BMW has strengthened it technical leadership over the premium Sports Activity Vehicle segment through a significant new X5 variant set to redefine that segment once again.

The all-new BMW X5 3.0sd boasts a straight-six diesel engine with variable twin turbo technology available in South Africa for the first time to provide the Bavarian carmaker with a handy Efficient Dynamics advantage over its opposition. BMW Efficient Dynamics is based on a philosophy of ncreased efficiency and improved performance - a win-win that few other carmakers can offer and X5sd represents the epitome of that thinking in the SA market.

Significant progress

Developing a most impressive 210kW and stunning of 580 Newton-metres torque from just three litres, X5sd sips just 8.2 litres/100 kilometres - a significant improvement on former models while still offering seven-second 0-100 acceleration and a 235km/h top speed - also record figures for such a BMW - Efficient Dynamics indeed!

Significant progress in the area of efficiency adds a new facet to the already highly versatile character of the BMW X5. Within its segment BMW's Sports Activity Vehicle already ranks unique thanks to its outstanding dynamic driving qualities. Indeed, BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive concept promotes not only driving dynamics on the road, but also the vehicle's traction and handling qualities off the beaten track.

Robust and elegant

And this five-door performer combines the robustness of an SAV with sheer elegance and superior presence. Both the driver and passengers are surrounded within the interior of the BMW X5 by a truly luxurious ambience, at the same time benefiting from the generosity and flexible use of the interior.

Featuring an optionally available third row of seats, this SAV is the first-ever BMW able to accommodate up to seven occupants. So considering this transport capacity, the efficiency of the engines enhanced to an even higher level gains even greater significance, the BMW X5 offering incomparable driving pleasure combined with outstanding practical value in relation to its fuel consumption.

The world's most powerful and dynamic three-litre straight-six diesel t features an all-aluminium crankcase, Variable Twin Turbo (VTT) technology and third-generation common rail fuel injection to develop those maximum outputs of 210kW, plus maximum torque of 580 Newton-metres.

Sublime performance

Referred to also 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 superior power and torque spontaneously and without the slightest delay in response to even the smallest movement of the accelerator pedal thanks to its low level of inertia. Then, with engine speed increasing, the second, larger turbocharger also cuts in, giving the engine its maximum torque at just 1750rpm, with maximum engine power at 4400rpm.

That all adds up not only to sublime performance, but also incredible fuel consumption - X5sd achieves only 8.2 litres/100 kilometres on the EU cycle, equal to and good for a maximum range of in excess of1000km to ensure grand touring qualities quite unique in this segment.

Upgrades across the range

BMW X5 improvements also stretch across the range with a raft of upgrades to optimise both fuel economy and emissions. On-demand engine ancillary management including control climate compressor, a coolant pump and Varioserv steering assistance pump now adjust power losses otherwise encountered at higher engine speeds. New reduced roll resistance tyres and optimised thermal management of the final drive bring enhanced efficiency to all models

Besides the new sd, the BMW X5 3.0d now boasts an enhanced 173kW and 520Nm from its derestricted straight-six diesel, now consumes just 8.1 litres/100 kilometres a reduction by 7 per cent versus the 2007 model year.

This significant reduction of fuel consumption not just on the X5 3.0d but on all engine variants naturally also means an appropriate improvement in exhaust emissions, where the BMW X5 ranks at the top in its segment, with further improved emission ratings between 214 (BMW X5 3.0d) and 286 (BMW X5 4.8i) grams per kilometre, all variants of BMW's SAV also earn best marks in their respective classes when it comes to emissions.

The new 3.0sd is furthermore fitted with a particulate filter and ensure optimum performance, the vehicle can only be operated on premium 50ppm low-sulphur diesel. Repeated use of diesel fuel with a higher sulphur content leads to irreparable damage of the particulate filter and possible engine damage.

Enhancements galore

Along with the arrival of the sd, the X5 range has benefited various other enhancements including its xDrive all-wheel-drive system now being intelligently networked to DSC Dynamic Stability Control, allowing the new BMW X5 3.0sd to offer even safer driving behaviour in all situations and on all surfaces. To ensure 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.

X5 now also features crash-activated headrests significantly reducing the risk of neck whiplash injury in the event of an impact from behind and an even more dynamic active lighting set-up

The X5 range comes in a broad range of models and specification and is waiting to show you just how efficiently dynamic BMW has become - they're waiting for you at your local BMW dealer now!

The all-new BMW X5 3.0sd starts at R652 500.00