2011 BMW X5 — 2010 Geneva Auto Show

What is it?
2011 BMW X5

What's special about it?
A newly face-lifted 2011 BMW X5 is appearing only three-and-a-half years after the second-generation BMW SUV first appeared in U.S. showrooms. Set to make its public premiere at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, BMW's luxury sport-utility holds few surprises, which include the usual series of exterior styling upgrades as well as subtle revisions to the interior, plus an extended list of standard and optional equipment.

The most important news for the 2011 BMW X5 is the appearance of two new gasoline engines and a new eight-speed automatic gearbox, all aimed at improving the X5's competitive position in the marketplace against the upcoming second-generation Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg, which also will make their first public appearance at the Geneva auto show.

At first glance, there appears very little to set the 2011 BMW X5 apart from today's model. However, BMW claims more than 4,000 modified or renewed parts have found their way into this strong-selling SUV. The biggest external change is the restyled front bumper assembly that sports repositioned foglights, enlarged air ducts for improved cooling of the engine and brakes, and embellished styling to emphasize the width of the vehicle's stance.

Further changes include reworked headlight assemblies with altered internal graphics and standard adaptive bi-xenon projectors, although the lights of North American X5s will not have the distinctive ring-style corona that European X5s will get. BMW's designers have also provided the X5 with altered cladding around the wheel arches, LED-enhanced taillights and a deeper rear bumper complete with squared-off tailpipes similar to those of the new 7 Series.

Inside the cabin, you'll find the latest-generation iDrive controller as well as other details. Passenger packaging remains the same as with today's X5, with seating for up to seven thanks to an optional third-row seat. Three equipment levels — standard, premium and sport activity — are available, the latter adding an M Sport styling package and performance-oriented extras such as 20-inch wheels and the ability to calibrate the throttle and suspension for sportier settings as well as increase top speed to 150 mph.

Much of the newness in the 2011 BMW X5 can be found beneath the hood, as there's a new range of turbocharged, direct-injected engines and a range of common-rail diesels. BMW's new eight-speed automatic is standard equipment, improving both shift quality and fuel-efficiency.

When you step up to the $59,275 BMW X5 xDrive50i, you get the same twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 as in the X6 xDrive50i. This 90-degree V8 makes 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, some 50 hp and 90 lb-ft more than the former naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 engine from the now-discontinued X5 xDrive48is.

In combination with the improved performance of the new gearbox and software upgrades to the X5's all-wheel-drive system, the increased engine power helps the new top-of-the-line X5 accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in 5.3 seconds, 0.8 second quicker than before. No official EPA fuel-economy numbers are yet available for U.S. models, but the European model has slightly improved its fuel-efficiency and about 19 mpg is in the frame, we're told.

Meanwhile, the $46,675 2011 BMW X5 adopts the new N55 engine, which combines an intercooler and a single twin-scroll turbocharger with the 3.0-liter inline-6. The result is 300 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. This is enough to accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in 6.4 seconds, a performance on par with the old X5 xDrive48i. Again, no fuel consumption figures are available for the new X5 xDrive35i, but prospective buyers can expect something in the region of 21 mpg on the EPA cycle.

BMW has discontinued the price-leading BMW X5 xDrive30i. Its position in the German carmaker's lineup will be filled by the new, second-generation X3, which is set to grow in size and prestige when it premieres in October at the 2010 Paris Auto Show. Though the X3 is currently built at Magna's assembly plant in Graz, Austria, the new model will be built alongside the X5 and X6 at BMW's plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Continuing its concerted push with diesel in North America, BMW will continue to offer the X5 xDrive35d, which in face-lifted form now retails for $52,175. It retains the same twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-6 with common-rail diesel technology as the current vehicle. With 265 hp and a stout 425 lb-ft of torque, this engine will get the X5 to 60 mph from a standstill in 6.9 seconds while averaging an EPA-rated 22.5 mpg.

Inside Line says: No big surprises here. More power, more features and probably a higher price. Were you really expecting anything more from BMW? — Andreas Stahl, Correspondent