, a particulates filter positioned close to the engine as well as an oxidation catalyst in the same housing ensuring exhaust gas management complying in full with the Euro 4 standard.

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