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BMW X5

 
 
  
 
  The BMW X5 was BMW’s first SUV and was introduced in 1999. The X5 is offered in many trim levels including the xDrive30i, the xDrive35d, the xDrive48i, and the X5 M. It comes in a variety of engines including a 260 HP in-line six cylinder, a 4.8L V8 that develops 350 HP and 350 lb.-ft. of torque, and the 3.0L V6 twin-turbo diesel engine that produces 265 HP and more than 400lb.-ft. of torque. All engines are mated to a six speed automatic transmission.

Spy Shots: Next BMW X5 caught testing again, but still covered up


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The next generation BMW X5 was just caught testing for the first time a few days ago, but once the beast is let out of its cage, there’s no way it’s going back. Unfortunately, this round of testing still has the future X5 under extreme camouflage, but a few new details were still let out.

The next X5 is rumored to make its world debut in 2014 at the Detroit Auto Show and, like most of SUVs, will come forward with an improved fuel consumption and a reduction in weight of about 330 lbs. BMW will be achieving this with the use of all their latest technology.

A first for the X5 will be the availability of two new four-cylinder engines, but the most powerful version will still be powered by its usual 4.4 liter V8 engine. The only difference is that the V8 engine will feature improved figures and an improved fuel economy. A plug-in hybrid version has also been rumored.

More details will be unveiled in the coming months, so stay tuned!




Spy Shots: Next BMW X5 has begun testing


The current BMW X5 went on sale back in 2006 and after what will end up being eight years, BMW will finally release a brand-spanking new generation X5 in 2014, and we were able to grab some spy shots of its first tests. The new model will be completely redesigned, much lighter compared to the current model, and powered by more fuel efficient engines.

It’s no surprise BMW will be working on their X5, considering Audi and Landrover have announced they will be focusing on lighter models for the future. BMW is matching these statements with a 330 lb drop for the new X5, compared to the current model, through the extensive use of aluminum. It will be offered with the company’s latest turbocharged engine in a smaller capacity and an improved fuel economy. The top version, however, will still enjoy its usual 4.4 liter V8 engine, but with improved figures. It has been rumored that BMW will also offer a hybrid X5.

In addition to the weight drop and engine modifications, the next X5 will also get a revised suspension, improved xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, and systems like lane departure warning and compensation, night vision, park assist, traffic sign recognition, surround view cameras, and active cruise control.




2011 BMW X5M by Vorsteiner


German tuning company, Vorsteiner ,has come out with a new aerodynamic package for the BMW X5M and if we do say so ourselves, the German tuning company has done it again.

Incidentally, the new X5M program comes a year after the company unveiled a similar program for the SUV’s big brother, the X6M. Coincidence, or they always appear to be busy this time of the year?

In any case, the addition of Vorsteiner’s new aero components give a fashionable touch to an already classed-up BMW SUV. Among the changes in tow include a new add-on front spoiler, a vented racing hood, and a new rear differ. What makes these materials unique from the rest of the X5M programs we’ve seen in the past is that the components are made from Carbon Fiber Autoclave Pre-Preg. This material adds more strength and durability to the material, yet retains the same high-class look that’s usually attached to anything Vorsteiner does. In addition, the German tuners also added a new set of alloy wheels to complete the SUV’s classy new look.

In terms of performance, Vorsteiner has yet to reveal details regarding any engine improvements for the X5M. Having said that, the high-powered SUV still has plenty of growl under its hood in the form of a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that delivers 555 horsepower and 500 lb/ft of torque. Those numbers are good enough for the SUV to hit 0-62 mph in just five seconds while also boasting of an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.



2014 BMW X5


BMW is preparing to recreate its entire X family and the new generation X5 is only part of the job. The BMW X5 was first launched in 1999, and 13 years later, is getting ready to enter its third generation in order to keep with the changing times. The car is rumored to make its world debut in 2014 at the Detroit Auto Show.

