Driver Dynamics Blog

Second edition of the highly successful originator of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment accounting for global sales of approximately 580,000 units so far, all-new development maintaining the body and drivetrain concept and strengthening the X5’s characteristic qualities in terms of driving dynamics, functionality, and exclusivity.

Significant improvement of driving dynamics and agility: engines with even more power and greater efficiency, torsionally rigid bodyshell, optimised aerodynamics, unique double wishbone front axle and integral IV rear axle, low centre of gravity, BMW all-wheel xDrive enhanced to an even higher standard.

First vehicle in its segment with Active Steering for even greater agility and driving pleasure, AdaptiveDrive with anti-roll stabilisation and adaptive dampers for sports performance and behaviour, only vehicle in the segment with BMW Safety Tyres featured as standard for the best possible safety.

Six-speed automatic transmission with even faster gearshift featured as standard, enhanced shift comfort, greater fuel economy, and electronic gear selector.

Interior with significant enhancement of functions, more room for the occupants, optional third row seats, generous luggage capacity (max. volume: 620–1,750 litres).

iDrive control system enhanced to an even higher level, with 8 favourite buttons for direct selection of navigation destinations, telephone numbers and audio sources at the touch of a button, only vehicle in the SAV segment with optional Head-Up Display.

Exterior design with harmonious proportions, elegant and slender lines, sporting and powerful overall look.

Exclusive interior ambience with sophisticated materials, excellent finish quality, innovative optional extras: Multi-channel audio system, DVD video system, backup camera.

Perfect Combination of Driving Dynamics, Functionality and Exclusivity

Sports Activity Vehicle with further enhanced driving dynamics.

More power and greater efficiency: V8 petrol engine, six-cylinder petrol engine, all-aluminium six-cylinder diesel.

Only vehicle in its segment with Active Steering, AdaptiveDrive, Head-Up Display and standard featured BMW Safety Tyres for the best possible safety.

Standard: new six-speed automatic transmission with electronic gear selector.

Further enhanced: permanent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive technology.

Weight-optimised bodyshell with extreme torsional stiffness.

Larger interior with up to seven seats.

iDrive control concept with 8 favourite buttons.

Exclusive interior with innovative options.

The original BMW X5 introduced a new type of all-wheel drive, the Sports Activity Vehicle.
And now the new BMW X5 sets another benchmark for driving excellence with powerful eight- and six-cylinder engines, unique suspension, further enhanced BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, a weight-optimised bodyshell with extreme torsional stiffness. The result is a vehicle possessing excellent agility and dynamic performance.

The new BMW X5 is the only vehicle in its segment available with both Active Steering developed by BMW, and AdaptiveDrive (a combination of anti-roll stabilisation and adaptive dampers). And it is the first SAV worldwide fitted with BMW Safety Tyres as a standard feature, ensuring the best possible level of safety.

The powerful elegance of the exterior design, just like the flexible and exclusive interior, clearly underlines the superior character of the new BMW X5.

The new X5 arrives with a more powerful V8 4.8-litre petrol engine developing maximum output of 261kW, a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine with maximum output of 200 kW, and a 3.0-litre straight-six all aluminium diesel with peak power of 170 kW.

Drivers are assured of the most dynamic driving experience, while the enlarged interior delivers comfort for as many as seven occupants.

The original BMW X5 has been an unqualified success with around 580,000 sales since 1999. Even in its run out year in Australia the X5 is able to post impressive sales figures, and beat newer rivals in the sales race month on month.

The goal of the new BMW X5 is to deliver a larger, more powerful, more luxurious, yet robust premium SAV with outstanding driving dynamics, and improved ground clearance.

Commanding driving position, flexible interior

The new BMW X5 is almost 190 mm longer than its predecessor, yet the proportions and overall sporty look of the X5 have been retained.

Enhanced ground clearance and the high, commanding seating position are joined by the option of a third row of seats for the first time. Premium quality trim and upholstery match those of the most luxurious high performance BMW Sedans.

