New BMW X5

Bmw Picture

Sunday, May 17, 2009

The help of an invisible hand.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Tailgate in the BMW X5.
Making loading easier, the two-part tailgate provides excellent access to the luggage compartment. When open, people as tall as 1.85 metres can stand up straight beneath it. When the lower section of the tailgate is open, a flat surface is created that allows luggage to be loaded with ease. And best of all, a mere touch of the remote control button or the push button release triggers the tailgate to rise as if lifted by an invisible hand.

Switch control.

Gear selector in the BMW X5.
The new BMW X5 comes with a completely new electronic gear selector switch. Modern and sporty in design, its ergonomic shape makes it simple to operate. The left-hand shift gate operates the sports automatic mode to allow semi-automatic changes between the six gears. The right-hand shift gate controls the usual fully automatic settings: Drive (D), Neutral (N) and Reverse (R). Park (P) is now activated by pressing a button on the gear selector switch.

Intelligent illumination

In combination with Adaptive Headlights, the new BMW X5 now comes with cornering lights. When cornering, the system automatically switches the corresponding inner fog light to dipped or main beam. An additional reflector in the fog light illuminates an area at an angle of up to 90° to the car, allowing pedestrians, cyclists and obstacles to be seen earlier and more clearly.

Hard to impress

Run-flat tyres on the BMW X5.
Say goodbye to roadside tyre changes. Thanks to special side-wall reinforcement, the BMW X5's standard run-flat tyres are capable of being driven a long distance even after a puncture. The benefits make themselves felt far beyond that. The need for a spare tyre is eliminated, reducing weight and freeing boot space on every single journey. In addition, the standard Tyre Pressure Indicator (TPI) warns the driver whenever there is a drop in tyre pressure.

Y spoke 214 with mixed tyres on the BMW X5

Sleek and powerful, the Y spoke 214 with mixed tyres offers an agile combination to meet even the highest driving demands. This wheel/tyre combination provides an extremely sports-oriented ride with restricted suspension and rolling comfort.Perfect the dynamic appearance of your BMW with alloy wheels. Prior to their use in the standard series, they undergo the most demanding practical tests - thus ensuring correct material quality and functionality to meet the highest standards.

BMW X5 NEW WALLPAPER

2007 BMW X5

Monday, November 19, 2007

For all the criticism of BMW's stylist Chris Bangle, the facelifted X5 arrived in the UK to a surprisingly polite round of applause.

Whether British drivers are finally getting used to the wild looks of his cars, or have a particular soft spot for the muscular X5, is not yet clear. One thing that is obvious, however, is that the revamped 4x4 is a capable machine. We've already driven the diesel, and took an early opportunity to try the latest range-topping 4.4-litre V8 example in the UK.

Changes to the lights and tailgate have softened the original's aggressive style, and quad pipes add an even sportier look. Besides 4.4i badging, the V8 is distinguished by a metallic grille. Inside, dark, grained plastics and supportive bucket seats create a luxurious cabin that comfortably accommodates five.

At ΂£47,625, the X5 is far from cheap, but the engine and automatic gearbox give a fine mix of power and response. Capable of doing 0-60mph in seven seconds and a 150mph top speed, the mighty SUV can easily out-drag other road users - but it's not only straight-line performance that impresses.

Revised suspension and a new 19-inch wheel option for Sport models offer an excellent compromise between road holding and ride comfort. Despite its advancing years, the X5 remains a fine choice in this fast-growing class

