History and description BMW X5

The BMW X5 debuted in 1999. This is a mid-size luxury crossover and belongs to the J-segment according to the European classification (Sports utility or SUV). Produced by the German automaker BMW and this is the first SUV of this company. It was developed at a time when BMW owned the brand Land Rover and the X5 took a lot of off-road features from the car Range Rover. The engine is located in the front with all-wheel drive (by default, 62% of the torque goes to the rear axle, 38% to the front), automatic or manual transmission. The main competitors are Audi Q7, Chevrolet Tahoe, Lexus RX 300, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Mitsubishi Pajero, Porsche Cayenne, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota 4Runner and Volkswagen Touareg.

Starting with the X5, the BMW crossover series expanded and in 2003 they began to produce a compact crossover X3, and then in 2008 began production of a luxury mid-range crossover X6, which shares its platform with X5.

First generation (E53; 1999–2006)

The history of the X5 begins in 1994, when ideas about the production of BMW crossovers appeared after the acquisition of Rover. By the autumn of 1996, the design was approved and the design basis for the X5 was determined (E53), and the prototypes were tested in the second half of 1997. September 1, 1999 production began first generation X5 with E53 body at the BMW US plants in Greer, South Carolina and Toluca, Mexico.

The BMW X5 was primarily designed as a sports car and its off-road capabilities are inferior to the Range Rover, its «mastermind». In this regard, BMW introduced the X5 classification as SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), instead of an SUV.

In 2003, the car was restyled. The changes affected the headlights, radiator grilles, taillights, new body colors, upgraded engines and began to use the new xDrive all-wheel drive system. Now the car can send any percentage of engine power to the front or rear axle instead of original schemes 62%-38%.

There were five petrol engines - 3.0 liters (l6, 231 hp), 4.4 liters (V8, 286 HP), 4.4 liters (V8, 320 HP), 4.6 liters (V8, 340 HP) and 4.8 liters (V8, 360 HP). There are only two diesel engines - both with a volume of 3.0 liters with a capacity of 184 and 218 hp. Transmissions were 5 and 6-speed automatic and mechanical. In 2006, production of the E53 ended and was replaced by the new E70 body.

Second generation (E70; 2006–2013)

At the Paris Motor Show in August 2006, the second generation of the BMW X5 was presented. In November 2006, its official sales began. Production was also located in the USA. The xDrive all-wheel drive system introduced on the facelifted first generation is also used on the E70 with further improvements. The body of the car has become 165 mm longer, 60 mm wider and the wheelbase has been increased by 110 mm.

The car has many new technological advances for this class, including the iDrive system, electronic «joystick» gear shifting, LED taillights, windshield indicators, active steering, active suspension, active anti-roll bars and other solutions for a more comfortable and safer ride. The interior of the car has become larger and completely updated. There was a central display with a large screen. We increased the number of seats to seven by installing folding seats in the trunk.

Four models of gasoline engines were installed on the X5 - 3.0 liters (l6, 261 hp), 3.5 liters (l6, 302 hp), 4.8 liters (V8, 350 HP) and 5.0 liters (V8, 402 HP). At first there were three diesel engines - 3.0 liters (l6, 232 hp), 3.5 liters (l6, 282 hp), 3.5 liters (l6, 265 hp). In 2011, two 6-cylinder in-line diesel engines with a volume of 3.0 and 4.0 liters with a capacity of 242 and 302 hp appeared. The transmission at first was only a 6-speed automatic Steptronic, and since 2011 an 8-speed automatic ZF 8HP has appeared.

Third generation (F15; 2013–present time)

The third generation was presented at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2013. Production started in August 2013 and official sales began in November 2013. The exterior, designed by BMW designer Mark Johnson, was approved in November 2010. The body of the car has become a little larger, the wheelbase has remained the same. Thanks to the use of ultra-high strength steel, thermoplastics, aluminum and magnesium, a weight reduction of 90 kg has been achieved. The interior now features a 10.25-inch display.

Three modifications of gasoline engines are installed - a 3.5 liter inline l6 with a capacity of 302 hp, a 5.0 liter V8 with a capacity of 444 hp, and a 2.0 liter inline l4 in a hybrid power plant with a total capacity of 298 hp. There are also three modifications of diesel engines - 2.0 liters l4 with a capacity of 215 hp, 3.0 liters l6 with a capacity of 254 hp. and 3.0 liters l6 with 309 hp. Only one transmission is installed - an 8-speed automatic ZF 8HP.

BMW X5 F15, control panel

BMW X5 F15, rear seats

BMW X5 F15, trunk