BMW will mostly focus on reducing the X5’s total weight and improving the final performance figures for its new generation. It is being rumored that BMW plans to reduce the car’s total weight by about 330 lbs, but it will still be offered with the latest technologies like a lane departure warning and compensation system, night vision, park assist, traffic sign recognition, surround view cameras, and active cruise control.

The new X5 will be offered with two new four-cylinder engines, and the most powerful version will still get a 4.4 liter V8 engine with improved figures and a reduced fuel economy. It is also rumored that BMW plans a plug-in hybrid version.

As for the exterior design, it will be more an evolution of the current car as opposed to a revolution.

Updated 01/13/2012: The next generation BMW X5 has been caught testing for the first time. Enjoy the spy shots!

Updated 01/20/2012: The next generation BMW X5 has been caught testing one more time, now during winter conditions. Enjoy!



2011 BMW X5 by G Power


We’ve seen G Power’s Typhoon body kit on an earlier version of the BMW X5 M, but now the German tuning firm has dressed up the new BMW X5 with the same Typhoon body kit. This would be in addition to giving the SUV an engine upgrade courtesy of its SK III program.

As we’re all familiar with, G Power’s Typhoon body kit comes with plenty of aerodynamic enhancements that turns the X5 into a car that looks like it’s been given a massive makeover. Among the items included are a pair of enormous wing extensions on the front and rear end of the SUV, a new bumper that comes with massive air intakes and LED lights, a vented bonnet made from carbon fiber, custom side skirts, and a custom diffuser. On top of all that, G Power also gave the X5 with a set of 23" Silverstone Edition forged wheels wrapped in high performance Michelin tires.

Inside, G Power continued with the modifications, complete with exclusive accessories that include a sport steering wheel, a new speedometer and a number of interior elements that have made from aluminum.

As for the powertrain, the tuning company’s SK III engine upgrade program, together with an ASA T1-522 supercharger, took the new X5 xDrive48i’s 4.8-liter V8 engine and bumped up its output by 170 horsepower all the way up to 525 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 443 lb/ft of torque at 5,300 rpm. The end result allows the X5 to hit 0-62 mph in just 4.7 seconds with an increased top speed of 172 mph, a bump up from the electronically limited 155-mph top speed of the standard model.



The Car Show: Season 1 Episode 5


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The Car Show came back this week full of entertaining segments and an array of vehicles to satiate our automotive appetites. During this episode, John Salley was able to fall in line with an Indy 500 pit crew to see what it takes to drive one of the racers and Matt Farah and Adam Corolla take a couple of luxury SUVs through the ringer to see which of them is the best for hauling ass and groceries. Matt Farah also gets a chance to take the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Performante out for a spin at the Monticello Motor Club, while all of the hosts get to meet the most interesting, and rather odd, Lamborghini owner ever.

Along with the usual mini-segments provided for every episode, this week we also got to take part in The Car Show Repair Shop where viewers call in and ask the hosts about problems they are having with their cars. If you think these people are weird, try listening to some of their problems.

Hit the jump for full details on The Car Show: Season 1 Episode 5.


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2011 BMW X5 and X6 Exclusive Editions


BMW will be unveiling the special edition X5 and X6 Exclusive Editions at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Both of these models were created by using special paints and materials. The two models will be put on sale this fall.

The X5 and X6 Exclusive Editions will be painted in an exclusive Orion Silver Metallic color that is only available on the 6-Series and will be combined with soft Nevada leather, special wheels, and a dark bamboo interior strip. Currently there are no details on the engine that will be used for the two models, but we do not expect to see big changes under the hood.

These new exclusive editions will only be offered for the top versions of the two models which are powered by a V8 petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo and direct injection. This engine delivers a total of 407 bhp at 5,500 – 6,400 rpm.



2011 BMW X5M and X6M by Romeo Ferraris


We fully understand the sense of irony with the name Romeo Ferraris and the cars that they work on, but nevertheless, it doesn’t take away from the quality of work they’ve done over the years.