Driving dynamics top of the class, again

Throughout its production life, the original X5 was the undisputed leader in driving dynamics. But now BMW’s drivetrain and chassis development specialists have set the standard even higher in terms of power and performance, agility, dynamics, and suspension comfort, yet still retaining the basic principles of unitary body design, independent suspension, and permanent, electronically controlled variable all-wheel drive.

Both the petrol and diesel engines driving the BMW X5 have been substantially upgraded and optimised in their power, performance and refinement. The chassis and suspension however are brand-new from the ground up.

Innovative and exclusive: suspension technology

The new BMW X5 boasts a double wishbone front axle unique in its class. This optimises tyre contact on the road and, accordingly, the transmission of lateral forces, thus allowing particularly fast and dynamic lateral acceleration. A further feature is directional stability likewise enhanced to an even higher level.

The integral IV rear axle patented by BMW, serves to separate the drive and damper functions, the wheel mounts and axle subframe. No fewer than four control arms take drive and dynamic forces fed into the suspension. Soft front swing mounts on the rear axle subframe, optimise the longitudinal suspension of the wheel guidance elements and enhance roll comfort accordingly.

Unique in the segment: Active Steering and AdaptiveDrive

The new BMW X5 is the first vehicle in its class available as an option with Active Steering. This advanced system developed by BMW offers exactly the right steering ratio at all speeds: Up to a speed of approximately 90 km/h steering behaviour is more direct, thus meeting the requirements of sporting and active motoring.

A further advantage is it takes just two turns to go from lock-to-lock. At higher speeds, Active Steering transmission is more indirect, enhancing the directional stability of the vehicle and, accordingly, its driving comfort.

World debut: data transfer via FlexRay

Using sensors, AdaptiveDrive permanently monitors and calculates data on the road speed of the vehicle, its steering angle, straight-ahead and lateral acceleration, body and wheel acceleration, as well as height levels. Using this information, the system controls both the swivel motors on the anti-roll bars and the electromagnetic damper valves, thus controlling body roll and damping exactly as required at all times.Simply by pressing a button, the driver can choose either a sporting or a more comfortable basic setting of AdaptiveDrive.

The FlexRay high-speed data transmission system is used for the first time for fast and reliable coordination of all AdaptiveDrive functions. Enhanced to production standard by a consortium of development companies under leadership by BMW, this system offers a level of data transfer capacity never seen before. The new BMW X5 is the first vehicle in the world to feature FlexRay technology.

Even smarter: intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive technology

Under normal driving conditions, BMW xDrive splits drive forces front-to-rear 40: 60. Reacting extremely quickly and precisely xDrive ensures variable power distribution front-to-rear as soon as a specific driving situation or surface conditions require.

To perform this function, BMW xDrive features a power divider with an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch, feeding the power of the engine to where it can be used most effectively. Hence, BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system promotes driving dynamics that counteract any over- or understeer in bends.

These many qualities of BMW’s electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system give not only the BMW X5 and X3, but rather all BMWs equipped with xDrive truly outstanding driving qualities superior at all times.

Integrated Chassis Management for optimum control quality

To distribute drive power quickly and with maximum precision, xDrive all-wheel drive, DSC Dynamic Stability Control, engine management and Active Steering are all networked via Integrated Chassis Management, ensuring an optimum balance of drive power distribution, individual application of the brakes on each wheel, and engine management.

DSC with new functions, faster and even more precise hydraulic control

Boasting an even higher standard of performance for optimum comfort, convenience and function, DSC Dynamic Stability Control on the new BMW X5 makes a particularly important contribution to safe and active motoring. The basic functions of the overall DSC system include ABS anti-lock brakes, ASC Automatic Stability Control, DSC Dynamic Stability Control, TSC Trailer Stability Control, HDC Hill Descent Control, DBD Dynamic Brake Control maximising brake pressure whenever required for particularly powerful deceleration, as well as CBC Cornering Brake Control preventing the vehicle from “turning into” a bend when applying the brakes lightly.

ADB Automatic Differential Brake is another highly sophisticated electronic system, which acts as a lateral wheel lock, automatically applying the brakes on a wheel about to spin.

