New BMW X5 Unveiled: In Detail

Press Release

Page 1 – Intro
Page 2 – Suspension
Page 3 – Driving aids
Page 4 – Engines
Page 5 – Transmission
Page 6 – Design
Page 7 – Body
Page 8 – Interior
Page 9 – Features
Page 10 – Service

Suspension

Innovative and exclusive suspension technology.

The new BMW X5 boasts a double wishbone front suspension, which is noteworthy for this type of vehicle. This optimizes tire contact on the road and makes the new X5 capable of reaching impressively high cornering forces.

The integral IV rear suspension, patented by BMW, also helps to give the new BMW X5 truly outstanding potential on the road. Through its configuration, the rear suspension is better able to separate the driving and shock-absorbing functions. The wheel mounts and suspension subframe, as well as no less than four control arms, takes up drive and dynamic forces fed into the suspension. Lastly, soft front swing mounts on the rear suspension subframe, optimize the longitudinal suspension of the wheel guidance elements and enhance ride comfort substantially.

The new rack-and-pinion steering with a variable transmission ratio geared to the steering angle meets the requirements of different driving situations at all times. The steering helps keep the driver safely in control of his vehicle even at higher speeds, offering outstanding directional stability. In bends, on the other hand, the driver will feel more direct steering response with the steering ratio geared to the steering angle which provides a dynamic style of driving.

Active Steering and AdaptiveDrive: Unique in the segment
The new BMW X5 is the first vehicle in its class to offer Active Steering as an option. This advanced system developed by BMW offers the right steering ratio at all speeds. Up to a speed of approximately 55 mph (90 km/h), steering behavior is more direct, meeting the requirements of sporting and active driving. Another advantage is that the driver only has to turn the steering wheel twice from lock to lock. At higher speeds, on the other hand, the Active Steering transmission is more indirect, enhancing the directional stability of the vehicle and, accordingly, driving comfort.

Active Steering, when ordered, is combined in the new BMW X5 with Servotronic for optimal power steering boost at all speeds. Active Steering can also help to stabilize the X5 should the driver experience the onset of oversteering or understeering in a bend or in particularly demanding brake maneuvers. When applying the brakes on surfaces with varying frictional coefficients (split-friction braking), for example, Active Steering precisely but discreetly countersteers to help the X5 stop in a sure straight line.

Carefully coordinated interaction of the anti-roll bars and shock absorbers by way of AdaptiveDrive, part of the Sport Package in the U.S., is equally unique in this SAV’s segment. The combination of Active Roll Stabilization and Electronic Damping Control gives the new BMW X5 a standard of handling capability and ride quality never seen before in a vehicle of this kind. Using sensors, AdaptiveDrive constantly monitors and calculates data on the road speed of the vehicle, its steering angle, straight-line and lateral acceleration, body and wheel acceleration, as well as height levels. Then, based on this information, the system controls both the swivel motors on the anti-roll bars and the electromagnetic shock-absorber valves, controlling body roll and damping as required at all times.

Simply by pressing a button, the driver can choose either a sporting or a more comfortable basic setting of AdaptiveDrive.