BMW's X5 may be just over a year old, but already there's a new arrival on the engine front: a straight-six diesel engine with Variable Twin Turbo technology, available in South Africa for the first time.

Developing maximum output of 210 kW and peak torque of 580 Newton-metres, the new mill gives the BMW X5 3.0sd a average fuel consumption figures in the EU test cycle of 8.2 litres/100 kilometres.

The balance of driving dynamics and fuel consumption is based on the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy now reaching the X5. Also featured on the three other petrol and diesel engine variants of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), these technologies provide four to seven percent improvements in fuel economy and emission ratings.

More dynamic, more efficient

Displacing 3.0 litres, the new power unit features an all-aluminium crankcase, Variable Twin Turbo (VTT) technology and third-generation common rail fuel injection. Also referred to as two-stage turbocharging, the VTT System is made up of two turbochargers varying in size. First, the small turbocharger cuts in at low engine speeds allowing the engine to develop more power and torque in immediate response to movement of the accelerator pedal. Then, with engine speed increasing, the second, larger turbocharger also cuts in, giving the engine its maximum torque at 1750rpm, with maximum engine power at 4400rpm.

As a result the BMW X5 3.0sd accelerates from standstill to 100km/h in 7.0 seconds. Top speed in turn, is limited electronically to 235km/h.

The improvements to optimise fuel economy and emissions across the X5 range include on-demand management of the engine’s ancillary units, and equipping the belt drive for the climate compressor with a clutch automatically disconnecting the compressor once the air conditioning is switched off — to reduce the drag force generated by the compressor.

Further features of all variants of the BMW X5 include tyres with reduced roll resistance, a coolant pump operating according to current requirements, friction-optimised final drive, and the Varioserv steering assistance pump with pressure- and volume flow-controlled adjustment of the cam ring serving to avoid the power losses otherwise encountered at higher engine speeds.

Finally, optimised thermal management of the final drive in all models helps to reduce frictional resistance more quickly after starting the engine.

When it comes to emissions the X5 ranges offers a CO2 emission rating between 214 (BMW X5 3.0d) and 286 (BMW X5 4.8i) grams per kilometre. The new 3.0sd is furthermore fitted with a particulate filter as well as an oxidation catalyst housed within the same unit. Because this particulate filter is a necessity to ensure optimum performance of the BMW X5 3.0sd, the vehicle can only be operated on premium 50ppm low-sulphur diesel.

More agile

The BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system is intelligently networked to DSC Dynamic Stability Control, which has now been extended. For harmonious transmission of power in fast and dynamic bends, carefully dosed application of the brakes, together with the compensation of torque, counteracts any trend to understeer right from the beginning. As soon as the front wheels start pushing excessively to the outside, the inner rear wheel in a bend is slowed down by the appropriate wheel brake operated by DSC. Any loss in drive power suffered in the process is set off accordingly by increasing the transmission of power to the drive wheels, thus enabling the driver to take bends even more precisely also on a slippery surface.

Whether and to what extent such intervention is required, is determined by data on the yaw rate, the steering lock and engine output provided by the DSC sensors.

More safety

Entering the 2008 model year, the passive safety of BMW’s SAV is being boosted with the addition of crash-activated headrests to reduce the risk of neck whiplash injury in the event of an impact from behind.

Masterminded by the vehicle’s safety electronics, this system ensures that in the event of a collision the front part of the headrest moves forward instantaneously by up to 60 millimetres and upwards by up to 40 millimetres. This reduces the gap between the headrest and the occupant’s head before the forces acting on the vehicle force the occupant’s head back. So the stabilising and securing function of the headrest is further enhanced and the risk of injury or over-extension of the cervical spine is reduced to a minimum.

Featuring an optionally available third row of seats, this SAV is the first-ever BMW able to accommodate up to seven occupants. And to enhance comfort on long distances, there's a range of entertainment options, including the new choice of a TV function for on-board entertainment of the rear-seat passengers. As an alternative to the DVD video programme, this system allows the transmission of TV signals to the 8-inch folding flatscreen monitor on the centre console.

More sporty

Want your X5 to look more aggressive? The M Sports Package features special bumpers, side-sills and door running strips, as well as flared wheel arches in characteristic M design. As an alternative to the 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design on the M Sports Package, there's also the choice of optionally available M light-alloy wheels in 20-inch format. In both cases the BMW X5 comes with different sizes of tyres on the front and rear axle geared specifically to the vehicle.

A high-speed set-up and the sports suspension also included in the M Sports Package enhance driving dynamics.

Within the interior of the BMW X5 with its M Sports Package, in turn, you get electrically adjustable sports seats for the driver and front passenger, M leather steering wheel, interior trim in aluminium stretch polish design, and the BMW Individual roof lining in Anthracite.

Pricing:
BMW X5 3.0sd: R652 500
M Sport Package: R47 000 to R53 000 (Model dependent)