2011 BMW X5 Preview

Hardware

The 2011 BMW X5 is offered with a choice of four different engines. The standard engine in the X5 xDrive35i is a new single-turbo "N55" 3.0-liter inline-6 rated at 300 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque (even though it carries the same power ratings, it is different from the twin-turbo "N54" 3.0-liter inline-6 used in the X6 and 3 Series). The new 6-cylinder engine propels the xDrive35i to 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds, says BMW. The xDrive50i continues with the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 rated at 400 horsepower and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (reportedly good for a 5.3-second sprint to 60 mph). Both standard gasoline engines are mated to an all-new 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

The xDrive35d-the sole diesel variant-is fitted with a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder powerplant, rated at 265 horsepower and 425 lb.-ft. of torque (according to BMW, it will sprint to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds). The diesel engine is mated to BMW's 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency numbers have not been released for the two turbocharged gasoline engines, but the EPA fuel-economy ratings for the xDrive35d are 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway.

The flagship X5 M features a twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V-8 engine rated at 555 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed M Sport automatic transmission with adaptive transmission control (ATC) and both sport and manual shift modes. According to BMW, the X5 M rockets to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds-besting many smaller sports cars.

Standard on all X5 models-regardless of the engine choice-is BMW's xDrive, a full-time AWD system that electronically varies front/rear torque split and traction control to offer optimal traction and control under varied road conditions. The X5 features a fully independent suspension engineered for driving dynamics and agility on paved roads, according to BMW. (The X5 is not designed for heavy off-road use; therefore it is not equipped with a transmission "low range" or a locking differential.) Disc brakes with anti-lock control are standard on all models.

Safety

In addition to 3-point safety belts and active head restraints, BMW equips all 2011 X5 models with a driver and front passenger front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with advanced technology dual-threshold and dual-stage deployment. A front- and rear-compartment Head Protection System (HPS) "curtain air bag" helps to protect outboard passengers from injury, while a rollover sensor deploys air bags in the event of a rollover. For additional protection, a battery safety terminal is designed to cut off electrical power in a severe collision. Standard active safety features in every 2011 BMW X5 include anti-lock brakes (ABS), dynamic stability control (DSC) with Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Brake Control and Hill Descent Control (HDC).

Technology

Debuting for the first time under the hood of a BMW SUV (it first debuted on the and 760Li Sedan in the fall of 2009) is the company's new 8-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox is standard equipment on both turbocharged standard gasoline models (the X5 M is fitted with a 6-speed automatic). Replacing the 6-speed automatic, yet weighing the same as its predecessor, the 8-speed transmission offers closer ratios in the lower gears to improve acceleration and two additional "tall" gears to lower engine speeds for relaxed and efficient highway cruising. To improve driver control, BMW has fitted the cockpit with a console-mounted shifter with the option of manual control. The operator is able to choose from three shifting patterns (Drive, Drive Sport and Manual) to suit driving style and road conditions. In manual mode, the shifter is pushed forward to downshift, and pulled rearward to upshift. The transmission's "Park" mode is engaged by depressing the "P" button on the top of the shifter or by pushing the engine's "Start-Stop" button on the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel.