BMW X5
The X5 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV sold by BMW since
2000. It is based on the E39 5 Series and features all wheel drive and a line
of straight-6 and V8 engines. For non US models there is a 3 litre diesel
engine.
History and development
The history of the X5 begins in the late 1990s, when Chris
Bangle drew the first of his X5 sketches from his Designworks studio in
California. In many ways, the current car closely resembles these initial
sketches. It should be noted, that Chris Bangle in todays era is not credited
with uncontroversial designs - something both the X5 sketches and the E46 3
series can attest to.
The takeover of Rover proved to be very beneficial for BMW
in the development of the X5. BMW engineers were able to look and use Range
Rover technology and parts in the development of the X5—one such example would
be Hill Descent Control. In many respects the X5 was also influenced design wise
from its British counterpart; in this case the X5 got the 2 piece tailgate
straight from Range Rover. Many parts and electronics were also taken directly
from the E39 5 series parts bin to save costs.
In contrast to the Range Rover models, however, the X5 was
designed as a sporting car. BMW reportedly worked hard to ensure it was branded
as an SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) instead of an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle).
Even though the X5 was a four wheel drive vehicle, BMW chose
from the start to route 60% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels, making
it feel as close as possible to the company's rear wheel drive sedans. Many
reviewers commented on its road and track 'feeling', and as time passed many
other manufactures have caught onto this breed of SUV (e.g Porsche Cayenne).
The X5 has been criticized for having low interior volume
for its size - both the smaller BMW X3 and the 5 Series (Touring) have greater
interior volume. The next generation X5 is rumoured however, to rectify this
problem.
2004 Refresh
For 2004 the X5 was refreshed with new headlights, a few new
exterior colors, a whole new 4-wheel drive system and upgraded engines. The
exterior touches kept it fresh and give the X5 a more aggressive look. The
kidney grills were enlarged, as well as they actual slats modified in a 'flame
surfaced' style. In keeping with the E39 refresh of 2001, the 2004 X5's
headlights got angel-eyes (rings or halo's around all front headlamps). Rear
lamps also got an E39-style refresh treatment and the exterior glass went from
a 'dotted' pattern to a cleaner one of 'lines'. BMW invented a new 4-wheel
drive system dubbed xDrive shared both in the X5 and X3 in 2004. Instead of
using the previous X5 system which consisted of power being split 60-40 (rear
wheels/front wheels) and DSC to brake wheels losing traction, xDrive could
variably cut of power to the front or rear axles in a matter of milliseconds,
while transferring 100% of the engine power to either, thus allowing the
vehicle to regain traction quickly.
In terms of engines, the X5 got the new 4.4i engine which
debuted in the 2002 7-Series. This raised output from 275 to 325 hp (205
to 242 kW). Also from April production, a new X5 4.8is was offered (see
below), giving the driver 265 kW (355 hp) and making it the 2nd
fastest SUV behind the Porsche Cayenne.
Several new extras were added to the 2004 X5 such as:
Soft-boot close feature (the top part of the trunk pulls
itself closed)
Trailer Stabilization Control
Adaptive Headlights (only available with xenons, swivel with
the direction of the car)
Originally announced in the end of 2003, along with the rest
of the X5 refresh, the X5 4.8is, first started shipping in April 2004. In had a
new larger 4.8l engine (which replaced the 4.6l), and was also later used in
the 2005 750i/Li. It also included a slightly modified bodykit (parts of the
bottom bumper became painted the body color), 20" wheels, and along with
the 4.6is, were the only X5's to ever have a large chrome tipped exhaust which
hid the quad pipes.
2005 Changes
Along with the rest of the BMW lineup (apart from the 7 E65
series), the X5 got bluetooth kits straight from the factory if it was ordered
with the Premium Package.
Specifically, the 4.4i & 4.8is models got Xenon
headlamps as standard equipment in the United States.
2006 Changes
Along with the 2006 BMW X3 & Z4, the X5 was left out of
the new R6 engine which increased power for both the 2.5l and 3.0l guises
significantly. It is rumored that BMW held back deploying the engine in the
2006 X5 as not to waste development costs (retooling the assmebly line), and to
make way for a much more dramatic unveiling of the all new 2007 BMW X5.
source: http://www.bmw-x5.net/history/
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