After the 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models, it's time for BMW give its X5 SUV a mid-life facelift. The new X5 that will make its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show in April, and go on sale shortly thereafter, features a new engine lineup consisting only of turbocharged powerplants and some barely noticeable exterior changes.
Beginning with the exterior, the 2011MY X5 gets reshaped front and rear bumpers with more body paint than black trim, revised head lamps and tail lights, and larger central and outer air intakes up front.
The new exterior and interior colors along with the latest iDrive and different light alloy wheel designs complete the makeover.
The important changes though are hidden under the bonnet as the X5 gets a new generation of turbocharged diesel and gasoline engines as well as BMW's eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.
Starting with the petrol units, BMW dropped the xDrive30i from the range with the xDrive35i that's now powered by the firm's new single turbo inline-six producing 300HP in US-spec form and 306HP in Euro-spec taking its place as the entry-level model.
At the top of the petrol range sits the new xDrive50i with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 developing 400HP in North America and 407HP in Europe that replaces the previous 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8.
The diesel range comprises of the xDrive30d that's powered by a 245HP straight-six and the new xDrive40d propelled by a revised 3.0-liter inline-six with 306HP instead of the previous xDrive35d's 286HP unit.
In the U.S., BMW will offer the 2011 X5 with all engines sans the 306HP diesel with prices (including destination and handling fees) starting at $46,675 for the basic xDrive35i, $59,275 for the xDrive50i and $52,175 for the 245HP xDrive35d. For the 2011 model year, BMW has also made the X5 xDrive35i available in two additional trim levels called "Premium" and Sports Activity."
2011 BMW X5 - US SPEC MODELS
X5 xDrive50i: BMW's Twin-Turbocharged V-8.
The new BMW X5 xDrive50i takes its place as the flagship of the X5 family, yielding 400 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 450 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 – 4,500 rpm from its twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V-8 engine. Introduced in the BMW X6 in Spring of 2008, this all-aluminum V-8 features High Precision direct fuel injection, "reverse-flow" architecture for revolutionary responsiveness and packaging, and BMW' s VANOS variable valve timing technology. Together, these features create what may be the perfect balance between high fuel efficiency, low emissions, and the dominant, dynamic performance expected of a BMW V-8. The 0-60 mph sprint is accomplished in 5.3 seconds (preliminary). EPA fuel efficiency figures for the X5 xDrive50i will be available closer to the on sale date.
X5 xDrive35i: BMW's Turbocharged Inline-6 with Valvetronic.
BMW's new X5 xDrive 35i receives a brand new inline-6 gasoline engine, internally dubbed "N55." The new engine features the same 3.0-liter displacement and 300 horsepower output of its predecessor (the "N54"), but features a single twin-scroll turbocharger in place of the previous twin, low-mass turbocharger units. Furthermore, the new inline-6 of the X5 xDrive35i is the first BMW inline-6 to combine BMW's revolutionary Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, High Precision direct fuel injection, and turbocharging. The result of combining this new inline-6 with the new 8-speed automatic is an X5 with incredibly spontaneous responsiveness, exceptional power, and remarkable efficiency. The new X5 xDrive35i will perform the 0-60mph sprint in 6.4 seconds, coincidentally on the same pace as the outgoing V-8 powered X5 xDrive48i. EPA figures will be available closer to the on sale date.
X5 xDrive35d: with BMW Advanced Diesel Technology.
The BMW Advanced Diesel X5 xDrive35d was introduced to the United States as a 2009 model, and despite increased competition remains the fastest, most fuel efficient diesel-powered vehicle in its class. The huge torque output of 425 lb-ft. at 1750-2250 rpm speaks for itself; X5 xDrive35d drivers will marvel at this engine's robust response at low to medium speeds. The peak power output of 265 hp also makes an impact, as does the resulting 0-60-mph time of 6.9 seconds. It returns EPA mileage estimates of 19 mpg city and 26 highway.
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2011 BMW X5 - EUROPEAN SPEC MODEL
BMW X5 xDrive50i: V8 petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo and direct injection (High Precision Injection), displacement 4,395 cc Power output: 407HP at 5,500–6,400 rpm, max. torque: 600Nm at 1,750–4,500rpm
Acceleration [0–100km/h]: 5.5 Seconds, top speed: 250km/h, Average fuel consumption according to EU: 12.5 lt/100km CO2 emission level according to EU: 292 g/km, emission standard: EU5.
BMW X5 xDrive35i: Straight six-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo, direct injection (High Precision Injection) and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control, Displacement 2,979 cc, power output: 225 kW/306 bhp at 5,800 rpm, max. torque: 400 Nm at 1,200 – 5,000 rpm,
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 6.8 seconds, top speed: 235 km/h, Average fuel consumption according to EU: 10.1 lt/100km, CO2 emission level according to EU: 236 g/km, emission standard: EU5.
BMW X5 xDrive40d: Straight six-cylinder diesel engine with aluminium crankcase, BMW TwinPower Turbo and Common Rail direct injection (piezo injectors, max. injection pressure: 2,000 bar),displacement: 2,993 cc, power output: 225 kW/306 bhp at 4,400 rpm, max. torque: 600 Nm at 1,500 – 2,500 rpm,
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 6.6 seconds, top speed: 236 km/h, average fuel consumption according to EU: 7.5 lt/100km, CO2 emission level according to EU: 198 g/km, emission standard: EU5.
BMW X5 xDrive30d: Straight six-cylinder diesel engine with aluminium crankcase, turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and Common Rail direct injection (piezo injectors, max. injection pressure: 1,800 bar),displacement: 2,993 cc, power output: 180 kW/245 bhp at 4,000 rpm, max. torque: 540 Nm at 1,750 – 3,000 rpm,
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 7.6 seconds,top speed: 222 km/h, average fuel consumption according to EU: 7.4 lt/100km, CO2 emission level according to EU: 195 g/km, emission standard: EU5.