BMW’s new DSC system serves additionally to optimise the brake system through various additional functions. First, it automatically sets off any decrease in brake power at extremely high temperatures by increasing brake forces accordingly (anti-fading support).

Moderate build-up of brake forces, in turn, enhances brake standby in situations which may require spontaneous deceleration. Regular dry braking, as yet another example, optimises the performance of the brakes in the wet, while the start-off assistant facilitates the process of setting off on an uphill gradient.

The new BMW X5 also offers a parking brake with both an electro-mechanical and hydraulic function activated or released at the touch of a button.

DTC for greater spin and more dynamic performance

Reflecting its high standard of driving dynamics, the new BMW X5 also comes with DTC Dynamic Traction Control. All the driver has to do to activate the DTC mode is press a button on the centre console. This raises the thresholds for intervention in the engine and brakes, allowing the BMW X5 to set off smoothly on loose snow or sand with the drive wheels intentionally spinning lightly. And last but certainly not least, DTC promotes an even more sporting and active style of motoring.

Brake disc diameter on the BMW X5 3.0si is 332 millimetres at the front and 320 millimetres at the rear. On the X5 4.8i, the front rotos measure 365 mm and 345 mm at the rear.

First SAV featuring safety tyres as standard

The new BMW X5 is the first car in its class fitted as standard with BMW Safety Tyres for the best possible level of customer safety and mobility.

BMW Safety Tyres allow motorists to continue driving even after a complete loss of tyre pressure. In such a case BMW Safety Tyres allow the BMW X5 to continue in safety for up to 250 km (subject to load) at speeds of up to 80 km/h. In addition, standard Australian-specified vehicles will be fitted with an emergency spare wheel.

The new BMW X5 now comes as standard with 18-inch light-alloy wheels running on 255/55 tyres. Larger light-alloy wheel measuring 19 and even 20 inches running on tyre sizes of up to 275/40 at the front and 315/35 at the rear are available as an option. These tyres are also Safety Tyres.

A further safety feature is the Tyre Defect Indicator warning the driver of a gradual loss of air pressure. Consistently comparing wheel speed, this system registers any deviation from normal pressure. A graphic symbol in the instrument cluster display informs the driver whenever tyre pressure deviates from the pressure required by more than 30 per cent.

Supreme at all times: the V8 petrol engine

Flow-optimised intake ducts and valves, an intake system switching to two levels and featuring double-chamber intake air guidance, as well as a brand-new exhaust system all act together to ensure a smooth flow of the fuel/air mixture, giving the new BMW X5 an even more powerful response and truly supreme driving dynamics.

The V8 power unit in the new BMW X5 4.8i develops maximum torque of 475 Nm between 3,400 and 3,800 rpm, offering efficient dynamics of the highest standard.

Accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, this top-end model sets a new record in acceleration, while its top speed is limited electronically to 240 km/h. Despite the 11 per cent increase in engine power, fuel consumption is reduced by 5 per cent to 12.5 litres/100 km (preliminary figures) in the EU test cycle. Naturally, the new V8 power unit meets the exhaust emission regulations of both the Euro 4 standard and the ULEV II classification in the USA.

Agile and light: the straight-six petrol engine

The straight-six petrol engine in the new BMW X5 3.0si likewise reflects the latest state of the art in engine design. This advanced magnesium-aluminium 3.0-litre power unit combines smooth and fast-revving response with superior refinement and harmony. Maximum output is 200 kW with peak torque of 315 Nm at 2,750 rpm.

The BMW X5 3.0si accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and has a top speed of 225 km/h (or 210 km/h on H-spec tyres). Average fuel consumption in the EU cycle is 10.9 litres/100 km (preliminary figures), a substantial 14 per cent less than on the former model, despite an increase in power of 18 per cent.

Muscular and refined: the all-aluminium diesel with third-generation common rail and piezo injection technology

The diesel version of the new BMW X5 also offers all the character of a premium SAV with truly outstanding power and performance. Now 25 kg lighter than the previous power unit, thanks to its all-aluminium block, this outstanding straight-six develops maximum output of 170 kW from 3.0 litres engine capacity, benefiting in the process from direct common rail fuel injection featuring piezo injectors. Maximum torque of 520 Nm, in turn, is maintained consistently between 2,000 and 2,750 rpm.

