The SUV enters a new dimension. With the X5 E53, BMW reinvents the SUV and delivers unexpected driving dynamics for the segment. Massive size, powerful engines, high-speed stability. Performance takes on a new form.
The BMW X5 appeared on the European market in early 2000 with the V8 petrol engine (4.4i 286 bhp), then in 2001 the range was completed with the six-cylinder petrol BMW X5 (3.0i 231 bhp), the 6-cylinder diesel (3.0d 184 bhp) and the V8 petrol (4.6is 347 bhp). This was the first 4x4 produced by the Munich firm, which at the time owned Land Rover. BMW decided to use Land Rover's know-how to develop its new model, based on the E39 5 Series platform. The first-generation 4x4 X5 weighed almost two tonnes and featured an all-wheel drive system that distributed 38% of torque to the front wheels and 62% to the rear. It was not until the restyled version in 2004 that the new Xdrive all-wheel drive system with electronic torque distribution and more powerful engines were introduced. The 4x4 BMW X5 4.4i increases its power output from 286 to 320 hp, while the 4.6is is now a 360 hp 4.8is. Even the 3.0 diesel has been upgraded with second-generation common-rail direct injection from 184 to 218 hp. What's more, the entire range is now available with a six-speed transmission, offering a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. The first X5 model was a great success, selling 580,000 units and becoming the first large BMW SUV to obtain 5 stars in the EuroNCAP test.
