Mid-Life X5 Upgrade Boasts 2,100 New Parts
At 6 AM September 26, the first mid-life upgraded X5 rolled off the line at BMW Manufacturing Corp.'s Spartanburg facility.
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| "The new X5 is virtually a new model with more than 2,100 new parts," stated Robert Hitt, manager for BMW Media and Public Affairs. (Photo: BMW AG) |
Exterior modifications are subtle, but nonetheless the updated SUV includes over 2,100 new parts, 3 new engines (2 in North America), 2 new transmissions and 4 new colors.
"It is normal in a BMW vehicle life cycle, which is about seven years (the X5 began production in 1999), to make a series of improvements to stay ahead of the competition," stated Robert Hitt, manager for Media and Public Affairs. "In this case, the new X5 is virtually a new model with more than 2,100 new parts. In addition to the cosmetic changes to the exterior front end, under the skin this is a new X5 with an all new powertrain."
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| Equipped with BMW's xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, the updated X5 has enhanced road-holding and agility over the previous generation. (Photo: BMW AG) |
The engines in question include the carryover 225-hp 3.0-L inline 6-cylinder available in base models, now including a standard 6-speed manual transmission, a 215-hp 3.0-L inline 6-cylinder diesel (Europe only), and the new 315-hp 4.4-L V8 that sports an all-new ZF 6-speed automatic.
Putting the power down to the road now involves BMW's xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, reportedly enhancing road-holding and agility over the previous drivetrain by distributing drive power ideally between front and rear wheels resulting in reduced understeer or oversteer.