Last year’s BMW X5 Security Plus Concept has made it to production, and will go on show at the biennial General Police Equipment Exhibition & Conference (GPEC) fair in Europe after making its world debut at the Moscow International Automobile Salon 2014 this week.
The special F15 X5, based on the xDrive50i model, has been built up to VR6 ballistic protection, featuring an armoured passenger cell that provides protection for up to four occupants and can thwart attacks by the world’s most popular firearm, the AK-47.
To prevent bullet or fragment penetration, it features sealed joints, which provide protection in critical areas such as around doors or where panels adjoin body pillars. The car’s security glass is also resistant to attack by blunt weapons. The polycarbonate coating protects the interior from flying splinters.
Run-flat tyres ensure the car can still move in situations where the tyres are shot at or punctured by sharp objects. An intercom system allows vehicle occupants to communicate with persons outside the vehicle, even when all windows and doors are closed. An assault alarm function automatically locks the windows and doors and emits audible and visual alarm signals.
BMW will also showcase other products at GPEC such as a BMW X3, a BMW R 1200 RT and a BMW F 800 GT, all equipped for police usage.
BMW Malaysia left no surprises in the variants chosen for our market, renewing the diesel xDrive30d and petrol xDrive35i models as per the outgoing E70 X5. Both weigh North of two tonnes, but you won’t be asking for more performance with either turbocharged model, that’s for sure.
The cheaper xDrive30d gets an updated 3.0 litre in-line six turbodiesel unit, boasting increased power and torque figures, yet significantly improved efficiency than the unit it replaces. The figures are 258 hp and 560 Nm (up 13 hp and 20 Nm), enough to get to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and on to 230 km/h.
For those with a higher speed requirement, the X5 xDrive35i offers a 3.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine with 306 hp and 400 Nm of torque, offering hot-hatch-beating performance figures – 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, 250 km/h top speed. That’s actually less power and torque than the run-out X5 Performance Edition that had 315 hp and 450 Nm, but the new one is still 0.1 second quicker to 100 km/h.
Despite their performance claims, the X5 pair returns more than decent fuel economy. The xDrive30d model, in particular, averages a remarkable 6.2 litres per 100 km (16.2 km/l), which is a 19% improvement compared to the previous model. The quicker xDrive35i does 8.5 litres per 100 km (11.8 km/l), again bettering the old one’s 10.1 litres per 100 km (9.9 km/l) claim.
Both models send their power down through a standard eight-speed ZF automatic transmission (with the latest ECO PRO ‘sailing’ function) and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. New to the X5 is the Adaptive Comfort Suspension Package (dynamic self-levelling rear air suspension), but it’s limited to the petrol variant only, while the diesel rides on a fixed suspension with springs all around.
The performance won’t be the only difference between the two models, as you can tell them apart from their distinctive appearances too. Touted as the more upscale variant, the X5 xDrive35i is dressed up in what BMW calls the Design Pure Experience scheme, which adds a brushed stainless steel underbody plate, unique front intake elements and Matte Silver kidney grille slats, rear trim strip and roof rails.
In the X5 xDrive30d, those trim pieces are in plain black. Large 19-inch wheels are standard on both models (different designs), as are Adaptive LED headlights, LED foglamps and BMW Individual Exterior Line in Satin Aluminium. Also part of the do are Air Curtains, Air Breathers and Aeroblades, which contribute to the new X5’s low drag coefficiency of 0.31.
Inside, the differences are even more noticeable, none more so that the xDrive30d’s lack of third-row seats. The seven-seat xDrive35i now features a tilt-forward middle row for better access to the back row, of which can be folded down into the floor.
The boot (accessed through a powered two-part tailgate) is much bigger now, at 650 litres with the second-row seats up, and 1,870 litres down (increases of 30 and 120 litres respectively). BMW quotes best-in-class interior versatility and spaciousness, which is fair, compared to the Mercedes-Benz ML and Infiniti QX70 (ex-FX).
