BMW to Introduce the New X5 in Geneva

The 2011 BMW X5 will have two turbo engine options, including a top-of-the-line twin-turbo V-8 that makes 400 horsepower.

Can it be true that BMW has been building S.U.V.’s for more than a decade now?

Yes, and this spring, the German luxury automaker will celebrate the X5’s new decade by introducing its latest makeover. The Geneva auto show in early March will be the refreshed S.U.V.’s official international debut, with its North American introduction the following month at the New York auto show. It goes on sale in the United States shortly thereafter.

BMW says the new generation X5 is not as underwhelmingly evolutionary as it may look; it is really revolutionary, with some 4,000 new, noncarryover parts. Two new model designations also join the lineup: the xDrive 50i and xDrive 35i. Perhaps the most significant of those changes will be under the hood, where new turbocharged engines will make mischievous amounts of additional power.

2011 BMW X5: 2010 New York Auto Show

2011 BMW X5


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2011 BMW X5 Picture

The face-lifted BMW X5 for 2011.
BMW has face-lifted the X5 for model year 2011, adding new engines, and will put the new crossover on sale in the U.S. shortly after its debut in early April at the 2010 New York Auto Show.

The 2011 X5 will come in three flavors for the U.S.: the familiar xDrive35d turbodiesel, plus the new xDrive35i and xDrive50i.

The range-topping X5 xDrive50i features a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 from the X6, delivering 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, mated to a new eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. BMW quotes 0-60-mph acceleration in 5.3 seconds. Prices will start at $59,275.

The X5 xDrive35i gets a new single-turbo 3.0-liter direct-injection inline six-cylinder engine rated at 300 hp. Fitted with an eight-speed automatic, the car will sprint from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. Prices will start at $46,675.

2011 BMW X5 PHOTOS

2011 BMW X5

2011 BMW X5

2011 BMW X5

2011 BMW X5

2011 BMW X5 Revealed

BMW says the updated X5 is more powerful, more efficient and more luxurious than the outgoing model, although local specifications aren’t expected to be confirmed until the June launch date draws nearer.

2011 BMW X5

While BMW spent last year adding upgraded engines to its lineup, the X5 sat untouched, forced to enjoy only the 3.0-liter diesel found in the xDrive35d. A potent mill, yes, but the other Bimmers received a more efficient, single turbo inline-six; if they didn't, more power came to their twin-turbo setup. A 400-hp twin-turbo V-8 headlined the X6, while the M versions of it and the X5 boasted a silly 555-hp. Now, the standard X5 gets its turn: Along with an exterior refresh, the 2011 BMW X5 receives two new powertrains.

At the top of the hierarchy is the X5 xDrive50i, which features BMW's all-aluminum, twin-turbo V-8. With direct injection, variable valve timing, and its "reverse flow" setup (the turbochargers rest in the valley between the cylinders), the engine makes 400-hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, the latter from 1750 rpm to 4500 rpm. Like the X6, BMW claims acceleration to 60 mph in the X5 xDrive50i takes 5.3 seconds. Yet the X5 undercuts the current Sports Activity Coupe by $8800 by starting at $59,275.

2011 BMW Alpina B7 prices start at $122,875

We almost jumped out of our seats last month when BMW announced that the 2011 BMW Alpina B7 sedan will be coming to the United States this spring. However, today we felt no need to jump out of our seats when BMW announced that pricing for the 2011 BMW Alpina B7 will start at $122,875 for the standard wheelbase and $126,775 for the extended wheelbase.

Sales begin later this spring. The full line of BMW 7 Series exterior colors will be available, in addition to the signature ALPINA Blue metallic paint.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept to Become Reality in 2013

According to info gathered by the folks from InsideLine, a version of the slick BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept that has taken the automotive world by a storm when introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show, last September, is going to hit the production lines and should be on the road sometime in 2013.

The company’s first fuel efficiency and emission management vehicle, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept is a plug-in hybrid with a three cylinder turbodiesel engine working along with two electric motors, developing a total of 262 kW (356 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. The 2+2 coupe is capable to go naught to 62mph in a quick 4.8 seconds on its way to an electronically limited 155mph, consuming on average only 3.76 liters/100km (that’s some 62.6 mpg) and emitting 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer.