History and description cars BMW X5

The BMW X5 debuted in 1999. It is a mid-size luxury crossover and belongs to the J-segment according to the European classification (Sports utility or SUV). It is produced by the German car manufacturer BMW and is the company's first SUV. It was developed at a time when BMW owned the brand Land Rover and the X5 has adopted many of the car's off-road features Range Rover. The engine is located at the front with all-wheel drive (by default, 62% of the torque goes to the rear axle, 38% to the front), the transmission is automatic or manual. The main competitors are Audi Q7, Chevrolet Tahoe, Lexus RX 300, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Mitsubishi Pajero, Porsche Cayenne, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota 4Runner and Volkswagen Touareg.

Starting with the X5, BMW's crossover series expanded and in 2003 they began producing a compact crossover X3, and then in 2008 began production of a luxury mid-size crossover X6, which shares its platform with the X5.

First generation (E53; 1999–2006)

The X5's history begins in 1994, when ideas emerged for a BMW crossover after the acquisition of Rover. By the autumn of 1996, the design had been approved and the design basis for the X5 (E53) had been defined, with prototypes being tested in the second half of 1997. Production began on 1 September 1999 first generation X5 with E53 body at BMW's US plants in Greer, South Carolina and Toluca, Mexico.

The BMW X5 was primarily developed as a sports car and its off-road capabilities are inferior to the Range Rover, its "inspirer". In this regard, BMW introduced the classification of the X5 as an SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), instead of SUV.

In 2003, the car was restyled. The changes affected the headlights, radiator grilles, rear lights, new body colors appeared, the engines were modernized and a new all-wheel drive system xDrive began to be used. Now the car can direct any percentage of engine power to the front or rear axle instead of the original 62%-38% scheme.

There were five petrol engines – 3.0 liters (l6, 231 hp), 4.4 liters (V8, 286 hp), 4.4 liters (V8, 320 hp), 4.6 liters (V8, 340 hp) and 4.8 liters (V8, 360 hp). There are only two diesel engines - both 3.0 liters with 184 and 218 hp. Transmissions were 5- and 6-speed automatic and mechanical. In 2006, production of the E53 was completed and it was replaced by a new E70 body.

Second generation (E70; 2006–2013)

The second generation of the BMW X5 was presented at the Paris Motor Show in August 2006. In November 2006, its official sales began. Production was also located in the USA. The xDrive all-wheel drive system, which appeared on the restyled first generation, is also used on the E70 with further improvements. The car's body became 165 mm longer, 60 mm wider and the wheelbase increased by 110 mm.

The car has many new technological achievements for this class, including the iDrive system, electronic "joystick" for gear shifting, LED rear lights, indicators on the windshield, active steering, active suspension, active anti-roll bars and other solutions for a more comfortable and safe ride. The interior of the car has become larger and has been completely updated. A central display with a large screen has appeared. The number of seats has been increased to seven, installing folding seats in the trunk.

The X5 was equipped with four models of petrol engines – 3.0 liters (l6, 261 hp), 3.5 liters (l6, 302 hp), 4.8 liters (V8, 350 hp) and 5.0 liters (V8, 402 hp). At first there were three diesel engines – 3.0 liters (l6, 232 hp), 3.5 liters (l6, 282 hp), 3.5 liters (l6, 265 hp). In 2011, two 6-cylinder in-line diesel engines appeared, with a volume of 3.0 and 4.0 liters and a capacity of 242 and 302 hp. The transmission was initially only a 6-speed automatic Steptronic, and since 2011 an 8-speed automatic ZF 8HP has appeared.

Third generation (F15; 2013-present time)

The third generation was presented at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2013. Production began in August 2013, and official sales began in November 2013. The exterior, designed by BMW designer Mark Johnson, was approved in November 2010. The body of the car became slightly larger, the wheelbase remained the same. Thanks to the use of ultra-high-strength steel, thermoplastics, aluminum and magnesium, it was possible to reduce the weight by 90 kg. The interior is now equipped with a 10.25-inch display.

There are three modifications of gasoline engines: a 3.5-liter inline l6 with a capacity of 302 hp, a 5.0-liter V8 with a capacity of 444 hp, and a 2.0-liter inline l4 in a hybrid power plant with a total capacity of 298 hp. There are also three modifications of diesel engines: a 2.0-liter l4 with a capacity of 215 hp, a 3.0-liter l6 with a capacity of 254 hp, and a 3.0-liter l6 with a capacity of 309 hp. Only one transmission is installed: an 8-speed automatic ZF 8HP.

BMW X5 F15, control panel

BMW X5 F15, rear seats

BMW X5 F15, trunk