Seats aside, the petrol variant is further differentiated by the use of Fine-wood American Oak dashboard trim pieces, instead of the diesel’s Oxide Silver Dark Matte finishers. Paddle shifters and a full-colour Head-Up Display are also exclusive to the more expensive model, while LED interior lighting, four-zone climate control, BMW HiFi system Professional and Surround View Camera system are standard across the range.
So how much do you have to pay for the new F15 BMW X5? Quite a bit, actually – RM558,800 (without insurance) if you’re looking at the xDrive30d, or RM 598,800 for the much better-specced xDrive35i. Want to know if the F15 BMW X5 is worth that much? Read our comprehensive review to find out.
The third-generation BMW X5’s local launch is upon us, as confirmed by the BMW Fascination newsletter and launch invites (pictured above) sent out to selected BMW owners in Malaysia recently. We suppose it’s about time that the new F15 BMW X5 arrives, as the current E70 model has been with us since 2007.
Unveiled in May last year, the refreshed SUV gets an all new look inside and out, with various improvements in terms of interior space, comfort and efficiency. Check out this video detailing the evolution of the X5, from the car-like-SUV-pioneering first-generation E53 from 1999 to the latest F15 version.
Mirroring the outgoing model, two turbocharged 3.0 litre engine variants are expected to be launched here: the 306 PS/400 Nm petrol X5 xDrive35i and the 258 PS/560 Nm diesel X5 xDrive30d. You can read Paul’s comprehensive drive report of the latter and X5 xDrive50i for a more in-depth look at the upcoming model.
The new BMW X5 eDrive is starkly different from the original BMW hybrid SUV – the BMW ActiveHybrid X6. While that one paired a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 to two electric motors, the X5 eDrive has something a lot more modest in terms of power under its hood.
This set of photos were released from an international media event where BMW invited press from certain countries to try out a prototype X5 eDrive. No, we weren’t there, but what we can do is show you these photos of the prototype. Like the Concept X5 eDrive that was shown at Frankfurt 2013, this near production prototype features a 240 hp, 350 Nm 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbo engine paired with an electric motor.
The electric motor is sandwiched between the engine and the ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, in place of where the torque converter normally would be. The 94 hp, 250 Nm electric motor also functions as the engine starter (with auto start/stop support) and the alternator. Powering the motor is a 9 kWh lithium ion battery pack. Acceleration to 100km/h is supposed to take about seven seconds, thanks to a combined output of 302 horsepower.
From the gallery released by BMW we can see that the eDrive system has a few modes. The iDrive display screen caps show you can choose between at least the following modes – MAX eDRIVE and AUTO eDRIVE. We assume that MAX eDRIVE will keep the car on battery power for as long as technically possible, while AUTO eDRIVE will juggle between operation modes appropriately.
The 9 kWh battery will allow up to 30 km of pure electric range. The battery can be recharged via brake energy regeneration, or via a plug-in socket at the base of the A-pillar. BMW targets an average combined fuel consumption of 3.8 litres per 100 km with the production car.
BMW also showcased its next generation four cylinder 2.0 litre turbo engine at the event. This engine (codename B48) is from its new engine family, the first of which has debuted in the form of the 1.5 litre three-cylinder (B38) in the MINI Cooper and the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer. BMW announced that the new 2.0 litre engine will go to production in the first half of this year.
Check out our previous story to read about this new engine family in detail, which consists of petrol and diesel engines in three sizes – 1.5 litre three cylinder, 2.0 litre four cylinder and 3.0 litre six cylinder.
It looks like BMW has plans to put Frankfurt 2013’s BMW Concept X5 eDrive to production, as evident by this protoype hybrid X5 being tested.
This black X5 has a ‘Hybrid Test Vehicle’ sticker on the side, and like the concept, there’s a flap for the charger plug-in socket below the A-pillar. On the rear, there’s a badge that clearly spells eDrive above the left taillamp just like the concept, although it has been taped over.
Frankfurt’s Concept X5 eDrive features a four-cylinder engine paired to a 95 hp electric motor, which draws power from a lithium-ion battery installed beneath the luggage area.
It can run on zero emissions electric-only mode for up to 30 km, up to speeds of 120 km/h. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint can be done in 7.0 seconds, and average fuel consumption is just 3.8 litres per 100 km.
BMW M Performance parts will be available for the F15 BMW X5 from March 2014. The theme is similiar with previous M Performance parts launches – mostly carbon fibre and generally having an aftermarket look.
The M Performance range for the exterior includes a black kidney grille, a front splitter and exterior mirror caps in carbon, air ducting elements, a diffuser insert for the rear apron and side sill foils with M Performance inscription, and chrome or carbon tail pipe tips. For the interior, there’s an M Performance sports steering wheel with red central marking, gear lever with carbon surface, accelerator, brake pedal and driver footrest in steel and BMW M Performance floor mats.
It’s not all show parts though – there are some go bits too. You can equip your X5 with BMW M Performance brakes with blue calipers. If you have an X5 xDrive35i, you can install the BMW M Performance Power Kit which increases output to 326 hp and 450 Nm of torque, increases of 20 hp and 50 Nm respectively. The BMW X5 xDrive35i also has the option of a BMW M Performance silencer system for a sportier sound.
Since the original E53 BMW X5, more and more competitors have shed their offering’s pure 4WD image and gone down a similar route as the flagship BMW SUV. Luxury SUVs these days are less about off-road capability and more about appearing big, imposing and prestigious. Spacious interiors and high seating positions are valued more than off-road capability.
While the X5 was not the world’s first monocoque SUV, it was certainly the first that had good driving dynamics. The SUV used to mean you traded driving dynamics for the privilege of sitting high up above other road users and feeling like your car could tackle any terrain. The X5 showed a new way to approach the SUV. These days, it’s hard to imagine an automotive landscape without vehicles like the the X5, Mercedes ML-Class and Range Rover Sport. Even Porsche makes an SUV now.
When the second-generation BMW X5, code-named the E70, was first unveiled, I had the opportunity to test drive it in Athens, and came away impressed with the new car’s looks and drivability. Lots had changed compared to the original E53 X5.
It had an all-new platform, and thanks to the new double wishbone suspension and an optional Adaptive Drive system featuring a variable anti-roll bar, something that looks like it’s supposed to be big, lumbering and clumsy turned into a machine befitting of the term Sports Activity Vehicle. Big improvements were made to address the E53’s most common criticisms, such as the lack of interior room.
Fast forward a few years later, and I find myself in a completely different continent – this time North America, in Vancouver, Canada to be exact – looking at the latest version of the BMW X5. Viewing the third-generation vehicle parked in front of the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel with my own eyes for the first time, the feeling is certainly different from that of when I saw the E70. The new F15 X5 looks very much like the E70; BMW took a more evolutionary approach with the car rather than a revolutionary one.
Mamak stall conversations between auto enthusiasts about the new X5 will undoubtedly involve how BMW has given the X5 what appears to be a big facelift instead of a full model change. Talk is one thing but is that actually true? Let’s have a closer look.
VIPs, say hello to your new car bodyguard, the BMW X5 Security Plus Concept. BMW says that this bulletproof SUV, which offers all-round protection against violent assault, kidnapping and organised crime, meets the needs of risk-exposed individuals and prominent public figures with enhanced security needs.
South America, Africa and Russia are target markets, but we think it should sell well in Malaysia too with the recent and unprecedented spate of gun crimes across the country. BMW, please update your list.
The X5 Security Plus is rated at protection level VR6. Built around an armoured passenger cell constructed from high-performance steel mouldings and panels, it offers secure protection to four occupants from bullets. BMW namedrops the world’s most popular firearm, the AK-47, so it should protect from pistols, too.
It features sealed joints for bullet or fragment protection in critical areas around doors or where panels join body pillars. The security glass is resistant to attack by blunt weapons, making this X5 immune to smash-and-grab thieves on kapcais. The polycarbonate coating on the inside of the glass also provides effective protection against flying splinters.
