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BMW Concepts BMW Cars
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BMW: BMW X5 3.0 l diesel
The BMW X5 outperforming even the most optimistic expectations in both the US and European markets, is being joined by a new, once again highly attractive, model this spring: The X5 3.0d developing maximum output of 135 kW/184 bhp and maximum torque of 410 Nm/302 lb-ft from BMW's outstanding DI straight-six combines the many virtues of a sports activity vehicle with the superior economy of a powerful diesel.
The IIHS is an independent, non-commercial research organisation funded by US insurance companies and enjoying supreme awareness and acceptance both in the US motoring and insurance world, and among the public at large. Another equally important fact is that the BMW X5 has been praised from the outset as the best luxury sports utility vehicle in the periodical customer inquiry, conducted by the renowned J.D.Power and Associates market research institute, receiving the coveted APEAL Award in recognition of its qualities. More than 100,000 owners of new cars in the USA were questioned in this survey, acknowledging BMW as the most popular car brand for the second time in a row. The X5's unique recipe for success: the same driving characteristics as a normal passenger car The overwhelming success of the X5 is based on its unique concept as a Sports Activity Vehicle. Opened up and established for the first time by BMW, this market segment defines a vehicle suitable for offroad driving but at the same time offering excellent onroad char-acteristics as well as outstanding active and passive safety. The X5 comes with permanent four-wheel drive conveying 62 per cent of the engine power to the rear wheels and 38 per cent to the front wheels under normal driving conditions. Unlike a conventional offroader, the X5 features a unitary body, independent suspension and, in the guise of DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), the most advanced electronic suspension control system. Reflecting the broader range of motoring conditions in the X5, DSC has been supplemented in this case by the ADB (Automatic Differential Brake) and BMW's "intelligent" HDC (Hill Descent Control). The X5 also comes with a high-performance brake system able to provide stopping power and deceleration equal to that of a 7 Series saloon. In a nutshell, therefore, the driver of the X5 is able to enjoy the safe, agile and comfortable driving characteristics of this vehicle both on- and offroad without the slightest compromise. The benchmark in diesel motoring: BMW's three-litre straight-six. BMW's straight-six features the most advanced technologies, such as common rail direct fuel injection, a turbocharger with variable geometry and four-valve technology. The combination of common rail fuel injection and the classic straight-six engine configuration provides ideal conditions for a genuine high-comfort diesel, the rapid charge cycle ensured by the high-tech turbocharger as well as four-valve technology offering the additional advantage of an excellent engine response: While conventional diesel engines are usually a bit sluggish in their response to the accelerator pedal, as opposed to a petrol engine, BMW's straight-six diesel builds up torque spon-taneously with virtually no delay. So it is no surprise that this six-cylinder is already featured in all three of BMW's saloon series - the 3, 5 and 7 Series - and is acknowledged in each case as the absolute benchmark in the market. |
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Photos: BMW AG
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