This significant power at low engine speeds is attributable to the newly developed exhaust gas turbocharger. The turbocharger features variable turbine geometry and electrical adjustment, responding at an early point without delay and offering a high degree of efficiency for both enhanced torque and engine output.

Introducing the third generation of common rail technology, the straight-six in the BMW X5 3.0d also boasts the most advanced injection system currently available for a diesel engine. The piezo injectors deliver fuel efficiently and precisely into the six combustion chambers at a pressure of 1,600 bar. The combustion process is not only particularly powerful and economical, but also clean, while a particulate filter positioned close to the engine as well as an oxidation catalyst housed in the same unit ensure exhaust gas management in line with the Euro 4 standard.

The new BMW X5 3.0d accelerate to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and has a top speed of 216 km/h (or 210 km/h on H-spec tyres). Fuel consumption is a mere 8.7 litres of diesel fuel per 100 km in the EU test cycle, down by seven per cent from the previous model despite an increase in output by six per cent.

New six-speed automatic transmission with even faster gearshift and enhanced shift comfort

The new BMW X5 comes as standard with six-speed automatic transmission enhanced to an even higher level than before. Indeed, the new six-speed automatic shifts gears at a truly incomparable pace, with unparalleled precision and efficiency, promoting not only motoring comfort but above all the dynamic performance of the BMW X5. And the transmission helps the engine to achieve a particularly high standard of all-round economy.

The new automatic transmission comes in two versions tailored specifically to the torque of the six-cylinder petrol engine, on the one hand, and the six-cylinder diesel and eight-cylinder petrol power units, on the other. Both versions feature new converter technology and particularly efficient, high-performance software cutting back reaction and shift times versus a conventional automatic transmission by up to 50 per cent. And direct detection of the target gear required allows the driver to skip one or even several gears when shifting down, without taking any additional time.

With its unusually dynamic gearshift and extremely direct connection to the engine, the new six-speed automatic transmission is a particularly impressive partner for the sporting and highly active new BMW X5. And at the same time it helps to ensure smooth, relaxed and fuel-efficient cruising at low engine speeds.

New electronic gear selector

The automatic transmission is controlled by a new electronic gear selector also featured for the first time on the new BMW X5. While the gearshift pattern is the same as on a conventional automatic transmission, the selector lever moves back to its starting position after each use.

Transmission management is now no longer mechanical, but is rather effected through electrical signals. The parking position, for example, is activated by pressing the P button on the upper side of the selector lever.

Then, to activate a drive gear manually, all the driver has to do is press the selector lever to the left and is now able to shift gears sequentially by hand: To shift up, the driver pulls the selector lever back, to shift down, he presses the selector lever forwards. A display in the selector lever itself and in the instrument cluster shows which gear is currently in mesh.

Presence and elegance in one: outstanding design

The new BMW X5 is highly attractive and elegant. The proportions of the former model have been carefully developed and enhanced to an even higher standard, the overall look of the vehicle conveying a powerful touch of agility despite growing by 187 mm in length and 61 mm in width.

Short body overhangs front and rear, larger wheels, and the short distance between the front axle and instrument panel focus attention on the front end of the new X5. The result is a perfect optical balance of the front and rear.

With its longer wheelbase, the new BMW X5 achieves a significantly higher standard of stability and presence. The stretched side section borders at the rear on the powerful D-pillar, the lines of all pillars coming together to form an appropriately shortened roofline, again supporting the overall impression of elegance and slender athleticism.

A classical BMW design feature from the side is the contour line at the same level as the door openers and rising slightly to the rear. This is where the vehicle’s convex and concave surfaces come together, the contour line starting behind the front wheel arches and encircling the entire rear section, uninterrupted by the taillights.

Powerful-looking front end, dynamic rear section

The powerfully domed bonnet, the three-dimensional rods on the BMW kidney grille, and the headlight units integrated in the side panels all act together to give the front end of the new BMW X5 a particularly powerful expression.