An armoured X5 is much heavier than a regular one, and the extra weight alters driving dynamics, so the xDrive and stability control systems on this 450 hp V8-powered hulk have been recalibrated along with the chassis and brakes. Performance is therefore virtually on a par with a regular X5, BMW says.
The Security Plus is built alongside the regular production X5 at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the USA. The security features are installed by a specialist workforce at the Toluca plant in Mexico. The armoured X5 is virtually indistinguishable from a regular one, because anonymity too can be a useful security feature.
For those who don’t need such high levels of protection, there’s the X5 Security. Dropping the Plus means that protection level is down to VR4 level, which protects against “general street crime”. For ultimate protection, check out the BMW 7-Series High Security, which is rated VR7 and VR9. For safety on the cheap, there’s a high security E46 330i listed on oto.my.
BMW hasn’t waited very long to introduce the oil burning top of the range variant of the third-gen BMW X5 – pictures and brief specs were available when the F15 X5 was first unveiled in end May 2013. Now we can share with you more hi-res photos of the X5 range-topper, until the X5 M is launched of course.
If you’re the kind that gets off with numbers, you aren’t going to be very excited because things aren’t very different under the hood of the F15 M50d versus the E70 M50d. Peak output is still 381 hp, peak torque is 740 Nm, and the six-cylinder 3.0 litre engine still uses three turbochargers. Power is set to the xDrive system via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. 0-100 km/h can be done in 5.3 seconds, down from 5.4 in the E70.
Despite what seems like mega power and torque and a 0-100 km/h acceleration figure of 5.3 seconds, because the M50d is a diesel, the combined fuel consumption rating is just 6.7 litres per 100 km on the EU test cycle, down from 7.5 litres per 100 km on the E70 X5 M50d, so despite the same output numbers, the car is both more fuel efficient and quicker accelerating as well.
BMW will be bringing another kind of X5 to the Frankfurt show, though, the electric kind.
The BMW Concept X5 eDrive, set to debut at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show, previews a new plug-in hybrid version of the F15 X5 SUV, or SAV if you must. BMW says it’s the “logical next step towards landmark efficiency” in the segment, with the concept rated at just 3.8 litres per 100 km in the EU combined cycle.
It will share BMW’s Frankfurt stand with the production-ready i3 all-electric car and the i8 sports coupe. It’s the company’s second plug-in hybrid eDrive model, after 2012’s Concept Active Tourer, albeit hooked up to BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system this time round.
BMW has chosen not to reveal too much of the new powertrain, instead describing it as a four-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, paired to an electric motor. We think it’s safe to assume that it’s based on BMW’s existing 2.0 litre turbo four unit, though no power output is released.
The electric motor however, is known to be a 95 hp unit that sources its energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery positioned in a crash-safe cradle underneath the boot. The load-carrying capacity is “virtually unchanged,” says BMW, despite storing the battery and charging cable below the flat storage area.
Designed to be charged from any domestic power socket, the battery and electric motor offers an all-electric, zero-emission range of 30 km, at speeds of up to 120 km/h. Working in hybrid mode with the petrol engine, it can get from 0 – 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds, average 3.8 l/100 km and emit just 90 g/km of CO2.
There is a choice of three driving modes –intelligent hybrid drive option for an optimum balance between sportiness and efficiency, pure electric and therefore emission-free driving, or Save Battery mode to maintain the current battery charge.
In concept form, the SUV comes with blue accents on the kidney grille slats, air intake bars and rear bumper garnish. It’s not just any blue though; it’s the BMW i Blue used on the new i sub-brand. It also gets unique roof rails, a charging socket that lights up when in use, and 21-inch alloy wheels in an aerodynamically-optimised design.
BMW has released a fancy promo video of the new F15 BMW X5, which showcases its new looks and go-anywhere personality. A bit of snow and some water splashes are as far off-road as the clip ventures, but it’s definitely worth a watch for SUV lovers and BMW fanatics alike.
