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Richard Aucock continues its coverage on the 2011 BMW X5 LCI and shares with us some more insight from BMW’s suspensions specialist, Heinz Krusche. Topic of the day: steering feedback based on different road conditions.

“ROADS are rough in the UK. We know that, and so does BMW’s Heinz Krusche.

Indeed, it is a characteristic that is almost unique in the world. ‘You sometimes find similar surfaces in France – but rarely.’

Our roads are also distinctively narrow, which means drivers have to concentrate far more here. ‘Cars must therefore have good steering feedback, because drivers need fine control.’

This is why steering feel is so vital in the UK! This is why we obsess about it: we go OTT, sure, but there’s method in our madness!

What about other countries, though? Krusche uses two examples by way of comparison:

Germany – speeds are higher, and there are more large-radius bends. Roads are not so narrow either, so lateral acceleration levels can be much higher. We have lots of cobbled roads, which are a special case as they can give a terrible ride. Here, you have to deal with certain frequencies to avoid trouble. At high speeds, stability is, of course, paramount, and a big priority.

LA – high camber and high temperatures (leading to warm, sticky tyres) mean it is very difficult to set up here! It is hard for yaw sensor calculations, for example – it is not a natural thing and has led to new models in our logic systems. If we use our normal models, it thinks things are wrong! These extreme parameters are unbelievably interesting for us, and prove the importance of testing all over the world.”

Continued at www.richardaucock.com

Our friend Richard Aucock continues his coverage from the 2011 BMW X5 LCI event in Miami, Florida. Today’s topic of discussion: BMW’s steering system in the X5.

“BMW chose not to significantly change the 2010 X5 because customers didn’t want it to, explained BMW’s Heinz Krusche at the car’s launch.

‘We had no complaints, customers were ordering again, so there was no need to engineer big changes.’

It’s not to say Krusche sat idly, though – and again, it is customer feedback that led this development path. Surprisingly, the steering systems was the focus of much of this.

Servotronic is now standard on all models. Why? ‘This makes parking lighter: weighty steering during maneuvering was one of the complaints of the old car.’

But more comprehensive is the re-engineering to the optional Active Steering system. Krusche admitted that those who changed their cars often (just the sort of rich multi-car owner who might choose an option’d-up X5, then…) had difficulty in getting a feel for the system. ‘The change in ratio was too big, too different, especially at low speed.

‘Now, we take care more of actual steering input.

‘If there is higher input at lower speed, we increase the ratio for agility. However, if the driver steers gently, the ratio remains easy.’ In other words, it’s fast when you want it, normal when you’re steady. ‘People now feel less nervous driving it.’

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Our dear friend Richard Aucock spent more than two weeks in the beautiful sunny Miami and had the opportunity to extensively “play” with the BMW X5 LCI. He also had the opportunity to sit down with BMW’s chassis chief Heinz Krusche and talk about the changes in the X5 LCI and some of the similarities with the M version of the popular SAV.

“BMW says a year after the launch of the X5 M and X6 M, there’s been lots of good feedback. ‘People like the tuning,’ said chassis chief Heinz Krusche.

‘So we decided to give the new X5 more of this, too.’

BMW, he revealed, took the M versions’ standard model for DTC , which has led to a change in handling characteristics. ‘It is much more neutral with less understeer. Indeed, it’s more neutral to oversteer-biased, but it’s very smooth with it. This improves the agility of the handling.’

However, with DSC off, BMW has retained the settings for the standard model. ‘M models feel even more rear-led, with high relative slips angles and oversteer. This is NOT relevant for the X5.’

In essence, it’s a transfer of a new philosophy BMW introduced for X models with the X1. Basically, Krusche explained, in an unstable curve where the driver progressively increases steering input, torque is gradually increased to the rear of the vehicle – increasing the rear-drive feel and making it more agile.”

Continue reading and find out more about the underpinning technology found in the 2010 BMW X5.

Our own test drive review of the BMW X5 facelift is just a day away, but in the mean time, let’s enjoy some new photos from the beautiful Florida where BMW photographers had a blast with the premium Sports Activity Vehicle.

