GENEVA — When BMW pulls the wraps off its X5 Vision Efficient Dynamics concept at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, it will be proclaiming a bold message. BMW says this is a production-feasible seven-seat SUV — with the sort of performance, consumption and emissions rating you would expect from an average U.S.-market compact.
Even more intriguing, BMW insiders have tipped the X5 concept as a serious contender for production. As the first official photos were released today, an insider told Inside Line that the model could be built "within the next two to three years."
At the heart of the new concept is a hybrid drivetrain our source indicates will begin appearing in selected BMW models within three years, including the upcoming PAS (progressive activity sedan) and second-generation X3, which are both due out next year. The X5 Vision is designed to operate purely as a mild hybrid, with a small-capacity diesel engine supplemented by an electric motor — so it's different from the full hybrid system seen on the X6 ActiveHybrid at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show last September. The X5's engine is the new BMW twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder common-rail diesel that makes 204 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
BMW's xDrive four-wheel system, a new ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox — which will replace the existing six-speed across the BMW lineup soon — and BMW's stop/start function that switches off the engine when the car is stopped or idling, are all features of the X5 concept.
Although BMW has not yet divulged a weight for the X5 concept, it does claim a fuel consumption figure of 36.2 mpg (U.S.) — dramatically better than the 29.0 mpg (U.S.) of the X5 3.0d.
Other items of note are a solar panel in the roof that acts as an additional electrical source — and preheats the oil while powering entertainment and HVAC systems when the car is stationary; a set of futuristic-looking alloy wheels developed in BMW's wind tunnel for better aerodynamics and lower fuel consumption; and a lower-than-standard ride height, also for aerodynamic advantage.
What this means to you: BMW goes green in style and takes a lot of the guilt out of SUV lust. — Andreas Stahl, Correspondent
Even more intriguing, BMW insiders have tipped the X5 concept as a serious contender for production. As the first official photos were released today, an insider told Inside Line that the model could be built "within the next two to three years."
At the heart of the new concept is a hybrid drivetrain our source indicates will begin appearing in selected BMW models within three years, including the upcoming PAS (progressive activity sedan) and second-generation X3, which are both due out next year. The X5 Vision is designed to operate purely as a mild hybrid, with a small-capacity diesel engine supplemented by an electric motor — so it's different from the full hybrid system seen on the X6 ActiveHybrid at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show last September. The X5's engine is the new BMW twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder common-rail diesel that makes 204 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
BMW's xDrive four-wheel system, a new ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox — which will replace the existing six-speed across the BMW lineup soon — and BMW's stop/start function that switches off the engine when the car is stopped or idling, are all features of the X5 concept.
Although BMW has not yet divulged a weight for the X5 concept, it does claim a fuel consumption figure of 36.2 mpg (U.S.) — dramatically better than the 29.0 mpg (U.S.) of the X5 3.0d.
Other items of note are a solar panel in the roof that acts as an additional electrical source — and preheats the oil while powering entertainment and HVAC systems when the car is stationary; a set of futuristic-looking alloy wheels developed in BMW's wind tunnel for better aerodynamics and lower fuel consumption; and a lower-than-standard ride height, also for aerodynamic advantage.
What this means to you: BMW goes green in style and takes a lot of the guilt out of SUV lust. — Andreas Stahl, Correspondent
Add A Comment »