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

Exterior

Harmonious proportions demonstrating power, presence, and elegance.
Horizontal lines underlining the dynamic performance of the new BMW X5.
Stretched side section bearing testimony to larger dimensions inside.

Power, elegance, and presence � these are the features characterising the look and appearance of the new�BMW X5. Compared with its predecessor, the new five-door model is 18.7 centimetres or 7.36�� longer and
6.1 centimetres or 2.40�� wider. But thanks to the design of its body, the new dimensions maintain the stylish and superior look of the BMW X5 in every respect.

Indeed, the proportions of the former model have been carefully enhanced and harmonised to an even higher level of perfection, creating an optimum balance of size and dimensions in every respect. Wheelbase up by 11.3 centimetres or 4.45��, for example, helps to provide a new visual balance of the front and rear sections, accentuating the overall look of the new X5 in its agility even more than on the former model.

The modern look of the new BMW X5 provides a perfect symbiosis of the powerful character of a Sports Activity Vehicle with the elegant appearance of a luxury performance car. In the interaction of proportions, surfaces and details, the vehicle�s striking design language reveals not only superior onroad qualities, but also the potential for efficient and reliable motoring off the beaten track. Indeed, at very first sight the solid and dynamic stature of the BMW X5 symbolises a particularly attractive rendition of that sheer driving pleasure so typical of the BMW brand.

The front section: clear lines, clear focus.

The characteristic look of the BMW family comes out particularly clearly and powerfully in the front end of the new BMW X5. The joints on the strikingly designed engine compartment lid move together more closely than before at the front, merging into the contour lines around the headlights, where they continue into the surface contours of the headlight lenses themselves.

The dual round headlights cut off at the top, in turn, create the impression of a particularly clear and focused look, underlining the powerfully forward-moving character of the BMW X5 through the design of the front section alone.

Another outstanding feature of the new BMW X5 is the newly designed double kidney grille, the robust kidney rods curved out like a muscle to demonstrate the power and strength of the vehicle. And the large foglamps positioned far to the outside help to give the BMW X5 an even more impressive look of broad dynamics, giving the vehicle an even more powerful stance.

The slender, black covers around the bumper and side-sills, in turn, symbolises the specific character of this Sports Activity Vehicle and at the same time gives the new BMW X5 an even lighter and more agile look.

Consistently horizontal lines creating a touch of stretched dynamics

With its significantly longer wheelbase, the new BMW X5 even looks more stable and exudes an even greater impression of supreme presence. The optical centre of gravity of the vehicle has been moved slightly further to the front, bearing testimony also in visual terms to four-wheel drive in the BMW X5. The extra space at the rear, in turn, is set off visually by the stretched and sleek side section limited at the rear end, in turn, by the steep D pillar.

All roof pillars come at a greater angle and now move closer to one another at the top, giving the new X5 a compact look on account of its shorter roofline. Wheel arches appearing almost square and muscular wheel lips extending out of the vehicle, finally, round off this impression.

The new BMW X5 is powerfully characterised by its consistently horizontal lines, the long and slightly rising engine compartment lid continuing optically in the elegantly accentuated waistline at the side. As a classic BMW design element, the contour line rising slightly towards the rear of the car stands out in particular on the level of the door openers, starting behind the front wheel arches and encircling the entire rear section of the vehicle without being interrupted even by the rear light clusters.

These horizontal lines are continued in the rear-view mirrors with their twin-tone colour scheme remaining quite discreet in visual terms despite their increase in size as a result of legal requirements. And last but not least, the door handles themselves have also been harmoniously integrated into the design of the new model.

Best marks also in aerodynamics.

The consistently horizontal lines of the new X5 also serve to make the entire vehicle look lower and even more dynamic. And indeed, this impression is confirmed in full by aerodynamic qualities quite unusual for a Sports Activity Vehicle, a drag coefficient of 0.33 (BMW X5 3.0si) placing the new BMW X5 at the top of its segment also in this respect.

The contour line slightly rising from front to rear, as seen from the side, is yet another feature of classic BMW design. Together with the powerful side-sill, this creates a wedge shape clearly confirming the powerful focus on driving dynamics in the BMW X5.

Another feature typical of the brand is the interplay of convex and concave surfaces on the body of BMW�s new muscle machine, the characteristic light and shadow lines created in this way emphasising not only the muscular stature, but also the sheer presence of the BMW X5 as an outstanding premium vehicle.

The large windows almost flow into one another as one unit guaranteeing optimum visibility at all times and from every angle. And again, the glazed section of the passenger compartment � the greenhouse, as it is called �underlines the horizontal orientation of the BMW X5. At the front end, the same design theme of striking and horizontal lines is taken up again by two crossbars in the lower air intake scoop.

Powerful rear end.

The rear view of the new BMW X5 again emphasises the horizontal structure of the entire vehicle in a particular impressive manner, the lines at the rear accentuating the width and stable position of the X5.

These horizontal lines are to be admired, first, in the high-up top edge of the rear bumper corresponding with the horizontal lines of the rear light clusters wrapped far around into the tailgate.

Four LED light rods ensure sophisticated night design behind clear glass covers, the rear light graphics in typical BMW L-design again underlining the presence and powerful look of the BMW X5 in this specific detail.

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