New BMW X5 Photos

BMW X5 Buying Alternatives

The stupendous BMW off-roader has won plaudits for its amazing dynamic abilities, rock-solid image and potent performance. But its desirability, plus a long dealer waiting list, means used X5s are expensive - retaining more than 90 per cent of their value after 18 months - and as a result are few and far between.
Mercedes M-Class
The most obvious challenger to the X5's crown, the M-Class cashed in on demand for luxury SUVs on the American market. Build quality on early cars isn't as good as we've come to expect from Mercedes, but the M-Class has badge image to rival the X5 and is well equipped. CDI diesels are our favourite models, but all M-Classes are strong performers.
Engines: 3.2, 4,3, 5.0 and 5.4-litre petrol; 2.7-litre diesel. Years: 1998-present. Prices: GBP19,000-42,000
Jeep Grand Cherokee
With an off-road reputation that can only be rivalled by Land Rover, Jeep's luxury model is a fine vehicle if you enjoy rolling around in the mud. It's not a bad car on the tarmac, either, providing you can live with woolly steering and a wobbly ride. Interior build quality lacks the finesse of European competitors, but standard equipment is impressive nonetheless.
Engines: 4.0 and 4.7-litre petrol; 2.5, 2.7 and 3.1-litre diesel. Years: 1996-present. Prices: GBP9,000-27,000
BMW 5-Series
If it's the BMW image you're after, then there's no point having an X5 when you can buy the excellent 5-Series saloon for well under half the price. If you want to spend more, though, ΂£30,000 will get you a stunning nearly new 51-plate 530i SE Touring. Apart from a lower ride height, it loses nothing to the X5 in terms of practicality or driver appeal.
Engines 2.0, 2.2, 2.5, 2.8, 3.0, 3.5, 4.4 and 4.9-litre petrol; 2.5, 3.0-litre diesel. Years: 1996-present. Prices: GBP7,000-40,000
Volvo V70 XC
The Volvo V70 might not be the obvious choice for people who want an SUV, but the Swedish company's jacked-up estate car is a surprisingly competent performer when the going gets sticky. Exceptionally refined and well trimmed inside, and with generous levels of standard equipment, the V70 Cross Country is a sensible choice, even if it lacks the upmarket appeal and image of the X5.
Engine: 2.4-litre petrol. Years: 2000-present. Prices: GBP17,000-28,000

23BMW X5 87.39%

Another Driver Power favourite that’'s slipped this year is the X5. In the top 10 last time out, it’'s fallen to 23rd in 2007. Like most of the 4x4s in the survey, the X5 has done well in the ease of driving rank, thanks to its high seating position and the popularity of automatic models. It’'s also comfortable and dynamically strong, attributes which many SUV rivals can'’t match. However, even though you tell us the interior feels very well screwed together, reliability has been problematic.

Your Quotes

“Super to drive, with good paintwork. I have minor quibbles on interior trim for a car this expensive. The tailgate isn't very robust either. Otherwise impressive.”

Mr Geoff Mee - Cheshire

“A good drive but not as practical as its size would imply; build quality also decidedly iffy.”

Mr Robin Hoggard - London

“Excelent but feel BMW let me down on the gearbox, as this is a sealed unit with a lifetime oil that never needs changed and the problem was it got dirty and needed. A new gearbox goodwill was applied for but was refused by BMW.”

Mr Brian Green - Surry

BMW X5’s magnificent 7

Does seven go into five? It does when it's BMW's all-new X5 and seven is the number of seats!

By Mike Askew

The completely redesigned off-roader will hit the UK next spring with its sights firmly set on the best-selling Land Rover Discovery.

BMW bosses have left the basic design of the X5 alone - aside from a new-look front bumper - but don't get the impression that the firm's engineers have had their feet up over the past three years. Inside, there's revised accommodation and a stylish new gearlever, which creates more space on the centre console.

The biggest news is the increased seating capacity. Thanks to an extra 190mm of length, the X5 will be the first BMW ever to come with seven seats. Although the new layout will be an option when the car arrives in the UK, the design is more than just an afterthought. The rear end has been given a thorough revamp, and even with the extra seats in position, there's still 200 litres of luggage space.

Under the skin, there will also be a revised engine and transmission line-up. The popular 3.0-litre diesel is tweaked to produce 231bhp - up 13bhp - while fuel consumption has been improved by seven per cent. The 4.2-litre petrol powerplant will be dropped from the line-up, but the entry-level 3.0-litre has been uprated to produce more power, while the range-topping 355bhp 4.8-litre unit will be carried over.

Completing the X5's drivetrain package is an all-new six-speed auto which BMW claims has a shift time slashed by 50 per cent. Prices and final specifications of the new line-up will be announced early next year.

Sporty SUV

The second-generation, South Carolina-built BMW X5 moves up in size, performance, comfort, versatility and standing

Text: Automedia / Photos: Automedia


	The new SUV is much less radical than the smaller X3 with which it shares much of its mechanical package

The second-generation BMW X5 moves up in size, performance, comfort, versatility and standing, though the new South Carolina-built sport/utility vehicle (codenamed E70) isn’t due on dealer lots until the end of 2006 as an ’07 model. We have caught the new seven-seater in production bodywork and with minimal disguise only, testing on public roads near BMW’s German headquarters.

BMW’s design team, headed by Dutchman Adrian van Hooydonk, combined contemporary styling with familiar themes from today’s X5 to create a distinctive SUV that’s instantly recognizable as a BMW. However, the new SUV is much less radical than the smaller X3 with which it shares much of its mechanical package.

