It is perhaps the Sean Connery of the SUV scene- distinguished, capable, handsome, and, well... old. But BMW has big plans for the next generation
X5 SUV, including a significant increase in size over the previous version. With its length increased by over 7 inches, the X5 now offers optional third-row seating, representing a BMW first.
Exterior upgrades for the new model are among the most conservative in BMW's recent history, although evolution is present elsewhere. Set to do battle with the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class and new Audi Q7 SUV, the X5 has a selection of updated features. Engines include a 3.0 litre straight-six with 272 horsepower, and a 4.8 litre V8 with 355
horsepower, bestowing equipped models with sub-seven second 0-60 times.
A typical sparse approach to the interior styling offers up fewer switches than the previous model, thanks in part to BMW's central command unit called I-Drive, which combines many of the vehicles functions into a single interface.
No mention was made of the 6-speed manual transmission being carried over from the last model, although improvements to the new 6-speed automatic gearbox are said to cut shift
times in half and deliver smoother operation under load. It operates through a joystick-inspired shifter on the centre console.
Also updated is the permanent XDrive four-wheel drive system, although some estimate that only about 10 percent of drivers will take their X5's into the mud.
The improved X5 is set to be on showroom floors in November.
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| 2007 BMW X5 (Photo: BMW) |
Exterior upgrades for the new model are among the most conservative in BMW's recent history, although evolution is present elsewhere. Set to do battle with the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class and new Audi Q7 SUV, the X5 has a selection of updated features. Engines include a 3.0 litre straight-six with 272 horsepower, and a 4.8 litre V8 with 355
 |
| 2007 BMW X5 (Photo: BMW) |
A typical sparse approach to the interior styling offers up fewer switches than the previous model, thanks in part to BMW's central command unit called I-Drive, which combines many of the vehicles functions into a single interface.
No mention was made of the 6-speed manual transmission being carried over from the last model, although improvements to the new 6-speed automatic gearbox are said to cut shift
 |
| 2007 BMW X5 (Photo: BMW) |
Also updated is the permanent XDrive four-wheel drive system, although some estimate that only about 10 percent of drivers will take their X5's into the mud.
The improved X5 is set to be on showroom floors in November.
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