New Models Extend BMW X5 Range
July 23, 2007 by George Skentzos
The luxury BMW X5 SUV line has just been extended to include 3.0si and 3.0si Executive models.
Complimenting the turbodiesel 3.0d and V8-powered 4.8i models launched earlier this year, the two 3.0si variants will be powered by an inline-six producing 200 kW of power and an impressive 315 Nm of torque. This is an 18 per cent increase in power and 5 per cent more torque than its predecessor allowing the new X5 to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in a rapid 8.1 seconds.
The new engine uses a magnesium/aluminium crankcase that results in a 10 kg weight saving over the previous 3.0-litre engine and utilises the fully variable VALVETRONIC valve drive system, as well as variable double-VANOS camshaft control to provide a high power output with fast-acting accelerator response across all engine speeds.
As far as fuel efficiency is concerned, the X5’s new engine will return a combined fuel consumption of 11.7 litres/100 km – representing a nine per cent improvement over the previous 3.0-litre engine.
The six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission uses new torque converter technology and efficient software to help reduce reaction and gearshift times by as much as 50 per cent. The transmission is controlled by an electronic gear selector and there is a push-button parking-brake selector for improved convenience and efficiency.
Standard equipment includes DSC III, which incorporates HDC Hill Descent Control, DBC Dynamic Brake Control, ABS anti-lock braking, ASC-X Automatic Stability Control, ADB-X Automatic Differential Brake, DTC Dynamic Traction Control and TSC Trailer Stability Control, the 3.0si BMW X5 offers car-like on-road agility and safety. With that many acronyms, is has to be good.
The X5 3.0si models also share impressive passive safety credentials with the 3.0d and 4.8i versions, including dual front airbags, side airbags and full-length curtain airbags with rollover sensors networked with the Dynamic Stability Control.
Luxury doesn’t take a back seat either, with the upgraded BMW iDrive system that now includes eight “favourite” buttons standard on all models, as well as Nevada leather seats, Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear, Runflat safety tyre indicator, automatic air-conditioning, BMW Professional six-speaker, MP3 compatible six-CD sound system, leather-rimmed multifunction steering wheel, an onboard computer with 6.5” colour monitor and 18-inch Star Spoke alloy wheels.
The X5 3.0si Executive adds a rear view camera, power seat adjustment with memory function on the driver’s side, electrically adjusted steering column, BMW Professional Navigation System with TV and Voice Control, and preparation for mobile phone Business with Bluetooth interface including mobile handset, cradle and BMW Assist as standard.
BMW X5 Pricing
| BMW 3.0si | $85,000 |
| BMW 3.0d | $86,800 |
| BMW 3.0si Executive | $94,500 |
| BMW 3.0d Executive | $96,300 |
| BMW 4.8i | $118,300 |
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Sick of hearing about the BMW X SERIES Boooooring ! Actually im waiting for the new Ford Kuga compact Suv which will be released in their 2008 line up looks pretty cool going by the pics ive seen…
Im sick of seeing anything like this lol… if you need a 4WD because you have a large family etc get over performance and drive safely. Such a waste in these barges.
This has been listed on the price lists for 6 months !
Pity the Regenerative Braking upgrade will start from October production so anyone getting one of the first ones will be quickly outdated !
The other comments here – well some people have the cash and use for a X5 but it will be a diesel for me…
Rapid 8.1s?
I believe a CX7 would destroy a X5 on a race track or closed curcuit
Of course if C/A would as promised test the said CX7 we could actually confirm it:-)
Cheers
F-O
A CX-7 may be quick but the turbo lag and poor fuel economy make it hard to live with. Those weaknesses together with the unavailability of simple white paint (pearl only) turned me off even though I really wanted to like it.