General Introduction
The BMW X5 is fully prepared and structurally engineered for efficient handling and maximum on-road performance. This concept springs forth from the studies and observations that most SUV users seldom do off-road travels.
It was in the late 1990s when Chris Bangle came up with the very first sketches of BMW X5 designs right at his own studio located in California.
The BMW X5 can be said as a close predecessor of the Range Rover. BMW engineers were able to study the parts as well as the technology of the Rover, which later on produced the hill descent control present in the BMW model. Its design is also close to its British counterpart, with a two-piece tailgate reminiscent of those of the Rover. Its electronics and other parts are also rip-offs of the E39 5 series in order to save some money.
Yet with the similarities are some differences. First of all, the BMW X5 was aimed to be a sports car. Thus, compared to the Range Rover, the former has lesser off-road capabilities. It may also be the reason why BMW has been working real hard to let the users refer BMW X5 as a sports activity vehicle (SAV) instead of sports utility vehicle (SUV).
When BMW X5 first started, its torque power was similar to the company’s line of sedans. Though X5s are supposed to be four-wheel drives, 60% of their overall engine torque was rerouted to the rear wheels. This, somehow, caught the attention of many users and car enthusiasts, until many car manufacturers like the makers Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne have developed models that are both capable of on-road and off-road performance—a slight drawback for the BMW X5.
Together with the Roadster (BMW Z4), all BMW X5s are exclusively manufactured in Spartanburg, a community found in South Carolina.
Previous BMW X5 Models
The earliest models of BMW X5 were released in 2000. Initially, they only offered one engine: a V8 engine of 4.4 liters. The inline engine (3.0 liters, and with 6 cylinders) debuted in 2001. The six-cylinder engine was excellent in terms of overall performance as well as fuel efficiency. However, it doesn’t have off-the-line grunt, which made the vehicle subject to negative criticisms. The models with 4.4-liter engine, meanwhile, can travel as fast as 60 miles per hour within 8 seconds. Moreover, prospective buyers can benefit X5s manufactured in 2001. These cars have undergone major technological and structural innovations that further improved safety and protection of passengers, especially from frontal crashes.
The year 2002 welcomed, among other things, the launching of BMW X5 4.6, known to be the most powerful among the designs during that time. Towing enthusiasts have found this extremely good as it provides a much better system in controlling stability especially for trailer towing. Added luxury is the CD player attachments in its dashboard panel.
However, it was in the year 2004 that the BMW X5 had its major makeover. First, it precedes the introduction of a new system called xDrive, which allows 100 percent transfer of its engine torque to a single wheel. Furthermore, there were the optional adaptive headlights and newer fog lamps. The X4 4.6i models were also replaced with 355-hp 4.8is. The V8 engine, which practically belonged to the 7 series sedans, was also installed in X5 4.4.i, raising the overall output to 325 horsepower (hp) instead of 35 hp.
Present BMW X5
Right now, there are two variants of the BMW X5. There’s the X5 3.0si with 6 cylinders and the V8 X5 4.8. The current models look almost exactly like the previous ones. The ducktail tailgates and tailpipes are incorporated in newer designs. However, anyone can expect that the present BMW X5 is more capable of better on-road and even off-road performance as utility deficiencies is now addressed. It also possesses an effective aerodynamic shape with its curved panels and creased metal sheets. It’s longer (7.4 inches) with a 4.5-inch increase in its wheelbase. The additional length gives the newer X5 series more space. It also contributed to a more station-wagon-like feature than the first X5s.