Waiting for New BMW X5 and X6 M-models

Over the years we have heard BMW officials strongly deny M sport variants of the X5 and X6 time and time again simply because they can’t offer the same dynamics as the M saloon, roadster and coupes. And now, after a recent interview with Auto Motor und Sport, BMW M GmbH’s boss, Ludwig Willisch, has performed an about-face in perfect military style.

According to Willisch, ‘M’ prototypes of the X5 and X6 are both in existence and are currently undergoing testing at the Nurburgring Nordschleife. He continued that BMW M GmbH plans to complete both models by the end of 2009 and have them on the roads shortly after.

Therefore, if BMW is compromising its M philosophy, then why not add a diesel? When asked if this was a consideration, Willisch responded, ”in medium term, there is no such intention.”

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Source: worldcarfans

BMW X5 Short Review

In 1999 BMW introduced a "sport activity vehicle" X5 that promised to change the perception of the SUV. The X5 had set new standards in ride and handling. It’s a luxury SUV that is as pleasant to drive as a luxury sedan; it is more enjoyable for highway use than the typical SUV but still maintains its capabilities for light off-road use. The BMW X5 is definitely an all-weather vehicle rather than an all-terrain vehicle - ground clearance is limited and there is no low-range transfer case. When the X5 first went on sale, only a 4.4-liter V8 engine and five-speed automatic transmission were offered. A 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, with five-speed manual shift standard and automatic optional, became available in spring 2000. A high-performance, 340-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 went into the 4.6is edition introduced for 2002. A 6-speed manual transmission and an increase in horsepower from 290 hp to 315 hp on the 4.4-liter V8 were added in ‘04.

BMW X5 Strengths
Rides and drives like a sedan, sharp steering, multiple drivetrain choices, top safety scores, cabin fit and finish is of a high-end.

BMW X5 Weaknesses
Not much cargo space, lousy fuel economy, expensive optional packages.

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Site: carcasher

2007 BMW X5 Road Test

Deeper sculpting, increased dimensions and compelling power define the 2007 BMW X5 4.8i; a redesigned interior, which now includes a third row seat, is also new this year. The improvements and extended handling capabilities keep the X5 among the top of the heap when it comes to premium SUV capability and performance.

Like a weightlifter showing off bigger biceps and better-defined abs, the new X5 projects a more athletic, aggressive appearance than before. It's a look very much consistent with BMW's latest sedan styling, which is eye-catching to say the least. The daring lines do a good job of concealing the vehicle's extra 188mm of length.

Settling into the driver's arena brings with it the sedan experience as well. Seats are fabulously supportive and materials within reach speak of quality and richness. The beautifully honed, electronic shift knob feels like a precision instrument contoured to perfectly match every palm draped around it.

Although BMW continues to apply its i-Drive technology to its premium rides, the controls most often adjusted, such as HVAC are also found amid the buttons and dials on the instrument panel and centre stack. It's still however necessary to bump your way through multiple i-drive screens to add a little bad-boy-bass to your boogie.

Popping up the third row seat also requires manipulation of the second row. Once this bit of second row tug and pull is complete, the split-bench third row can be sprung into place, but be warned this is not a suitable perch for large adults or extended tours of duty. Pretty much every other seat in the house is.

Last year's meeker 4.4-litre V8 is no longer available in the X5. If you want a V8, it'll displace 4.8-litres while dispatching 350 horsepower @ 6,300-rpm and 350 pound-feet of torque @ 3,400-rpm. That's sufficient power to hustle the X5 very enthusiastically thanks in part to its six-speed automatic soul mate. Thrust off-the-line is seat sucking while passing ability is confidence inspiring.

I was impressed with the compliance of the X5's sophisticated suspension setup. BMW did a lot of on-track tuning, and it's quite evident when the mid-size SUV is pushed hard into turns. Despite this luxo cruiser's ability to effectively absorb roadway bumps and bruises, it retains composure far better than most similarly sized rigs when aggressively cornered; all without subjecting the kidneys to inhumane punishment- and that's a bit of automotive magic.

Steering response is sharp, precise and instantly reactive. Plenty of feedback accompanies a twist of the wheel, and that's commendable for this class of vehicle. Keeping both hands on the thickly padded, leather-wrapped wheel was a challenge. My right hand preferred to wrap itself around the gearshift lever, with my mind preferring to shift the X5's autobox manually.

