BMW X5 4.4i

Tuxedo with Boots

BMW’s much talked about X5 is finally available in South Africa. With its USA launch at the end of 1999, BMW claimed the vehicle “introduced a new motoring segment, that of Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs), by adding far-reaching abilities on rough terrain to the sporting and comfortable features of a typical BMW saloon.”

In designing the X5, BMW's development engineers focused first and foremost on the vehicles road going characteristics, combining a unitary body, independent suspension, and the same electronic chassis control system as found in BMW cars known as Dynamic Stability Control.   

To accommodate the X5’s wide range of operating and running conditions, DSC is supplemented by ADB-X (Automatic Differential Brake) as well as "intelligent" HDC (Hill Descent Control) technology developed by Land Rover during BMWs brief ownership of the company.

Stopping power is courtesy of the same braking system as used in the 7 – Series sedans. 

Front wheels are hung onto a double-joint spring strut front axle while rear suspension is based on the same multi-arm axle principle as on the 7 Series promising excellent ride comfort and handling. A rack and pinion steering system was specially developed for the package to preserve typical BMW driving characteristics. Self-levelling suspension is standard.

Power is permanently delivered to all wheels via BMWs Steptronic transmission and the company maintains that the overall package of power and traction control systems obviates the need for low ratios.

Built in BMW's US plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the X5 makes its South African debut as X5 4.4i, with a 4.4-litre 32 valve V8 with variable camshaft timing (VANOS), producing 210 kW.  The company claims that the X5 will accelerate to 100km/h in just 7.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 207km/h or 230km/h if fitted with the sport package.

Overall dimensions are interesting in that at 4.66 metres in length, it is 15 cm shorter than a 5 Series, but a few millimetres wider than the 7 Series.  When viewed side on the vehicle deceptively takes on the appearance of an estate rather than a van but still stands at 1.72 metres tall. Yet, with 25mm more headroom than a 7 Series, it is clear that the height is not just derived from increased ground clearance which, at just 180mm it is not really in SUV territory.  Nevertheless, BMW boast an un-SUV like drag co-efficient of 0,36, which suggests that fuel consumption is likely to lean toward luxury car-like figures.  Claimed approach and departure angles are at least 28^o at the front and 22.5^o at the rear with a ramp angle of 16^o.

 BMW is the world's first carmaker to use an on-demand variable engine cooling system and alternators with water-cooling on a V8 engine. Apart from reducing fuel consumption on average by about 2 per cent, map-controlled cooling also offers benefits in terms of heater performance.  

The water-cooled alternator, in turn, contributes to noise reduction. With the usual fan and the insulating water barrier no longer being required, engine noise is down on a broad scale by claimed 3 dB (A) and more, which in practice means that noise emissions are virtually halved. BMW claim that improved heat dissipation translates to improved alternator efficiency. In addition, integration of map control in the DME (Digital Motor Electronics) means that any defects in the system will be entered into the defect memory by special filing and retrieval algorithms for subsequent analysis when the car is brought in for a service.Typically, BMW are not frugal in their application of safety standards, and this tradition carries through on the X5.  The new vehicle features front driver, passenger, side and head airbags, advanced safety cell and energy absorbing technology. Similarly, all the requisite comfort features are there and the level of standard equipment corresponds to that offered by the top-of-the-range 540i, and features, amongst others, two-tone leather, automatic air conditioning with Automatic Air Recirculation and activated carbon filters; electrically operated windows; radio remote-controlled central locking; a sliding/tilt glass sunroof; sun blinds for the rear windows; electric seat adjustment with memory function for the driver’s seat, 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, a fully integrated alarm system with radio-remote control; front foglamps, heated exterior mirrors and windscreen.

The R465 000 retail price includes a 5 Year/60 000 km Motorplan maintenance contract, and around-the-clock roadside assistance in case of a breakdown or accident with BMW On-Call for 5 years.