2010 BMW X5: Model Update

Jay Williams - 09/February/2010

Munich, Germany - The new BMW X5 is set to receive a  mid-life makeover in June. The upgrades will mean the X5 will be more powerful, more efficient and more luxurious.

Major changes include a completely new engine line-up, design modifications and new driver assistance systems.
Thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, all versions of the new BMW X5 receive significant power and torque increases, improved acceleration, and reductions in fuel consumption of up to 15 per cent.

Brake Energy Regeneration, which is designed to reduce fuel consumption by generating electric power from energy otherwise wasted as lost hear in the brake system, together with on-demand control of ancillary functions, will be added to the X5.

In addition, an eight-speed automatic transmission (exclusive to the range-topping 760Li), will be standard across the entire X5 range.

The top seller in the range, the BMW X5 xDrive30d, received a 15 per cent improvement in fuel consumption thanks to its revised 3.0-litre straight-six turbo, common rail diesel engine.

The new X5 xDrive30d consumes 7.4-litres per 100km, which is 1.3-litres less than its predecessor (previously 8.7 litres/100 km).

Although more fuel efficient the BMW X5 xDrive30d's peak power has increased to 180 kW. This allows the X5 xDrive30d to sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds which is half a second faster than previous models.

Other updates include three new nameplates, the new xDrive40d replaces the xDrive35d. It features an all-aluminium straight six-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo and Common Rail direct injection. It develops a maximum power output of 225 kW and 600 Nm of torque, an increase of 15 kW and 20 Nm respectively over its predecessor.

Average fuel consumption for the X5 xDrive40d has improved by 15 per cent, sipping just 7.5 litres/100 km (compared to 8.8 litres/100 km). Highlighting its impressive sporting credentials, the X5 xDrive40d sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds compared to 7.0 seconds for its predecessor.

There are also two petrol variants available, which like their diesel counterparts offer marked improvements in power, torque, acceleration and average fuel consumption.

The BMW X5 xDrive35i replaces the BMW X5 xDrive30i and will be powered by the straight six-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC.

Power output is up by an impressive 25 kW to 225 kW and torque has increased by 85Nm to 400 Nm. As a result, acceleration has been significantly improved, with the new engine propelling the X5 xDrive35i from 0-100 km in just 6.8 seconds compared to the BMW X5 xDrive30i taking 8.1 seconds.

Despite this considerable jump in performance, the new X5 xDrive35i actually uses an impressive 1.6 litres less fuel per 100km. It consumes just 10.1 litres per 100 km, compared to 11.7 for its predecessor.

The new BMW X5 xDrive50i has a new 300kW V8 engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo and direct petrol injection (High Precision Injection), which last year debuted on BMW’s X6 xDrive50i. Replacing the BMW X5 xDrive48i, the new V8 receives a power increase of 39kW and a large boost in torque. It now develops 600Nm (up from 355 Nm) at 1,750 – 4,500rpm.

Acceleration is impressive, with the X5 xDrive50i covering 0-100km in just 5.5 seconds, an improvement of 1.1 seconds over its predecessor.

To improve ease of parking manoeuvrability and steering effort at low speeds, BMW is also upgrading the electric power steering system of the X5 with Servotronic.

BMW has redesigned the front and rear bumpers. The front bumper receives larger side air intakes and central air vent, whilst modifications to the rear bumper express an aggressive yet refined presence.

Additionally, the dual round Xenon headlamps featured in the new BMW X5 are also fitted with new LED corona rings and serve as premium and effective daytime running lights.

Within the framework of BMW ConnectedDrive, the new BMW X5 offers a multitude of unique driver assistance systems and services for optimising comfort, safety and for the use of the infotainment functions. In addition to the Head-up Display, Adaptive Cornering Headlights, High-Beam Assistant, Park Distance Control and reversing camera with new Top View, the functions Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Departure Warning and Side View are all new to the BMW X5.

The new BMW X5 features the BMW xDrive intelligent four-wheel drive system distributing drive torque between the front and rear axles via an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch. Coupled with DSC Dynamic Stability Control it ensures rapid, situation related response, enhancing both driving dynamics and traction. The new BMW X5 also includes the speed-dependent Servotronic steering assist system with Active Steering available as an option.

For those wanting the optimum road handling, Adaptive Drive is also be available providing drivers and passengers with minimal body roll as well as variable damping control.

Local specifications, standard equipment levels and pricing are expected to increase over the current model and will be confirmed closer to the vehicle’s mid-year launch.

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