Longer, wider and taller than today’s model, and with an extended rear overhang, the new X5 puts greater distance between itself and the X3, which should allow BMW to command higher prices. Inside, the X5 promises a 5-series-like interior. Five-passenger-seating is standard, but BMW will likely offer buyers two third-row seats as optional equipment.

Conventional steel springs will be used on lower-end models, with air suspension reserved for upmarket versions, along with an automatic self-levelling feature to maintain ride height when towing. BMW will also offer active steering on the new X5.

Power comes from a wider range of inline six-cylinder and V8 engines than today’s model, with several diesel units on tap for Europe. Among the gasoline engines is the recently upgraded 3.0-litre six. It will be joined from the outset by new 4.0- and 4.8-litre V8s.

The new X5 uses a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox and BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system. As with the first-generation model, BMW has decided against hardcore SUV systems such as separate transfer case, locking differentials and automatically decoupling stabilizers. BMW engineers argue that the added weight would be detrimental to efforts to once again establish the X5 the most agile SUV on the road.

M's the word for flagship X5

BMW has given its big off-roader the M Sport treatment, and this is the result

Lowered suspension and big alloys hint at top-spec X5’s huge pace

Featuring a bodykit with modified bumpers, wheelarch extensions and side skirts, along with 19-inch alloys, the new range-topping X5 certainly looks the part.


	With 90 per cent of buyers of the previous-generation model ordering their car in Sport trim, the new flagship spec is crucial for the brand

Inside, there's standard leather trim, sports seats, an M Sport steering wheel and anthracite-coloured headlining, while lowered and stiffened suspension makes sure the 4x4 has handling to match its looks.

With 90 per cent of buyers of the previous-generation model ordering their car in Sport trim, the new flagship spec is crucial for the brand. It will be available with 3.0-litre petrol or 3.0-litre diesel engines later in the year, although customers can get it now on the top-of-the-range 4.8-litre petrol X5. This features a V8 with variable valve timing. The unit is mated to a six-speed auto box, and has 355bhp and 475Nm of torque.

As a result, the X5 4.8i M Sport sprints from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and is capable of a maximum speed of 150mph. However, as you would expect for such a tall, powerful SUV, the new flagship isn't exactly environmentally friendly; it returns only 22.6mpg on the combined cycle and emits a huge 299g/km of CO2. There is nothing small about the price tag, either - the M Sport costs £53,440.

X5 tracked down to Pole position

A BMW owner is thankful he fitted Tracker to his car after it was stolen - and traced to Warsaw in Poland!

The vehicle recovery firm found Paul Freeman's X5 after he was duped into handing over its keys by a thief. Paul, of Telford, Shropshire, realised he'd been conned and called Tracker - which found the car 1,144 miles from where it was taken.

2007 BMW X5 3.0si Sports Activity Vehicle

Pricing Definitions: Estimated Market Price (EMP)

Estimated Market Price (EMP) is the estimated price that people are currently paying dealers to buy a specific vehicle. EMP is based on real sales data, and factors in current supply and demand levels as well as information about dealer incentives and profit margins. EMP is calculated at a national level and is quoted at the base trim level, meaning that EMP is not adjusted to specific regional markets, nor does it include any tax, title, or license fees that a dealer is required to charge. Yahoo! Autos receives Estimated Market Pricing from Automotive Information Center (AIC).

Invoice

Invoice, also commonly known as "Dealer Invoice", is the price that the vehicle manufacturer charges a dealer to purchase a new vehicle from the manufacturer. The Invoice price includes the base price plus any equipment installed on the vehicle, and it also can include destination charges that the dealer incurs when purchasing the vehicle from the manufacturer. Dealers generally mark-up the invoice price and seek to sell the vehicle at its Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), also commonly known as the "Sticker Price", "List Price", or "Window Price", is a price that the vehicle manufacturer suggests that the dealer sell the car for. The MSRP shown for a vehicle includes the base price plus any equipment installed on the vehicle, but excludes fees and taxes, transportation and destination charges that the dealer commonly includes in the final price. It is important to know that a dealer may choose to sell the vehicle above, below, or at the listed MSRP. The MSRP is only a "suggested" or recommended price that the vehicle manufacturer provides to the car dealer.