The forward-focussed lines of the car are furthermore accentuated by the seams between the bonnet tapering out to the front and the muscular side panels continuing into the contoured surface of the headlight units.

The effect is that the quad headlights appear to be slightly cut off at the top, giving the entire front end a clear and dynamic focus.

The rear also displays powerful elegance. The high upper edge of the rear bumper accentuates the sheer width of the vehicle and, as a result, its strong and stable stance on the road.

This impression is then further enhanced by the horizontal structure of the rear light clusters, in BMW’s typical L-design, wrapped far around into the rear lid. Four LED light rods give the new BMW X5 a powerful and striking night design also from behind.

The combination of convex and concave surfaces combines the powerful flair so typical of BMW’s SAV models with the elegant presence of a genuine premium vehicle. This entire configuration creates a dynamic flow of light and shade symbolising lightness and giving the surfaces a clear structure.

The muscular wheel arches, in turn, are a clear symbol of stability. And last but not least, the clear accentuation of the horizontal wheel line expressed by the wide track again helps to give the new BMW X5 a truly individual look.

Aerodynamic, safe and spacious: the body

One of the outstanding qualities of the body design of the new BMW X5 is unusually good streamlining with a low drag coefficient. Lift forces kept to a minimum enhance both driving dynamics and safety. And the drag coefficient of 0.33 (X5 3.0si), finally, places the new BMW X5 at the top of its segment.

The new BMW X5 is the first production vehicle in the world to feature a roof spoiler with aerodynamic edges integrated at the side for a precisely defined cut-off of air flow. Apart from the roof spoiler, the rear lights also come with cut-off edges improving the flow of air.

Measuring 4,854 mm long and 1,933 mm wide, the new BMW X5 is significantly larger than its predecessor. But it remains an elegant and sporting vehicle from every angle.

Maximum flexibility: two additional seats in the third row

For the first time, BMW offers a third row of seats in the X5. The factory fitted seats provide adequate space for two passengers up to 1.70 m tall.

These two seats come complete with three-point inertia-reel seat belts and headrests adjustable for height. To ensure convenient access to this third row of seats, the second row may be moved to the front with their backrests remaining upright, while grab recesses in the inner lining on the C-pillars also serve to ensure easy access.

Enhanced comfort on the third row seats is ensured by separate heating and ventilation outlets. To fully use the available luggage space, the seats can be individually folded flat into the floor, completely out of sight.

Mid-row passengers gain an additional 40 mm of knee room compared with the first generation X5.

Regardless of the number of seats in use, there is plenty of luggage space. As before the tailgate is split horizontally, while the loading area is 100 mm longer than before.

An additional storage compartment beneath the floor of the luggage compartment in five-seat models which normally offers an extra 90 litres of storage space, will house an emergency spare. Overall storage capacity under the VDA standard is up significantly by 110 litres or 22 per cent to 620 litres for the five-seater version of the new BMW X5.

Even with the third row of seats upright, luggage capacity is still an ample 200 litres.

Intelligent lightweight construction: greater solidity, weight almost unchanged

Despite the larger dimensions of the new X5 over the former model, BMW’s engineers and designers have succeeded in keeping the weight of the new BMW X5 almost unchanged, making the body even stiffer in the process.

To provide additional space and extra solidity without a significant increase in weight, the engineers have concentrated consistently on intelligent lightweight technology.

Both the choice of materials and the arrangement and geometry of the support bars, arms and reinforcement members are based on an overall concept designed for maximum safety in a crash combined with superior agility. Torsional stiffness versus the former model is up approximately 15 per cent from 23,500 to 27,000 Nm/degree.

The result of this particular design and configuration is borne out clearly by the significantly enhanced lightweight quality. This criterion describes torsional stiffness relative to the ground area (wheel contact points) as well as the weight of the vehicle and clearly expresses the particular quality of the new BMW X5 as a vehicle which, taking its body dimensions into account, offers the highest standard of solidity and agility currently possible.

Even the optionally available extra-large panorama glass roof does not have any noticeable effects on the stiffness of the overall bodyshell.

