Before 1999, many SUV models with extraordinary off-road capabilities performed unsatisfactorily on the road. This situation was broken by the birth of the original BMW X5. The BMW X5, which features a load-bearing body, not only has the versatility of an SUV model, but also exhibits the sporty attributes of a sedan, creating a segment of luxury sports utility vehicles (SAV). Since its inception, the BMW X5 has been innovative in the level of sports control, creating its own product charm and passing it on to this day. So does the new BMW X5 with its extra-long wheelbase still have the driving feel of a BMW SAV?
Lightweight, high-strength body, creating a solid foundation for unique driving fun
When it comes to the characteristics of BMW models, it must be the first to think of the 50:50 front and rear axle load ratio. The new BMW X5 is large, with an extra-long wheelbase of 3,105 mm, but also achieves a counterweight of the front and rear axles very close to 50:50. Faced with such a seemingly "impossible task", R&D engineers gave a nearly perfect answer. Various types of metal materials are applied in different positions of the body to take advantage of the characteristics and advantages of the material itself. The new BMW X5 uses more than ten kinds of steel with different material characteristics in different parts, including deep-drawn steel, baked hardened steel, multiphase steel, high-strength steel, ultra-high strength thermoformed steel, etc., which can effectively ensure the rigidity of the body, make the vehicle posture more stable and more solid when driving dynamically, and the twists and turns will become smoother in an instant. The structural parts and front shock absorber towers in the engine compartment are made of aluminum alloy material, combined with the use of ultra-high-strength steel, which not only achieves lightweight body, but also balances the front and rear axle counterweights of the new BMW X5, bringing a better handling experience for the driver.
The new BMW X5 body adopts an intelligent material distribution design based on performance requirements, and the body is heavily used in ultra-high-strength steel, with tensile strength of 1,300 MPa and yield strength of more than 1,000 MPa, which not only ensures the robustness of the body but also makes it have corresponding toughness. At the same time, the advanced TRB manufacturing process through a special plate rolling method, so that a single piece in different parts can achieve different material thickness and strength, in the body local structure to meet the ultra-high strength design requirements under the premise of effectively optimizing the material distribution, reducing the number of parts, thereby reducing the weight of the body.
Strong kinetic energy, the huge body is also light and agile
Advanced powertrains have always been the foundation of BMW's products, and only BMW's exploration of the performance of the internal combustion engine is so persistent and pure. Even if the new BMW X5 is more than 5 meters tall, its body still contains BMW's iconic sports genes and the spirit of exploration of the X family, whether it is a flat road or a rugged mountain road, the power that comes to mind can always bring a smooth driving experience.
In order to fully meet the needs of Chinese consumers for surging power, the new BMW X5 xDrive 30Li model uses the latest BMW 2.0T inline four-cylinder engine, and the new BMW X5 xDrive 40Li model is equipped with the BMW 3.0T inline six-cylinder engine that has won the "Ward Top Ten Engines" award many times. They apply a number of "hardcore" technologies, such as a high-precision direct fuel injection system for a new generation of six-hole injectors with a fuel injection pressure of 350 Bar, enabling both efficiency and combustion cleanliness, while the twin-scroll turbocharger is paired with an integrated, sophisticated metal exhaust manifold and turbine fan blade design that makes the new engine lighter and faster to boost. Under the action of many engine technologies, the former has a maximum power of 180 kW and a peak torque of 400 Nm, while the latter has a maximum power of 245 kW and a peak torque of 450 Nm.
The highly efficient 8-speed Steptronic hand-operated transmission is perfectly matched to both engines. Combined with intelligent shift logic and responsive electronic throttles, the new BMW X5 is a "behemoth" that delivers a smooth acceleration experience to the driver at any time. Among them, the new BMW X5 xDrive 30Li accelerates in 7.3 seconds from 100 kilometers, while the new BMW X5 xDrive 40Li takes only 6.0 seconds.
Thanks to the efficient 4WD system, the new BMW X5 not only delivers power off the wheel without reservation on the road, but also allows the driver to enjoy driving when off-road. The leading xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, which typically intelligently adjusts the torque distribution of the front and rear axles in a 40:60 ratio, but if the rear wheels are detected to lose grip and slide, 100% of the power can be transferred to the front axle, assisting the vehicle through bad roads. At the same time, the DSC driving stability control system can enable the vehicle to stabilize and synchronize the power output of the inner and outer wheels at a low acceleration when driving on non-paved roads or bad weather conditions, both to maintain stable grip and maintain a smooth driving trajectory. The precise combination of the two can always bring the driver confidence to the driver, making driving more handy.
Sporty chassis configuration, full road conditions
The new BMW X5 features a suspension combination of two front wishbones and a rear five-link linkage for outstanding dynamic responsiveness in a variety of road conditions. The application of adaptive dual-axle air suspension and electronic shock absorbers can effectively improve the stability and flexibility of the body, so that the driving pleasure is more vivid.
The adaptive dual-axle air suspension supports automatic adjustment with vehicle speed or on-demand adjustment via the control keys below the iDrive knob for a more enjoyable handling experience. Off-road, it raises the chassis up to 40 mm, improving passability and assisting drivers in conquering sand and gullies. When speeding on the highway of Ichima Hirakawa, this configuration lowers the chassis by 20 mm, thereby reducing the center of gravity and improving driving stability.
Electronic shock absorbers can control the valve electrically from the inside to achieve different damping characteristic curves. The electronic shock absorber can be combined with the steering system to immediately adjust the shock absorber of the outer wheel to a "harder" state when the steering wheel angle is recognized, giving the body stronger support and reducing roll. In addition, the electronic shock absorber can also work with the braking system, and the damping force of the front wheel shock absorber increases when braking, canceling the "nod" phenomenon and reducing the braking distance to a certain extent. As a result, electronic shock absorbers allow drivers to pursue more extreme cords and more extreme braking positions on the track.
In the Chinese market, the BMW X5 is favored by customers for its excellent driving pleasure, and its market share is firmly in the leading position of the same level of market segment. The new BMW X5 still adheres to BMW's high level of power performance and sporty tuning, and while enhancing the luxury and comfort of the vehicle, it still allows long-awaited Chinese customers to experience the strength and confidence of the new car.