A quick recap on the third-generation BMW X5: it sits on the same platform as the outgoing E70 X5, but is longer, wider and shorter than before. There are seven engine options (the usual mix of petrol and diesel), all paired to an eight-speed gearbox. Power is up from before, consumption and emissions down. Standard new-gen fare, really.
All new is the choice of a base 2.0 litre turbodiesel engine, in either sDrive25d or all-wheel drive xDrive25d form. A full suite of electronic systems (some new, the rest carried over) is in place, both to improve efficiency and on- and off-road dynamics. There’s more tech inside the thoroughly revamped interior too, of course.
Read our original international launch story for full details of the F15 BMW X5, plus our scoops on the new M Performance M50d, M Sport and upcoming X5 M models too. Earlier, BMW also released a video detailing all three generations of the X5, which you can watch here.
Here are some spyshots of the 2014 BMW X5 M, the upcoming performance flagship for the just launched third-generation F15 BMW X5.
When it is launched, this car will succeed the E70 X5 M, which broke new ground for the M division in many ways when it surfaced in 2009. Together with the X6 M, original X5 M was the first AWD M car, the first M car to be fitted with a torque converter automatic and the first to feature a twin-turbo V8, too.
Anyway, back to the topic at hand, which looks to have unique front and rear bumpers, larger brakes, quad exhaust outlets, and fatter tyres compared to the standard F15 X5.
What’s special though, will be under the skin – will the next X5 M have more power and speed than the outgoing car, which is no fat slouch with 555 hp, 680 Nm and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds. Click here to read all about the E70 X5 M, and here for a comprehensive view at the new F15 X5.
BMW TV has produced a short four-minute clip featuring all three BMW X5 generations, detailing the changes that the X5 has undergone from the first generation, which was the E53, to the E70 and now, the F15.
After that, the video goes into a walk-through of the F15’s new exterior and interior. If you’re a fan of the SUV that pretty much redefined the whole segment, you’ll enjoy this video.
We’ve seen what the third-gen F15 BMW X5 looks like, with plenty of photos of the xDrive30d and xDrive50i in the new Design Pure Experience and Design Pure Excellence trim packages. Now, here’s a glimpse of what the SAV looks like in its M50d form as well as when dressed up in the M Sport package, courtesy of brochures from the company’s German website (which you’ll be able to view below).
Standard items in the M Sport package include a M aerodynamic kit, Adaptive M suspension and 19-inch M double five-spoke 467 M wheels, with two 20-inch double five-spoke designs, the 468 M and 469 M, on the options list.
The M50d (the example in white), which is powered by a tri-turbo six-cylinder 3.0 litre diesel offering 381 PS at 4,000 to 4,400 rpm and 740 Nm of torque at 2,000 to 3,000 rpm, features BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim, Alcantara/leather combination sports seats and Aluminium Hexagon interior trim on the equipment list.
You’ll also have noticed the couple of silver X5 images here – this is what the ‘baseline’ offering, the sDrive25d, will look like.
It wasn’t just long ago that we saw a rendering of it, but no more speculation is needed on what it looks like, because the first details and photos of the 2014 BMW X5 have come about – the third-generation F15 is slated to go on sale starting from November, after its public debut, presumably in Frankfurt.
Dimensions-wise, the F15 sits on the same 2,933 mm-long wheelbase as the current E70, but is slightly longer at 4,886 mm (E70, 4,854 mm). It’s also marginally wider at 1,938 mm (E70, 1,933 mm) and lower at 1,762 mm (1,776 mm).
The new car also features more usable cabin space. Interior width for the front occupants has been increased from 1,551 mm in the current second-gen to 1,562 mm, while the rear is essentially unchanged. There’s also a marginal increase in distance between seat height to the interior roofline. Weight is down too, with the help of extensive use of ultra-high-tensile steels in the body structure, an aluminium bonnet and magnesium instrument panel support as well as thermoplastic side panels.
