BMW has quite a pedigree. When they decided to launch an SUV in 2000, it was difficult not to expect something special. So special in fact that BMW
went to great lengths to make sure that this vehicle was to be known as a SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) and not a rudimentary SUV. The effort paid off as the current X5 is widely regarded as one of the best riding and handling trucks in its category.For the 2007 model year, the all-new X5 will be longer, wider and be able to accommodate 2 extra passengers. It will continue to be assembled in South Carolina. The cabin of the SAV will also get a thorough revision. What will remain is the elegant overall design that will be mixed with a new head-up display and i-Drive control.
The bodywork is immediately recognisable as BMW. In fact, the new X5 looks very much like a grown-up X3. Located between the firewall and the twin kidney grill will be either the new 260 hp 3.0L I6 first seen in the 3-Series or the 350 hp 4.8L V8 borrowed from the 5, 6 and 7-Series. The only available transmission will be a 6-speed automatic with an electronic gear selector. BMW's X-Drive will be further enhanced for better traction with the help Adaptivedrive (a combination of roll stability and electronic damping control). The X5 will be the only SUV offered with Active Steering and runflat tires.
The new X5 promises to be an incredibly potent vehicle and perhaps a better track vehicle than many sport sedans as would suggest the Nurburgring spy video that is floating around on the internet. Sometime in 2008, we may even be treated to an "M" version of the X5. Hopefully, BMW will be mindful and not call it the M X5...