2006 BMW X5 4.8is

(continued from above)

For 2004, the X5 received an extensive round of product enhancements that freshened its appeal to customers who value the attributes of an SUV - robust construction, all-weather/all-road and trailer-towing capabilities, commanding driving position, ease of loading cargo - but also seek traditional BMW attributes: precision handling, brilliant performance, elegant design, tasteful luxury, premium quality. Those changes included:

• A new all-wheel drive system, xDrive, that adjusts front/rear torque proportioning according to road and driving conditions to optimize both traction and handling.
• Adoption of the acclaimed Valvetronic V-8 engine in the X5 4.4i model, resulting in greater power and significantly improved fuel efficiency.
• A new top-of-line model, the 4.8is; replacing the former 4.6is, this high-performance X5 introduced a larger and more powerful version of the Valvetronic V-8.
• New 6-speed transmissions - manual in the 6-cylinder X5 3.0i model, automatic in the X5 4.4i and 4.8is.
• Freshened exterior design, with an entirely (yet subtly) new front end, new taillights and several fresh colors.
• New wheel designs and enhanced standard equipment.

What's new for 2005

All models

• Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors (optional 3.0i, Premium Package 4.4i, standard 4.8is) now include a digital compass, integrated into the interior rearview mirror. (This was actually added during the '04 model year.)
• Dual-panel Panorama moonroof (Premium Package or stand-alone option on 3.0i and 4.4i, standard 4.8is; also added during the '04 model year)
• Xenon Adaptive headlights with dynamic auto-leveling (stand-alone option on 3.0i; standard 4.4i & 4.8is)
  X5 3.0i
• Automatic climate control newly standard; formerly part of this model's Premium Package.
• Wood interior trim newly standard; Dark Poplar is the standard grain, with Light Poplar and Maple Anthracite newly offered as no-extra-cost options.
  X5 3.0i and 4.4i
• Power-adjustable lumbar support newly standard
  X5 4.4i
• Park Distance Control, BMW's ultrasonic parking aid, newly standard.

xDrive: Adapts to Changing Driving Conditions

In 2004, the X5 - along with the X3 - introduced a brand-new all-wheel drive system, called xDrive.

BMW X5 4.8is: Review (2/2)