Total Cost To Own

The Total Cost to Own is an estimate of what it will cost you to own the vehicle over the next 5 years. More detailed Total Cost to Own information is provided at the yearly level (years 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 after purchase) on Yahoo Autos' trim and car comparison pages. The Total Cost to Own uses numerous data elements to calculate the typical price a consumer pays to own the vehicle in a specific market (such as Texas, California, Florida, etc). Included in the Total Cost To Own price are projected depreciation costs, fees and taxes, financing costs, fuel costs, insurance costs, maintenance costs, repair costs, and opportunity costs. The vehicle's market price, destination charge, and current rebates and incentives are factored into the Total Cost to Own price.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), also commonly known as the "Sticker Price", "List Price", or "Window Price", is a price that the vehicle manufacturer suggests that the dealer sell the car for. The MSRP shown for a vehicle includes the base price plus any equipment installed on the vehicle, but excludes fees and taxes, transportation and destination charges that the dealer commonly includes in the final price. It is important to know that a dealer may choose to sell the vehicle above, below, or at the listed MSRP. The MSRP is only a "suggested" or recommended price that the vehicle manufacturer provides to the car dealer.

Invoice: Invoice, also commonly known as "Dealer Invoice", is the price that the vehicle manufacturer charges a dealer to purchase a new vehicle from the manufacturer. The Invoice price includes the base price plus any equipment installed on the vehicle, and it also can include destination charges that the dealer incurs when purchasing the vehicle from the manufacturer. Dealers generally mark-up the invoice price and seek to sell the vehicle at its Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).

Estimated Market Price (EMP): Estimated Market Price (EMP) is the estimated price that people are currently paying dealers to buy a specific vehicle. EMP is based on real sales data, and factors in current supply and demand levels as well as information about dealer incentives and profit margins. EMP is calculated at a national level and is quoted at the base trim level, meaning that EMP is not adjusted to specific regional markets, nor does it include any tax, title, or license fees that a dealer is required to charge. Yahoo! Autos receives Estimated Market Pricing from Automotive Information Center (AIC).

Total Cost To Own: The Total Cost to Own is an estimate of what it will cost you to own the vehicle over the next 5 years. More detailed Total Cost to Own information is provided at the yearly level (years 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 after purchase) on Yahoo Autos' trim and car comparison pages. The Total Cost to Own uses numerous data elements to calculate the typical price a consumer pays to own the vehicle in a specific market (such as Texas, California, Florida, etc). Included in the Total Cost To Own price are projected depreciation costs, fees and taxes, financing costs, fuel costs, insurance costs, maintenance costs, repair costs, and opportunity costs. The vehicle's market price, destination charge, and current rebates and incentives are factored into the Total Cost to Own price

Cost per Mile: Cost Per Mile is an estimate of what it will cost you to operate the vehicle per mile, over a five year period. Cost Per Mile is a calculation that Yahoo! Autos makes by taking the Total Cost to Own price over 5 years and dividing it by the number of miles you indicate you will drive over that period.

Cost Rating: The vehicle's value rating is calculated by our data vendor, Vincentric.

How does Vincentric measure value and establish its ratings? This question is best answered with an example. Two vehicles can have the same purchase price, but different ownership costs. The vehicle with the lower ownership costs is a better value than the one having the higher ownership costs.

To put this concept into action for the 2006 model year analysis, Vincentric first measured the cost of ownership for over 1,900 vehicle configurations. Cost of ownership is calculated by combining the costs associated with depreciation, insurance, repairs, maintenance (scheduled and unscheduled), finance, fuel, taxes and state fees (including the Federal Hybrid Tax Credit), and opportunity costs. This creates the "Measured" Cost of Ownership.

The vehicle's "Expected" cost of ownership is based on statistical models that correlate the price of a vehicle with cost of ownership within each of the 34 segments that comprise all vehicles. An average "Expected" cost to own is established. Any vehicle that falls above the Average Value line is a better value than a vehicle that fall below the "Average Value" line.

Vincentric uses this approach to rate each vehicle from Excellent to Poor on a five point scale. These ratings can also be expressed numerically as 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1, with a score of 5 being Excellent and 1 being Poor. The scores are calculated based on the percentage difference between a vehicle's "Expected" cost of ownership and its "Measured" cost of ownership.

This statistically driven approach allows Vincentric to measure value in an unbiased manner, and help consumers and the automotive industry better understand how ownership costs impact the creation of value for the buyer.

Depreciation: Depreciation is an estimate of the reduction in value incurred by owning and operating a vehicle over a period of time. The depreciation cost is calculated using a combination of data sources and assumptions, including the value of the vehicle, the mileage of the vehicle, and the overall the condition of the vehicle.

