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 BMW South Africa has good news for the numerous customers who have been waiting for the opportunity to buy a BMW X5: the existing 4.4 litre V8 model is joined by two new
6-cylinder derivatives, the 3.0i petrol and the 3.0d diesel.
To cater for the huge demand for its go-anywhere X5, BMW has announced that two 6-cylinder models - one petrol and one diesel - will complement the awesome X5 4.4i with V8 petrol power. Even better news is that the two new derivatives both cost nearly R100 000 less than the flagship X5 4.4i, while retaining nearly all the luxury and safety features that have made the X5 one of the most sought-after 4x4s in the world.
The BMW X5 is one of the greatest success stories in the highly competitive 4x4 market. Since the launch of the X5 4.4i in the USA in December 1999, more than 100,000 have been sold globally. And since it became available in South Africa in February 2001, BMW SA had to continuously contend with stock shortages. The newcomers will alleviate much of the problem.
According to BMW, the X5's success is founded on its unique position as the world's first SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle): a vehicle suitable for challenging off-road driving, but at the same time offering exceptional on-road characteristics. While the X5 is an extremely competent off-roader, its real trump card is its on-the-road performance, where it sacrifices none of the refinement and dynamic qualities of a finely-honed executive sports car. It remains in every sense a true BMW.
Power for the X5 3.0i petrol model is BMW's acclaimed 3-litre M54 inline six cylinder double-VANOS variable valve
 timing system which also does duty in the 3-Series, 5-Series and Z3 model ranges, and produces 170 kW and 300 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes a mere 8.8 seconds and the top speed is a creditable 202 km/h.
It also has an advantages in terms of service requirements, as the camshafts, chain drives and ancillary V-belt drives are maintenance free for the life of the engine and valve clearances are self-adjusting by means of a hydraulic mechanism. The transmission and final drive oil are lifetime filled, while the air filters and spark plugs only require replacement at 100 000 km. The X5 3.0i is fitted with a manual five-speed gearbox as standard, with BMW's five-speed manually-selectable Steptronic automatic gearbox as an option.
The X5 3.0d which has been eagerly-anticipated by both the press and the buying public, is the, the third diesel-powered model in BMW South Africa's model range. The 2926 cc diesel engine in the X5 3.0d made its debut on the South African market in the 530d in December 2000 and incorporates state-of-the-art common rail direct fuel injection, a turbocharger with variable geometry, and four-valve per cylinder technology.
The new BMW diesel engines are extremely powerful, responsive, extraordinarily quiet-running, and particularly economical, clean and environmentally friendly. Developing 135 kW at 4000 r/min and an even more impressive 410 Nm of torque at only 2000 r/min, the X5 3.0d accelerates from 0-100 km/h in only 10,7 seconds, and is capable of a top speed of 200 km/h. At the same time the 3.0d's fuel-efficiency is exceptional: only 8,2 litre/100 km at a steady 120 km/h on the open road, 12,3 litre/100 km in urban driving, and an overall combined cycle consumption of 9,7 litre/100 km.
Initially the X5 3.0d will only be available with the Steptronic transmission, with the 5-speed manual transmission reaching the local market in the second quarter of 2002.
As is to be expected, the X5s come with all the bells, and safety features and equipment levels in both the 3.0i and 3,0d are identical, and very close to the exceptionally high luxury levels offered by the flagship 4.4i. Standard features include leather upholstery; electrically adjustable front seats with memory function on the driver's seat; automatic air
 conditioning with Automatic Air Recirculation and activated carbon filters; electrically operated windows; radio remote-controlled central locking; front and rear centre armrests; an on-board computer; a BMW Business RDS radio/tape audio system with a 6-CD changer; an electrically adjustable steering column; automatic anti-dazzle interior rear-view mirror; a multi-function steering wheel that incorporates controls for the radio, telephone (if fitted), and cruise control; front, side and head airbags for the driver and front passenger, and side airbags for the rear passenger; a fully integrated alarm system with radio-remote control; front foglamps; heated exterior mirrors and windscreen; a luggage compartment net; and a first aid kit and warning triangle
In the USA the BMW X5 has achieved the best ever score in the 30-year history of the IIHS (Insurance Institute of Highway Safety) crash test - the US equivalent of the Euro NCAP tests. It showed the least damage to a passenger cell ever, after a 64 km/h offset crash. Tested against 13 other vehicles in the same class - including the Mercedes M Class, Lexus RX 300 and the Land Rover Discovery - the BMW X5 scored top marks in all categories.
But of course the best accident is the one that never happens, and so BMW's safety programme FIRST (Fully Integrated Road Safety Technology) focuses primarily on active safety. ABS anti-lock brakes, Dynamic Stability Control, ASC-X anti-skid control and ADB-X, a new automatic differential brake that directs power to the wheels with grip, are all standard equipment on the X5.
Space is abundant in the X5 and the luggage compartment varies in capacity from
4 65 to 1550 litres (the latter with the 2:1 divided rear seats folded flat). It is accessed from a horizontally split tailgate, the lower half capable of bearing
the weight of 200 kg and the upper part offering easy access to the boot. It contains storage compartments, a vertical luggage net and can carry a 550 kg load. The standard roof rails permit further storage of up to 100 kg of luggage.
An extendable floor panel, pioneered on the 5 Series Touring, is available as an easy-loading option which extends 60 cm out from the boot and is capable of bearing 150 kg.
.All X5s can be ordered with the factory-fitted optional Sports (aimed at enhancing predominantly on-road use) or Activity packages (enhancing the X5's off-road capabilities).
As with all other BMWs sold in South Africa, the X5's retail price includes a 5 Year/100 000 km Motorplan maintenance contract, and the peace of mind of around-the-clock roadside assistance in case of a breakdown or accident with BMW On-Call for 5 years.
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