By Dr Long
BMW Malaysia launched the new BMW X5 SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle in BMW speak) for sale starting 30th May 2007. The all-new E70 BMW X5 is the second generation of premium, high-performance SUV to come from this Munich automaker, with the predecessor having debuted in 2001. The E53 X5 set the standard for on-road sporty driving dynamics then, yet capable to tackle off-road paths should the need arises.
Continuing this tradition of benchmark handling for a tall-SUV, the new X5 is fitted with BMW�s high tech permanent all-wheel drive system (xDrive), double wishbone front/ multi-link rear suspensions plus Active Steering. Standard on the BMW X5 4.8i is BMW�s AdaptiveDrive featuring active anti-roll bars and constantly variable damper settings. The result is a more composed, stable and �flatter� ride/handling; whatever the road conditions, steering, braking and/or throttle inputs.
The all-new BMW X5 now wears run-flat tyres which allows a punctured rubber to continue rolling safely, up to 150km in fact, at speeds up to 80km/h, enough for any driver to get to his/her nearest or favourite tyre shop to rectify things. Other active safety features include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC+) which is a sum of Brake Drying, Brake Pre-Tensioning, Brake Fade Compensation and Hill Start Assist (think reverse version of Hill Descent Control).
In contrast to the new Audi Q7 launched last week, the new X5 delightfully � and practically � comes standard with a third row of seats which is good for two more passengers. These seats folds away, individually into the floor board, resulting in a larger and flat cargo area.
Three engine options are offered by BMW Malaysia with the BMW X5. The local flagship BMW X5 now beats with a 4.8L V8 petrol engine under its hood. This upgraded powerplant punches out a combo of 355hp/475Nm. The other petrol engine in the BMW X5 3.0si, is a �classical� in-line six cylinder capable of 272hp/315Nm. The modern turbo-diesel X5 3.0d spins out the highest torque of the three siblings i.e. 500Nm starting at 2000rpm through to 2750rpm. Horsepower generated from oil burning is a respectable 218hp.
The retail prices on-the-road without insurance (with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair) for the new X5s are:
3.0si � RM548,000
3.0d � RM558,000
4.8i - RM888,000
The front bumper wears a re-profiled airdam kit while the rear one has a redesigned diffuser, both body coloured. Larger wheel arches are seen to cover the standard 19inches M-alloys or optional 20inches. The interior receives a sprinkle of M badges, M-steering wheel, body hugging sport seats and real-aluminium inserts. Fine tuning of the AdaptiveDrive and Active Steering systems takes the X5 to an even higher level of road-holding and handling.
BMW X5 M-Sport will be on sale in Europe very soon, with other markets to follow suit likely only in 2008.