Fuel Cost: Fuel costs are an estimate of what it will cost you at the gas pump for the vehicle over a period of time. Fuel costs are calculated using the U.S. Government Environmental Protection Agency's estimated mileage figures (when available) for both highway and city driving, then adjust based on the estimated percentage of mileage for these two types of driving. The estimated miles driven per year, the type of fuel the vehicle requires, and current state gas prices are all factored into the estimated fuel costs.

Financing: Financing is an estimate of what it will cost you to borrow money to purchase a vehicle. The financing costs are calculated by using various data sources from multiple lending institutions, including standard down payment amounts, loan terms, and current interest rates.

Insurance: Insurance costs are an estimate of what it will cost you to insure the vehicle over a period of time. Insurance costs vary widely based upon the driving record of the owner and the coverage amount, so we estimate the cost using assumptions about the driver and coverage amount. The cost is estimated based on data from multiple insurance industry sources.

Maintenance: Maintenance costs are an estimate of what it will cost you to maintain the vehicle over a period of time. Maintenance costs can vary greatly based upon the vehicle you own and how you drive it, but the maintenance cost estimated is based on three key data points that we receive from industry sources: frequency of incident, labor rates, and parts prices.

Fees and Taxes: Fees and taxes are an estimate of the costs you will incur to operate the vehicle over a period of time. Fees and taxes are imposed by state and local governments and government agencies, such as the DMV, and they include the cost of registration, title fees, and state sales taxes.

Repairs: Repair costs are an estimate of what it will cost you to repair the vehicle over a period of time. Repair costs are estimated using the national average consumers will pay to keep their vehicle in operating condition (please note that because maintenance costs are measured separately, the repair cost does not include these costs). The estimate is prepared using a $0 deductible extended service contract that will pay for repairs for 5 years or at least 75,000 miles. Figures quoted are averages from nationally available service contract providers and are adjusted to eliminate the profit margin from the calculation.

Opportunity Cost: Opportunity cost is an estimate of the interest that could have been earned if the funds had not been spent owning and operating the vehicle. The opportunity cost is calculated using other Total Cost to Own data fields and the interest calculated is based on current interest rates, supplied by nationally recognized financial institutions.

Miles Driven per Year: Since Total Cost to Own estimates can vary based upon the number of miles you drive per year, Yahoo! Autos allows you to select the number of miles you drive per year from a dropdown menu. Entering the number of miles you drive per year and selecting "Customize" will help Yahoo! Autos prepare a more accurate Total Cost to Own estimate for your vehicle.

Driving Experience: Since Total Cost to Own estimates can vary based upon your driving experience, Yahoo! Autos allows you to specify the numbers of years that you have driving experience. Entering your driving experience information and selecting "Customize" will help Yahoo! Autos prepare a more accurate Total Cost to Own estimate for your vehicle.

New EPA Testing Reduces Gas Mileage Estimates: Gas mileage estimates for 2008 model vehicles reflect the Environmental Protection Agency's new, stricter testing methods. City MPG estimates have dropped by about 12 percent on average; highway MPG estimates by about 8 percent on average. City estimates for hybrids are about 20 to 30 percent lower; highway estimates 10 to 20 percent lower. Estimates may vary widely by model. The new testing accounts for factors previously missing or not fully considered, including high speed and rapid acceleration, air conditioner use, and cold-temperature operation.

2007 BMW X5 3.0si Sports Activity Vehicle Picture

Quick Facts

Pricing Information

MSRP $45,900

Estimated Market Price

$44,202

National Average

Invoice $42,230

Total Cost to Own $71,914

5 Year National Average

Enter your zip code to see the average cost for drivers of this car in your state

Rebates & Incentives:

No information available

Standard Engine:

3.0L I6, 24 valve, 260 hp @ 6600 rpm

6 speed automatic transmission
17 mpg city / 23 mpg hwy
Green Rating: 37

Standard Features:

Seat Mounted Front Side Airbags
4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
Diversity Radio Antenna

New BMW X5 Video

This is BMW’s new X5, the second in it’s generation since it’s release back in 1999. Like it’s predecessor, BMW calls the new E70 a Sports Activity Vehicle or SAV rather than an SUV, as BMW says it’s dynamics are a step above it’s rivals’ utilitarian construction. So what’s new with BMW’s flagship 4WD? More details after the jump.

[UPDATE: Test Drive Report of 2007 BMW X5 4.8i and 3.0d in Athens.]

