BMW X5
The new X5 offers unequalled prestige and dynamism in the SAV category.
Even more regal than its predecessor, the new X5 offers unequalled prestige and dynamism in the SAV category.
Victory ! BMW has carried off the challenge of attaining even higher levels of power distribution, agility and suspension comfort. As a result, the new X5 deserves all the superlatives, for its looks as well as performance. 18.7 cm longer and 6.1 cm wider, its non-buckling passenger compartment is roomier and more functional. Its exterior is striking for its robust elegance : proportions that have evolved discreetly, a larger wheelbase for more assurance, and a sleek silhouette. The engine hood is characterized by vigorous contours, the double round headlights, slightly slanting at the top, give the vehicle a highly focussed look at the front. There are no compromises at the rear either. The X5’s height is emphasized by the bumper’s high line of light. Combined with the strong impact of a prestige vehicle, its powerful impression derives from alternating convex and concave surfaces. As a world première, BMW has equipped it, as an option, with the AdaptativeDrive system with data transferred via FlexRay. By means of sensors, AdaptativeDrive registers non-stop data concerning speed, steering lock, transversal and longitudinal acceleration, as well as bodywork and wheel acceleration. Based on this information, the system pilots both the rotating jacks of the anti-roll bars and the electro-magnetic valves on the shock absorbers. And what about FlexRay ? It ensures faster and more reliable coordination by transmitting the data at very high speed and thus obtaining higher precision. Yet another world première in terms of technology. Another first consists of the variable BMW xDrive transmission system. This permanent integral transmission reacts with rapidity and precision to any change in the type of ground or driving situation, and adjusts distribution of engine torque to suit the new situation. xDrive thus corrects very early on any tendancy towards over- or under-steering on winding roads. Even on uneven ground, traction will always be at its best. The DSC on the new X5 has been optimized and enriched with several new functions, enabling the vehicle to be driven pro-actively but safely. Its basic functions include dynamic stability control, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronically regulated anti-skid control (ASC), trailer stability control, hill descent control (HDC), dynamic brake control (DBC) and cornering brake control (CBC). With the new DSC, the high-performance braking system is more effective in several ways. If the brakes are subjected to extreme thermic conditions, it will compensate by raising braking pressure in a targetted manner (antifading function). The X5 also benefits from dynamic traction control (DTC), especially useful when off the tarmac ; it heightens the DSC’s intervention threshholds for the engine and brakes. On tarmac, it allows for more active, sportier driving. Last but not least, this is the first SAV to be fitted as standard with runflat tyres. If one of the runflats deflates entirely when the X5 is fully loaded, it can continue to drive along at 80 km/hr for about 150 kilometres ; a distance which increases if the vehicle is carrying a lighter load.
By Cécile Olivéro - photos : press