Torsional stiffness and crash safety of the highest standard

Stiffness at the front is optimised without an increase in weight by low-lying support arms around the wheel arches curving in towards the middle of the vehicle and providing a firm connection to the engine supports. Around the C-pillars a fully-closed torsion ring also serves to enhance body stiffness.

Body stiffness is further increased by wedges on the rear lid at medium height on the two D-pillars when closed. Contact between the wedge elements and the surrounds is ensured by way of the soft close function of the rear lid, and the improvement of stiffness at the rear is quite substantial. Indeed, to achieve the same effect any other way, the engineers and body designers would have required additional metal sheet components weighing approximately 6 kg.

High- and ultra-high-strength steel is used above all at the rear end of the new BMW X5 in order to achieve optimum stiffness and load resistance in a rear-end collision despite minimum use of material. At the front, in turn, use of a cast aluminium spring support serves to reduce weight while optimising stiffness at the same time.

The design and configuration of the front side panels and their modular supports made of plastic also serves to achieve several development targets all in one: Apart from lower weight and greater freedom in design, one of these targets is also all-round protection of pedestrians.

The foundation for passive safety: the stable passenger cell

To optimise passive safety to the highest standard, the design and construction engineers focused from the start in developing the body-in-white of the new BMW X5 on maximum stability of the passenger cell. Forces acting on the vehicle in the event of an accident are passed on via the engine supports and chassis along various load paths, preventing extreme loads on any individual bearing structures.

Given its body structure and wide range of safety features, the new BMW X5 naturally offers all the prerequisites for fulfilling all crash tests relevant the world over. In creating the overall concept of passive and active safety, the engineers have also carefully considered the latest results in BMW accident research, giving the new X5 not only frontal and hip/thorax airbags, but also curtain/head airbags at the side as standard features. These airbags inflate out of the A-pillar covers and roof lining to protect the occupants in the first two rows reliably from injury.

The interior: functional and refined

The driver’s seat at the wheel of the new BMW X5 is conceived and designed for superior motoring in a powerful, dynamic and truly versatile vehicle. The higher, commanding seating position and the arrangement of the instrument panel inclined slightly towards the driver convey the impression of unrestricted control of the vehicle. All functions and displays are absolutely clear and easy-to-read also by the front passenger in the comfort zone in the middle of the dashboard. The Control Display for the BMW iDrive operating system housed on the instrument panel at the same level as the circular instruments is directly in the line of vision of both the driver and front passenger.

BMW iDrive with eight favourite buttons

To control the navigation, air conditioning, entertainment and communication functions, the new BMW X5 also features BMW’s innovative iDrive control and operation concept. Comfort and communication settings are adjusted by turning, pushing and pressing the iDrive control on the centre console, with the functions selected and adjustment options being presented on the Control Display.

In addition, the driver has eight buttons available for selecting favourite functions to further facilitate control operations. Pressing a button once, as an example, the driver is able to retrieve frequently dialled telephone numbers, select a frequent navigation destination, or tune to a radio station of their choice.

Optimum visibility: Bi-Xenon headlights, curve and bending lights

In conjunction with Bi-Xenon headlights available as an option, the new BMW X5 offers an attractive and highly practical daytime headlight function by means of the light rings in the dual circular headlights. In this case the wings on the two inner headlights emit particularly intense and bright light approximately 100 times brighter than regular parking lights and thus improving visibility of the car accordingly also at a greater distance.

Innovative options

Sophisticated navigation and audio systems further enhance the driver’s and passengers’ travelling comfort in the new BMW X5. A DVD video system for the second row of seats, a CD- or DVD-changer housed in the glove compartment as well as an innovative multi-channel audio system are among the highlights offered in terms of mobile entertainment.

Even the standard version of the audio system comes with six loudspeakers, BMW’s HiFi system Professional specially conceived for playing back multi-channel audio sources, comprising no less than 16 loudspeakers. Thanks to the AUX-IN socket featured as standard, music from external audio sources such as an MP3 player may also be played through the loudspeakers in the car.