The changes in the model year 2011 are quite significant, both in terms of exterior design, but most important, underneath the hood. The front-end went through an extensive facelift, the lower front bumper/fascia have been lifted and given a little redesign from the X6, offering an appearance that makes the front end look lower and more aggressive. It also allows for wider air openings to feed the larger and more powerful engines more air.

To go along with what BMW has been doing lately for the 3-Series LCI, 335is, and F10 5-Series, the X5 features corona rings that are full LEDs. The rear taillights get a new L-shaped LED design as well.

The outgoing X5 had three engine types, the X5 xDrive30i, xDrive48i and xDrive35d. While the diesel xDrive35d survives, the 30i and 48i die are being phased out.

In to replace the outgoing naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 and 4.8-liter V8 are the N55 twin-scroll single turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 making 300hp and 300lb-ft of torque, as well as the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 making 400hp and 450lb-ft of torque, similar to the engine in the X5 and X6 M models. So it will now be the X5 xDrive35i and xDrive50i, same with the X6.

The European market also sees the addition of a new model: 2010 BMW X5 xDrive40d powered by the same the 3.0-liter engine found in the 740d. The engine delivers 300 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque (600Nm).

North American sales will begin in May.

Miami, Florida hosted the International Media Launch of the 2010 BMW X5 LCI, short for Life Impulse Cycle or facelift. During a one day event, several automotive journalists had the opportunity to spend some time with the new X5 xDrive35i, both in a city environment and off-road.

While our full test drive review is still in works, we thought we would share with you some photos from this event, portraying the X5 LCI in different situations, some quite extreme. As some of you might recall, the 2010 BMW X5 follows the path of its “brother”, the X6, by introducing turbocharged engines in the North American line-up.

Most of the cosmetic changes are visible at the front-end where the new the lower bumper/fascia appears have been lifted and given a little redesign from the X6. To go along with what BMW has been doing lately for the 3 Series facelift, 335is, and F10 5-Series, the X5 features corona rings, or halos as most like to call them, that are full LEDs. The rear taillights get a new L-shaped LED design.

The outgoing X5 had three engine types, the X5 xDrive30i, xDrive48i and xDrive35d. While the diesel xDrive35d survives, the 30i and 48i are replaced by the N55 twin-scroll single turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 making 300 hp and 300lb-ft of torque, as well by the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 making 400hp and 450lb-ft of torque. So it will now be the X5 xDrive35i and xDrive50i, same with the X6. Zero to sixty times are estimated at 6.4 seconds for the 35i and 5.3 seconds for the 50i.

More on our driving impressions tomorrow when we will talk in detail about the exterior design changes and the performance improvement as seen by us in the xDrive35i.

Our New York Auto Show coverage begins with the 2011 BMW X5 LCI, a North American debut.

The changes in the model year 2011 are quite significant, both in terms of exterior design, but most important, underneath the hood.

The front-end goes through an extensive facelift, the lower front bumper/fascia have been lifted and given a little redesign from the X6, offering an appearance that makes the front end look lower and more aggressive. It also allows for wider air openings to feed the larger and more powerful engines more air.

To go along with what BMW has been doing lately for the 3-Series LCI, 335is, and F10 5-Series, the X5 features corona rings that are full LEDs. The rear taillights get a new L-shaped LED design as well.

The outgoing X5 had three engine types, the X5 xDrive30i, xDrive48i and xDrive35d. While the diesel xDrive35d survives, the 30i and 48i die are being phased out.

In to replace the outgoing naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 and 4.8-liter V8 are the N55 twin-scroll single turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 making 300hp and 300lb-ft of torque, as well as the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 making 400hp and 450lb-ft of torque, similar to the engine in the X5 and X6 M models. So it will now be the X5 xDrive35i and xDrive50i, same with the X6.

Zero to sixty times are estimated at 6.4 seconds for the 35i and 5.3 seconds for the 50i. Which is drastically faster than the past engines.

