BMW X5 (E70): bigger, seven seats and the first X5 M

The second-generation X5 replaced the E53 in July 2006 and grew in every direction except height. It added an optional third row of seats, a new interior and the first use of the FlexRay data bus in a production car. In 2009 BMW presented the X5 M, the first all-wheel drive model from M GmbH, with a twin-turbo V8.

BMW X5 (E70) at a glance

Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the E70; the German article was not available.

History of the BMW X5 (E70)

Design and packaging

The E70 was 60 mm wider and 165 mm longer than the E53, with a 110 mm longer wheelbase while keeping the same 1,766 mm height. The xDrive all-wheel drive system from the facelifted E53 continued, with detail improvements, and the front suspension changed to a double wishbone layout. The manual gearbox was dropped entirely, leaving only automatic transmissions. The interior was completely new, with a large centre screen and a simplified iDrive, a glass panorama roof and, for the first time in a BMW, an optional third row that raised capacity to seven passengers — an answer to criticism that the E53 was slightly too small for its segment.

Technology

The E70 came with iDrive, an electronic joystick gear selector with no mechanical link to the gearbox, LED tail-lights and an all-polypropylene single-module front fender. Options included a head-up display, active steering, active damping and Dynamic Drive with active anti-roll bars. The car was the first production vehicle to use FlexRay, a very fast electrical bus, although only for the damping control. Other equipment across the range included Comfort Access, corona ring daytime running lights, four-zone climate control and a Park Distance system that could overlay the optional rear-view camera image. For the 2010 model year the X5 received the new iDrive system and the BMW Individual audio system. Its rollover risk was rated at 17.4%.

The X5 M

The X5 M was shown to the press at the New York Auto Show in April 2009 and reached dealers in September 2009 for the 2010 model year. It was the first all-wheel drive vehicle from M GmbH, together with the X6 M, and used the S63, a high-output version of the N63 twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8, making 547 bhp (408 kW) at 5,750 rpm and 680 N·m between 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. It reached 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and ran the quarter mile in 12.5 seconds, and lapped the Top Gear test track in 1:28.2 in the wet. It carried the largest brakes yet on a BMW production car, with 395 mm front and 385 mm rear discs, along with M-specific suspension, M Servotronic steering, launch control and a six-speed M Sport automatic. For 2013 an M Performance Package was offered on the xDrive35i and xDrive50i with sport suspension, wider fenders and more power.

Design and features

• FlexRay: the first production car with the fast data bus, used here for chassis damping control.
• Seven seats: the first X5 with an optional third row.
• Joystick shifter: an electronic selector without a mechanical link, later adopted by the 5 Series.
• X5 M: a 547 hp twin-turbo V8, M suspension and the biggest brakes fitted to a BMW at the time.
• Driver aids: head-up display, active steering, active damping and Dynamic Drive.

BMW X5 (E70) versions

• xDrive35i: six-cylinder petrol model.
• xDrive50i: V8 petrol model.
• Diesel models: sold widely in Europe, with selective catalytic reduction from 2008 in the United States.
• X5 M (2009–2013): S63 twin-turbo V8, 547 bhp, M chassis and brakes.
• M Performance Package (2013): sport suspension and more power for the xDrive35i and xDrive50i.

The E70 replaced the X5 (E53) and was joined by the smaller X3 (E83). Its V8 engines came from the same family as the 7 Series (E65), and more cars are in the BMW collection.

Sources

• BMW X5 (E70), English Wikipedia: dimensions, technology, equipment, X5 M