2007 BMW X5
BMW today official unveiled the 2007 BMW X5. Power comes from either a 4.8-liter V8 capable of 350 horsepower or a 3.0-liter inline-six with 260 horsepower. The new BMW X5 is 7.4 inches longer than its predecessor, with much of that increased sizing benefiting cabin space. The new BMW X5 boasts a double wishbone front suspension, which is noteworthy for this type of vehicle. This optimizes tire contact on the road and makes the new X5 capable of reaching impressively high cornering forces. The IV rear suspension also helps to give the new BMW X5 strong potential on the road. The new rack-and-pinion steering with a variable transmission ratio geared to the steering angle allows the truck to meet a variety of driving conditions. The new X5 is also offered with the option of BMW's speed-senstiive Active Steering — a technology available on many BMW sedans and coupes, but never before offered on an SUV. An updated xDrive system provides full-time all-wheel-drive with a 60/40 rear/front split. Runflat tires are now standard. Gallery and more details after the jump…
New electronic gear selector
The automatic transmission is controlled by a new electronic gear selector featured for the first time on the new BMW X5. The new electronic gearshift selector lever moves back to its starting position after each use.
Transmission management is now no longer mechanical, but is effected through electrical signals. The parking position, for example, is activated by pressing the P button on the upper side of the selector lever. Then, to select a drive gear manually, all the driver has to do is press the selector lever to the left and is now able to shift gears sequentially by hand. To shift up, pull the selector lever back and to shift down, push the selector lever forwards. A display in the selector lever itself and in the instrument cluster shows which gear is currently engaged.
Apart from short and ergonomically convenient gearshift travel ensuring a high standard of comfortable use, the new gearshift lever offers the further advantage of providing enough space on the center console for additional storage areas and two generous cupholders.
BMW iDrive with six programmable memory keys
To properly control and mastermind the navigation, entertainment and communication functions, the new BMW X5 features BMW’s trendsetting iDrive control and operation concept. Comfort and communication settings are adjusted by turning, pushing and pressing the iDrive Control on the center console. Functions selected and adjustment options are presented on the Control Display.
The new auto-dimming monitor, which automatically adjusts in brightness to ambient light conditions, is positioned in perfect ergonomic arrangement in the instrument panel, enabling the driver to read the information displayed at any time without turning his or her head while keeping eyes squarely on the road.
Last but not least, the driver has six freely programmable memory keys for choosing favorite functions further facilitating control operations. Pressing one of the programmable buttons only once, for example, the driver is able to retrieve telephone numbers, activate a frequent destination, or tune into a favorite radio station.
As an option, information which is highly relevant to the driver may also be presented on the available Head-Up Display. Data is projected at a very convenient ergonomic position on the windshield. The driver has road speed, navigation instructions, speed control data and warnings provided by BMW Check/Control in clear view at all times.
Xenon headlights, curve and bending lights
In conjunction with xenon adaptive headlights, which are standard in the U.S., the new BMW X5 offers an attractive and highly practical daytime running light function by means of the light rings in the four round headlights. The rings on the two inner headlights emit particularly intense and bright light, approximately 100 times brighter than regular parking lights which improves the visibility of the vehicle even at a distance.
This also makes the car clearly recognizable at first sight as a BMW, due to the typical corona light effect. And compared with standard low-beam headlights, energy consumption of these daytime running lights is reduced by more than 50 per cent.
In addition to the xenon adaptive headlights, the foglights in the new X5 also turn. Each time the driver turns, the light beam for the foglights is guided to the side by a reflector, clearly illuminating the road ahead in the new direction.
Another feature on the new BMW X5 is Dynamic Cruise Control with brake function. It acts on the engine management, the gear selected, and the brakes in order to precisely keep the speed set by the driver. Constantly registering the car’s lateral acceleration, Dynamic Cruise Control also recognizes when the X5 is in a bend and reduces the speed of the car accordingly. To keep the vehicle at the right speed when driving downhill, and also when towing a trailer, the system will intervene with the brakes if required.
Rearview camera
Supplementing the optional Park Distance Control, the new BMW X5 is available with a backup camera – a video system which facilitates parking maneuvers especially in confined areas or places with poor visibility.
To activate the backup camera, all the driver has to do is press a button or shift into reverse (in which case the system is activated automatically together with PDC).
In addition to presenting a wide-angle color video image on the central Control Display in an optimized perspective, the backup camera offers a number of other functions. These include interactive track lines on the screen helping the user find the ideal approach when maneuvering or parking. Another new function is the marking in color of obstacles detected by PDC in the true-to-life camera image in the form of a graph with a three-dimensional effect made possible through the use of ultrasound sensors.