In order to reign all of this power in, an all-new 8-speed steptronic automatic, of which you see in the 5-Series GT and the 760Li. The new transmission weighs no more than the 6-speed model it replaces, and offers better gearing for lower speeds and rpm to make the X5 faster from a dig. It also adds the two extra gears up top to help with efficiency at highway speeds.

You can also select gears manually, as always before, by pulling the gear shift closer to you and pushing and pulling the shifter forward or back (-/+).

We will have a chance to test drive the X5 LCI in two weeks and we’ll make sure to report back our findings.

Photos credit Shawn Molnar

Press Release: New Model includes 4,000 new parts. More dynamic, efficient, and luxurious than ever, the new BMW X5 continues to strengthen its leading position within the four-wheel drive, premium vehicle segment. The new BMW X5 has a fresh new look and features new engines, drive trains, and thousands of new parts. The associates at BMW Manufacturing have been planning the launch of this new model for over 18 months, which involves nearly 4,000 new parts.

Since launching the original BMW X5 in 1999, this new model X5, the fourth generation, features a completely revised range of engines, standard eight-speed automatic transmission and innovative driver assistance systems that ensure the driving pleasure of the new X5 offers even greater fascination. The production launch of this new model occurred as a digital changeover within Plant Spartanburg, meaning that production associates learned new vehicle processes alongside existing processes and parts were seamlessly transferred into the new model X5. This changeover took place over a single weekend, with no ramp-down of the 2010 model on March 19 and no ramp-up of the 2011 model on March 22.

“The new model X5 features exterior design changes including new front and rear bumpers, new front fenders, new headlights and new tail lights. This adaptation significantly enhances the presence of the new X5, making it look fresher and more elegant,” said Bobby Hitt, Department Manager for Corporate Affairs, BMW Manufacturing Co. “In spite of significantly improved performance, thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, fuel consumption and emission levels are lower by up to 10%.”

“One of the most significant changes for our plant was the introduction of a completely new range of gasoline and diesel engines. Almost every new X5 is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. Further, each new drive train offers a new transfer case, new front and rear differentials, and new drive shafts,” states Craig Westbrook, BMW Manufacturing’s Project Manager for the New Model X5.

With the addition of BMW ConnectedDrive and new driver assistance systems, several new safety features come standard on the new BMW X5. The Lane Departure Warning feature alerts the driver to unintentional drifting from the roadway by sending a vibration through the steering wheel. Side View cameras integrated into the front of the car allow the driver to see traffic coming from the left or right. Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function ensures that the selected distance from the vehicle ahead is maintained; the system will slow the car down and even come to a complete stop – without the driver ever touching the brake pedal.

BMW Manufacturing Co.
BMW Manufacturing Co. is a subsidiary of BMW AG in Munich, Germany and is the global producer of the BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle and X6 Sports Activity Coupe. In addition to the South Carolina manufacturing facility, BMW North American subsidiaries include sales, marketing and financial services operations in the United States, Canada and throughout Latin America; and a design firm and technology office in California. For more information on BMW Manufacturing, visit www.bmwusfactory.com.

[Source: BMW ]

At 2010 Geneva Motor Show, BMW took the cover off their latest update to the popular X5 Sports Activity Vehicle. The changes in the model year 2011 are quite significant, both in terms of exterior design, but most important, underneath the hood.

The front-end goes through an extensive facelift, the lower front bumper/fascia appears to have been lifted and given a little redesign from the X6, giving it an appearance that makes the front end look lower and more aggressive. It also allows for wider air openings to feed the larger and more powerful engines more air.

To go along with what BMW has been doing lately for the 3-Series LCI, 335is, and F10 5-Series, the X5 features corona rings, or halos as most like to call them, that are full LEDs. The rear taillights get a new L-shaped LED design as well.