The company says that the F15 is an evolutionary development of body design from the E70; it’s certainly softer-looking – and shapelier – than the outgoing vehicle. Cues on the silhouette are an eye-catching swage line over the wheel arches and plenty of horizontal lines and taut surfaces at the rear, as well as design elements for the Air Curtains and Air Breathers, which make their debut on a BMW X model.
The usual variety of engine models abound, paired to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, with the option of two- or four-wheel drive (sDrive and xDrive) configurations. At point of launch, the range will be made up of three variants, the X5 xDrive50i, xDrive30d and M50d. A month later, the X5 xDrive40d, xDrive35i, xDrive25d and sDrive25d models will join the lineup, making it seven derivatives.
Power output is up by 10% in the xDrive50i’s 4.4 litre TwinPower Turbo V8, the unit now making 450 PS at 5,500 rpm, and torque is up by 50 Nm, to 650 Nm at 2,000 to 4,500 rpm. Fuel consumption is down by 20%, and CO2 emissions have been cut by 50g/km compared to now. Performance specs include a 0–100 km/h time of 5.0 seconds and a 250 km/h top speed.
As for the X5 xDrive30d, the revised six-cylinder in-line diesel unit offers a power and torque increase of 13 PS and 20 Nm respectively, while being 19% more fuel efficient at that. Output numbers are now 258 PS at 4,000 rpm and 560 Nm at 1,500 to 3,000 rpm. It’s good to give the model a 0–100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds and a 230 km/h top speed.
The M50d M Performance variant is powered by a tri-turbo six-cylinder 3.0 litre diesel offering 381 PS at 4,000 to 4,400 rpm and 740 Nm of torque at 2,000 to 3,000 rpm, and it does the sprint to 100 km/h from standstill in 5.3 seconds, going up to 250 km/h.
When it arrives in December, the 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine will be new to the X5, and it will feature in the sole two-wheel drive model, the sDrive25d, as well as the xDrive25d.
There’s a raft of EfficientDynamics features, as expected – the X5 will come with ECO PRO, Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand use of auxiliary units, electric power steering and low rolling resistance tyres as standard fitment. Ditto ConnectedDrive, of course.
Elsewhere, driver assistance features such as DSC, DTC, CBC, Dynamic Brake Control and an Automatic Differential Brake are to be found, and Brake Assist, Brake Standby, Hill-Start Assistant, Brake Fade compensation, Brake Drying and HDC – on xDrive versions – also come as standard. The xDrive system has also been revised, and is now 1.4 kg lighter.
Buyers will have a choice of four suspension packages – Adaptive Comfort suspension, Adaptive M suspension, Adaptive Dynamic suspension and Adaptive Professional suspension – to pick from. All versions will be equipped with electronic power-assisted steering, with Active Steering available as an option for the X5 xDrive30d and xDrive50i.
The interior features newly-designed front seats, with the option of comfort or sport seats, and the third-row seats can be lowered into the floor individually. The folding backrest in the middle row is now split 40:20:40, and cargo space volume is 650 litres, going to 1,870 litres with rear seats folded, an increase of 30 and 120 litres respectively.
Also to be found, a 10.2 inch free-standing Control Display screen linked to the new iDrive Touch Controller operating system, and black-panel tech for the climate control and ventilation displays.
There’s also new scope for individualisation – besides the usual SE and M Sport packages, two new design packages called Design Pure Experience and Design Pure Excellence means that exterior and interior features can be ordered in almost any combination.
The Design Pure Experience package includes a mix of brushed stainless steel and high-gloss black exterior elements, and the interior can be had with Nappa leather with contrast stitching in dark Mocha and Black, black leather on the instrument panel/upper arm trims with Nut Brown contrast stitching, topped up with Fineline Pure textured wood trim.
As for the Design Pure Excellence kit, the underbody protection and wheel arch surrounds go with the body colour, with gloss black and chrome bits peppering the exterior. The Nappa leather interior features extensive areas in Ivory White with contrast stitching, American Oak interior trim and Atlas Grey leather instrument panel and door panel coverings. All sounds rather heady, doesn’t it?