Fresh off their works on the Smart ForTwo, the Abarth 500, and the Audi RS6, the Italian aftermarket company is turning its attention on a pair of high-powered German SUVs in the form of the BMW X5M and the BMW X6M. In this instance, Romeo Ferraris prepared a conversion kit for both the X5M and the X6M, and the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine they come in. The first step of the kit involves reprogramming their ECU systems, bumping up the output to 604 horsepower and 574 lb/ft of torque - up from the standard 555 horsepower and 501 lb/ft of torque it comes in. The next step after that is mapping and adding a pair of optional central terminals and sports matches. This upgrade further bumps up the SUVs output to a staggering 655 horsepower and 638 lb/ft of torque.

On top of the engine upgrade, Romeo Ferraris is also offering an enhanced braking system that comes with 6-piston front calipers, 380 x 32 mm discs, and 4 piston rear discs 380 × 28 mm, as well as an exterior and interior customization program that features outdoor films available in a number of options - carbon effect, opaque, or colored - and an interior that can be dressed up with either leather or Alcantara with matching Romeo Ferraris sports pedals to boot.



2011 BMW X5 Performance Accessories

bmw x5 performance accessories picture

If you already have a BMW X5 and are drawing a blank as to what to ask your loved ones for this holiday season, BMW has just what you are looking for. The German automaker has just launched the new ‘BMW X5 Performance Accessories’ range for their luxury SUV. The ironic thing here is that, despite what its name suggests, this package doesn’t come with performance upgrades. Weird.

What it does come with are aesthetic and aerodynamic modifications for both the exterior and interior of the X5. For the exterior, the items include new front and rear bumpers and side skirts that were designed and tested at the BMW’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel in Munich. These items are fit to reduce aerodynamic drag and lift at high speeds, thereby improving the X5’s stability. They also serve as a pretty cool fashion statement. Speaking of fashion statements, BMW also included a set of black kidney grilles in their package to give the X5 an even more menacing look than what it already has.

As for the interior, the BMW Performance Accessories include upgrades on both the SUV’s steering wheel and pedal set. For the former, BMW Performance has a unique multi-function steering wheel that features a thick, racing-style, flattened lower rim that’s fully covered in hand-stitched Alcantara material. For the latter (the pedal set), BMW Performance has an aluminum pedal kit that includes a gas pedal, brake pedal, and footrest pedal, all of which were ergonomically crafted with aluminum featuring rubber inserts.

There you have it, folks. A nice new styling kit for the BMW X5 courtesy of, well, BMW. If you’re interested, you can inquire about these accessories at any authorized BMW Center where they’re set to go on sale later this month.

Press Release after the jump.


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2010 Hamann Flash Evo M


Hamann proved today that the X5 M can do more than originally stated by BMW. Granted, most automakers don’t push the envelope when developing the number of ponies under the hood of their SUVs, but that doesn’t mean that the owners won’t want to. That is why there is a place in the world for tuners such as Hamann. Their package, called the Flash Evo M develops an incredible 610 hp and a torque of 780 Nm. And that’s just the base kit.

A standard BMW X5 M gives out 555hp, but, with a little engine optimization and the elimination of the factory-installed Vmax restriction of 155mph, that can be taken to the previously mentioned 610hp making it that much more fantastic. If that’s still not enough then Hamann is also offering an HM 670 sports kit that will increase the power even further to 670hp and 950 Nm of torque.

The exterior package includes a striking front spoiler fitted with two or four integrated LED daytime running lights, large air intakes, a carbon bonnet, additional air inlets and outlets, side sill bars, a sport exhaust system with two central tailpipes integrated into the diffuser, and a carbon roof spoiler. Customers can choose from 22 or 23 inch light alloy wheels. For the interior, Hamann offers applique made of visible carbon fiber and a stainless steel sill plate with an illuminated HAMANN logo.

As pumped as we are about the transformation provided by Hamann, it’s actually not the best we have seen for this vehicle. G-Power’s recent work on the BMW X5 M left it packing 725hp. Then there’s the obligatory matte black exterior paint job that they felt they needed to slap onto to the Beamer. Based on power alone, G-Power takes the cake. If we were to add in looks then it would be a toss-up.

Press release after the jump.


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