This is perhaps the best manual-mode to be found in an SUV. An electronic program quickly spins-up revs to match the selected gear when downshifting. Doing so creates some of the heartiest V8 tones in any SUV. Unlike most manufacturers, BMW got it right; upshifts occur when the lever is pulled rearward while downshifts require a forward push. To me, this pattern is far more intuitive for folks accustomed to a manual gearbox than the opposite pattern.

The X5 4.8i is an automotive amalgam of sorts. It adeptly distills the attributes of a premium-level sports sedan with those of a competent off-roader to create an SUV that can inspire drivers on the tarmac and off. Unfortunately, it's an expensive distillation- something like that of fine single malt.

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Source: auto123

BMW X5

The BMW E70 automobile platform will be the basis for the future X5 SUV. It will replace the BMW E53. It is expected that it will be released some time during 2007 and will be considerably bigger than the current E53 model, since it will be able to accommodate two extra passengers. The increase in size is due to the uncomfortably close sizes of the current generation X5 and smaller X3 model. The new E70 BMW X5 may give some information on, if possibly built, the BMW X1.

BMW has taken a conservative approach to the styling of its second-generation X5 by maintaining the basic appearance of its seven-year-old predecessor in a larger bodyshell supported by an all-new platform with some of the most advanced underpinnings the four wheel drive class has to offer. Underneath the familiar-looking sheet metal, however, the luxury SUV boasts several changes the German carmaker is convinced will help cement its reputation as the benchmark for roadholding, while providing greater levels of versatility through a new seven-seat interior layout. Inside Line sources who have driven early prototypes say the new X5 steers and handles with all the precision of the critically acclaimed first-generation X5 and despite now being fitted with run-flat tires as standard manages to improve on ride quality, too. "It's not the most comfortable in the class, but we're confident the handling is as good as, or better than, the outgoing model," says one BMW executive. The front suspension is BMW's first use of a double wishbone suspension combined with a multi-link rear suspension, with upmarket models getting rear air springs to smooth out the ride. The advantage to switching to the double wishbone front suspension allows for a stiffer suspension with the use of run-flat tires (RFT, RSC, or EMT), without adversely affecting ride comfort as well as dampening road-feel. However, BMW hasn't held back on equipping its new SUV with the kind of chassis technology used on its 5 and 7 Series cars. Among the options are the company's Adaptive Drive and Active Steering systems, the former using hydraulic stabilizer bars to suppress body roll and the latter employing an electric motor to alter the steering ratio depending upon speed, getting progressively direct at low speeds.

The majority of the X5's electronics are based on E65, with a few new innovations. Additionally, a new electronics network-system has been developed, named "Flex-Ray," which is currently only used for the Electronic Dampening Control (EDC) system. Among the engine choices at launch is a pair of 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder units developing 260 horsepower in gasoline guise and 231 hp in common-rail diesel form. Topping the range is a 355-hp 4.8-liter V8 that is claimed to propel the new BMW to 62 mph from standstill in an impressive 6.5 seconds and up to a top speed of 150 mph{fact}. Other power plants will be added to the new X5 lineup in time, including a mild hybrid using a base 3.0-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine in combination with an electric motor. Also under consideration as a rival to the newly launched Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG and Porsche Cayenne Turbo is a high-performance version of the new BMW X5 running a secret new turbocharged V8 set to make its debut on the new 7 Series due out in 2008. Power is channeled permanently to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox, which is claimed to reduce shift speed by up to 50 percent through the incorporation of a new torque converter and revised software. It is operated via a new joystick-like shift lever that, like the new electronic parking brake mechanism, has been designed to take up less room on the center console than the current setup.

Hoping to build on the 580,000 first-generation X5 sales to date, BMW has made only conservative changes to the SAV's appearance. The exterior styling, in particular, draws heavily on the first-generation model, retaining the same basic proportions with subtly altered detailing more in keeping with modern BMW styling. The rear continues with a split tailgate and separately opening rear window. Its appearance may be familiar but the new X5 has grown considerably, putting on 7.5 inches in length and 2.4 inches in width. BMW sources contend that the use of lightweight materials, including a greater percentage of aluminum within the suspension, has helped keep weight down. The new base model weighs no more than the outgoing model when its increased equipment count is taken into consideration. The added length liberates space for an optional third row of seats, extending the X5's seat count to seven in a move that will see it more closely challenge the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 for outright versatility. Luggage capacity is reduced from 21.9 cubic feet to just 7.1 cubic feet when the third seat row is in use.

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Source: wikipedia