BMW X5 4.8is gallery: 6 photos >>

The new high performance BMW X5 4.8is

BMW Great Britain is enhancing the X5 success story by announcing details of the new X5 4.8is as well as a range of product enhancements across the X5 model line up.

These additions supplement the new styling, engines, gearboxes and xDrive, BMW’s new four-wheel drive system, that were introduced in December 2003.

Priced at £57,450.00 OTR, customer deliveries of BMW’s flagship X5 4.8is start in May 2004.

The X5 4.8is will add further lustre to BMW’s successful SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) story. The X5 commands some of the best residual values in the industry and achieved record UK sales of over 8,500 units in 2003. With its combination of V8 performance, practicality and road holding, the X5 4.8is is also expected to enhance the X5’s existing levels of customer satisfaction. In 2003, both Top Gear and WHICH? magazine published surveys showing that X5 customers were more likely to recommend their car to a friend than any other model on the market.

High performance in the marketplace is linked to high performance on and off the road, with the new X5 4.8is powered by a 4.8-litre V8 engine developing 360 bhp at 6,200 rpm and 500 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm. This engine is derived from the 2002 International Engine of the Year already fitted in the BMW X5 4.4i, BMW 545i SE, BMW 645Ci and BMW 745i models. Mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard, the new car powers from 0 to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 153 mph. BMW’s patented VALVETRONIC induction system and bi-VANOS camshaft timing technology ensure that fuel consumption is a relatively frugal 20.9mpg on the combined cycle.

Keeping power and traction perfectly balanced is the responsibility of BMW’s new xDrive four-wheel drive system. Standard across the BMW X5 and forthcoming X3 ranges, xDrive uses a centrally mounted electronically-controlled clutch to distribute power to the axle with most traction. In conjunction with this clutch, BMW’s standard DSC system can reduce power and even brake individual wheels to ensure the car benefits from all available grip. This sets new standards for traction from a 4 x 4 system and ensures that any loss of footing is dealt with in an instant, rather than waiting until the car becomes physically unstable.

Externally, enhanced sporting styling to the front and rear valances differentiates the new BMW X5 4.8is from the standard X5. The new car also features a unique V-spoke alloy wheel with 9.5J x 20-inch wheels on the front and 10J x 20-inch wheels on the rear, fitted with 275/40 R20 and 315/35 R20 tyres respectively.

Colour also sets the car apart, with the 4.8is the only model in the X5 range available in Le Mans Blue and Imola Red. Also available are Titanium Silver, Sterling Grey and Black Sapphire. Inside, Cream Beige Nappa leather and Nappa leather / Alcantara trim are only available on the BMW X5 4.8is with Black Nappa leather also offered.

Enhancements across the range

From March production, all BMW X5 models will receive significant enhancements to the standard and optional equipment. Brake Force Display becomes standard, alerting drivers behind to emergency braking by the BMW in front. This innovative braking system illuminates further brake lamp bulbs, intensifying the lights under heavy braking or when the ABS cuts in. BMW’s Tyre Pressure Warning System becomes standard on all models: it constantly monitors tyre pressures and alerts the driver to a sudden or progressive tyre deflation via the Check Control system.

Enhancements to the BMW X5’s optional equipment include the introduction of the new Panorama Sunroof. Replacing the standard sunroof and priced at £1,095.00, this large two-panel sunroof offers heat-reflective tilting glass panels, a large sliding front panel and independently sliding headlining panels.

Also new are Adaptive Headlamps, priced at £275.00. Launched on the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible and more recently on the BMW 5 and 6 Series, Adaptive Headlamps use the cars speed, steering and yaw angles to swivel the bi-xenon headlamps (standard on 4.4i and 4.8is; optional on 3.0i and 3.0d) by up to 15 degrees. This aims the headlamp beam in the direction the car is travelling rather than the direction the car is pointing.

Finally, for those venturing off the beaten track, the new BMW X5 can be specified with a digital compass for the interior mirror for an additional £60.00, which uses an LED display in the mirror to provide the direction of travel.

Text and photos: BMW