BMW: BMW X5 4.6is - FULL power

BMW X5 4.6is: entering Dimension X with Full Power.

At the 2001 Geneva Motor Show BMW is going to present the X5 4.6is, the new high-performance version of the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle, to be seen for the first time in Europe. Starting in autumn 2001, the white-and-blue marque will be giving the "aficionado" of supreme power and performance the opportunity to enjoy sports motoring in a very special dimension - in dimension X. For maximum output of almost 350 bhp is now at the driver's command in his unique, commanding position in the X5's cockpit.

More X5 all the way: extra displacement, extra power, extra torque

Already a genuine sports activity muscle machine with its existing top-of-the-range engine (4.4 litres/286 bhp), the X5 will be available in future with an even more powerful engine churning out maximum output of approximately 255 kW/347 bhp.

The 4.6 litres of this V8 power unit available exclusively in the X5 4.6is develop up to 480 Nm or 354 lb-ft maximum torque, accelerating this all-wheel-drive SAV to 100 km/h in approximately 6.5 seconds.

Top speed of the X5 4.6is will be in excess of 240 km/h or almost 150 mph. In technical terms this new high-performance power unit has been derived from BMW's well-known 4.4-litre V8, the increase in power and torque resulting both from the greater size of the engine and the revised charge cycle components as well as the modified engine management.

Shifting gears in sporting style - either manually or fully automatic.

To translate this new dimension of power and performance into the right kind of driving pleasure on the road, BMW's engineers have modified the five-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic, inter alia by adding an all-new program to emphasize the sporting character of the car even in the conventional D mode. And the driver wishing to experience this supreme power in even greater style has the choice of the new S mode, an uncompromising sports gearshift program for dynamic performance at all times. Drivers wishing to shift gears themselves, in turn, can opt for Steptronic transmission management now even more sporting and dynamic in the X5 4.6is, shifting gears manually in superior style.

Outstanding suspension features.

Just how good the suspension of the BMW X5 is in practice is shown clearly by the X5 Le Mans concept car presented at the Geneva Motor Show in spring 2000: Without requiring any significant changes or modifications, the largely standard suspension of the X5 is able to handle the 700 bhp of the V12 LMR power unit, conveying even this kind of power safely to the road even under extreme racing conditions. So it is fair to say that the X5 4.6is also offers a perfect match of power and suspension qualities thanks to the outstanding concept of the X5 ensuring safe motoring even in fast bends, with the electronic control systems only intervening very late, if at all. Sporting and dynamic from the outset, the suspension is never-theless equipped with BMW's DSC III stability system, in order to cope with extreme situations.

Low centre of gravity for extra safety.

The excellent on-road features of the X5 4.6is are attributed, not least, to the centre of gravity particularly low for a vehicle of this kind. As on the "standard" X5, the drive shaft for the front wheels on the X5 4.6is also runs through the oil sump in order to keep the engine as low as possible. The low centre of gravity of the entire vehicle ensured in this way minimises the risk of toppling over in an abrupt steering manoeuvre.

Power under control both on and offroad.

Despite its driving features, reminiscent of a sports car, the X5 4.6is remains a fully fledged offroader. Maximum torque increased by 40 Nm over the 4.4i to a new, staggering 480 Nm, or 354 lb-ft, gives this offroader ample power reserves also on rough tracks, when climbing steep gradients, or when towing a trailer, the X5 4.6is, therefore, performing all of these tasks with ease. Like the 3.0i and 4.4i, the X5 4.6is also comes with BMW's ADB-X electronic differential lock integrated in the electronic Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). The same applies to the ABS brake system with Cornering Brake Control (CBC), the ASC-X modified for all-wheel drive, and the Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) intervening whenever you apply the brakes fully. Last but certainly not least in this context, the X5 4.6is also comes with Hill Descent Control (HDC) reducing speed when driving downhill in rough terrain to a constant 5-10 km/h.

Design: superiority and understatement all in one.

The X5 4.6is shows the observer at first sight that it leads into the future of the top segment in the sports activity market. But it bears out this superiority in discreet style, without any particular fuss or exaggerated demonstration of muscle. BMW's designers have revised the impressive appearance of the X5 very carefully for the new vehicle, expressing the superior performance of the X5 4.6is through understatement and the accentuation of all appropriate details. This superior style is borne out by the 20-inch wheels featured as standard on the X5 4.6is as a special development for this model.

Tyre dimensions are 275/40 at the front and 315/35 at the rear, these extra-wide tyres fitting conveniently into the flared wheel arches. From the front this high-performance version of the X5 demonstrates its outstanding power and performance at first sight, the front air dam finished in body colour accentuating the lower air scoops. Special features at the side are the "wind splitters" carried over from motorsport in the interest of optimum streamlining.

And, finally, xenon headlights featured as standard give the "face" of the X5 4.6is a particularly determined, consistent look. The rear air dam, also finished in body colour, gives the entire rear section a particularly powerful appearance, framing the two oval tailpipes finished in chrome and again featuring wind splitters at the side. Exclusive exterior colours from the BMW Individual Collection will also underline the very special position of this car in the market.

Inside, the X5 4.6is again shows the driver quite clearly that this is a very special driving machine. Featuring new colours and materials, the interior comes in a very special, exclusive style. The sports seats featured as standard come in black soft nappa, combined with centrepieces, in sporting, exclusive "online" Alcantara in black/silver. The trim strips in the instrument panel, on the sports steering wheel and in the centre console, finally, are finished in cosmos black. Other exclusive combinations of colours and materials will be offered upon the market introduction of the X5 4.6is in autumn 2001.