[UPDATE: The new second generation E70 BMW X5 has been launched in Malaysia. Click here for prices and other details.]

One of the key points of improvement in this new BMW X5 over the previous version is third-row seating. The previous BMW X5 only seated 5, which made it unattractive for people with large families. This third row is optional, and with the third row seats installed the new BMW X5 seats 7, 2 in front, 3 in the middle and 2 at the back. To accomodate this extra seating, the X5 has grown longer by 19mm and wider by 6mm. With all seats in place, the X5 still has a comfortable boot space of 200 liters, but when you remove them this storage grows to 620 liters. This is up 155 liters compared to the first generation BMW X5.

Power and torque has also gone up across the model range. The BMW X5 3.0 receives 41hp power boost, bringing it up to 272hp from the previous 231hp figure. Torque goes up from 300Nm to 315Nm. The X5 3.0 goes from 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds, and has a top speed of 225km/h The turbodiesel BMW X5 3.0d now makes 231hp and 520Nm torque, successing the previous model that only has 204hp and 480Nm torque. The top of the range BMW X5 4.8i has it’s power upped to 355hp and 475Nm of twisting action, up from 320hp and 440Nm. Top speed is 250km/h. Note that all three top speed figures are with the Dynamic Package offered by BMW, without it top speed for all three X5s are limited to 210km/h.

BMW X5 first and second generation comparison chart

	Old 3.0	New 3.0	Old 3.0d	New 3.0d	Old 4.8i	New 4.8i
Power (hp)	231	272	204	231	355	355
Torque (Nm)	300	315	480	520	500	475
0-100km/h (s)	8.8	8.1	9.4	8.3	6.1	6.5
km per liter	7.8	11	11.6	13.8	7.6	9.6

It looks like has made significant improvements to the turbodiesel engine in the BMW X5 3.0d, with fuel efficiency increased and more than a second shaved off it’s 0-100km/h acceleration time. The new six-cylinder turbodiesel is 25kg lighter than the previous engine thanks to a new all-aluminium crankcase. The BMW X5 3.0si’s six-cylinder petrol engine features Double VANOS (when the engine valves open) and VALVETRONIC (how much they open). The BMW 4.8i stats are a little tricky, as I could find the old X5 in 4.8si form, but the new X5 is a 4.8i, which explains the power drop in my comparison. Even for the 3.0 petrol, I am comparing the old 3.0i to the new 3.0si, because that is what BMW provided with the new model’s press release. Improved acceleration times are partly because of the new six-speed automatic gearbox that comes with the new E70 BMW X5. The new torque converter allows 50% quicker shifts.

New interior enhancements include BMW’s iDrive controller and a HUD display. There is also an electronic parking brake instead of the conventional design. Other improvements enhance the driveability of the car - Adaptive Drive and Active Steering. Adaptive Drive uses a combination of active hydraulic anti-roll bars and electronic damper control to counteract body roll during cornering. The Active Steering system varies steering lock for a more comfortable steering experience - more lock at slow speeds for easier parking and the opposite for highway speeds for a smoother, more composed drive.

The new BMW X5 also gains run-flat tyres which allows you to drive the SUV up to 145km at speeds of up to 80km/h ni the event of a puncture, enough for you to get to a workshop and get it fixed. Other active safety features include Dynamic Stability Control+, which from the name I assume is an improved DSC. What does DSC+ have over normal DSC other than traction control? There are four main functions:

Brake Pre-tensioning - primes the brakes for fastest braking action when system detects the driver lifting his foot off the accelerator in a sharp reaction.

Brake Drying - improves wet braking performance by periodically applying the brakes to scrub away the film of water that builds up on brake discs.

Hill Start Assistant - Automatically applies the brakes while the driver moves his foot from the brake to accelerator pedal on uphill terrain to prevent the vehicle from sliding backwards.

Brake Fade Compensation - Applies extra braking force automatically when sensors detect brake fade due to heat build up.

The addition of a third row of seats is indeed welcome with the new E70 X5, helping make it more competitive against rivals like the Porsche Cayenne, the Audi Q7, the Volvo XC90 and the Mercedes Benz M-Class. Click any of the photos in this blog post for an enlarged version. Here are some videos of the new BMW X5 E70:

[UPDATE: Test Drive Report of 2007 BMW X5 4.8i and 3.0d in Athens.]

[UPDATE: The new second generation E70 BMW X5 has been launched in Malaysia. Click here for prices and other details.]