The outgoing X5 had three engine types, the X5 xDrive30i, xDrive48i and xDrive35d. While the diesel xDrive35d survives, the 30i and 48i die off and go to that wonderful BMW heaven, wherever that is. In to replace the outgoing naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 and 4.8-liter V8 are the N55 twin-scroll single turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 making 300hp and 300lb-ft of torque, as well as the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 making 400hp and 450lb-ft of torque, similar to the engine in the X5 and X6 M models. So it will now be the X5 xDrive35i and xDrive50i, same with the X6. Zero to sixty times are estimated at 6.4 seconds for the 35i and 5.3 seconds for the 50i. Which is drastically faster than the past engines.

In order to reign all of this power in, an all-new 8-speed steptronic automatic, of which you see in the 5-Series GT and the 760Li. The new transmission weighs no more than the 6-speed model it replaces, and offers better gearing for lower speeds and rpm to make the X5 faster from a dig. It also adds the two extra gears up top to help with efficiency at highway speeds. You can also select gears manually, as always before, by pulling the gear shift closer to you and pushing and pulling the shifter forward or back (-/+).

The first BMW X5 facelifted vehicles will appear at U.S. dealerships this Spring.

A few weeks after the first photos hit the web, new official shots of the 2011 BMW X5 facelift with M Sport package are available to us.

Next week, BMW will officially unveil the X5 facelift and M Sport Package at the Geneva Motor Show. The M Sport Package is made up of exterior, interior and chassis components which underscore the dynamic potential of the BMW X5.

Larger air inlets in the front apron give the vehicle a particularly powerful appearance. A high-speed set-up and sporty suspension settings emphasize the dynamic character of the vehicle, as do the 19-inch M light alloy rims in V-spoke design.

As an alternative, M light alloy wheels in 20-inch format are optionally available, either in two colors or in burnished finish. In both instances, a special mixed tire selection is used on the front and rear axle which is designed specially for the BMW X5. Even in the 6-cylinder versions, the tailpipes of the exhaust system bear the contours characteristic of V8 engines.

In addition to the M Aerodynamics Package and the M entry strips, the BMW Individual Exterior Line in satinised aluminum design for the surrounds of the side windows and the BMW Individual roof railing in high gloss Shadow Line ensure an unmistakable visual appearance. In the interior, sports seats for driver and passenger, the M leather steering wheel, M driver footrest, the interior strips in fine lengthwise brushed aluminum design and the anthracite-colored BMW Individual roof liner optimize the driving experience in the BMW X5.

Stay tuned on Tuesday for live photos from the Geneva Motor Show.

Ever since BMW first released the BMW X5 SAV, or Sports Activity Vehicle, to the American public in 1999, people have loved it. It was built in Spartanburg, South Carolina, so that made it an American made German vehicle. If you needed a light utility vehicle that had safety, comfort and agility, the X5 was the one for you.

It was for the soccer mom who wanted to break all the stereotypes and drive a premium SAV, or for executives and young professionals,or the guy who didn’t want or need a Chevy Blazer, Trailblazer or Tahoe. But now, for the second generation, BMW has decided to upgrade it once more with a pair of new engines, new transmission, along with new colors inside and out, and of course, some great new accessories and options.

So if you don’t feel like reading through 2,400 words of a BMW press release, take a look at just the facts below.

Understated Subtlety

Dating back to its original design and features, the BMW X5 has always had some unpainted plastics around the exterior of the body. Not because it was cheap, but to add a rugged appeal. Now that’s all changing with virtually every exterior body piece being painted in the main color chosen for the car. Also, the lower front bumper/fascia appears to have been lifted and given a little redesign from the X6, giving it an appearance that makes the front end look lower and more aggressive. It also allows for wider air openings to feed the larger and more powerful engines more air.

To go along with what BMW has been doing lately for the 3-Series LCI, 335is, and F10 5-Series, the X5 features corona rings, or halos as most like to call them, that are full LEDs. As you can see in the picture, the fog lamps have now been placed higher on the bumper to allow better light emitting when off-roading, or in darker conditions. And to continue following the lead of all new BMWs, the rear taillights get a new L-shaped LED design.

There are a new choice in exterior colors, too, which include, Deep Sea Blue, Platinum Grey and Sparkling Bronze. New interior choices are, Oyster and Cinnamon Brown for the upgraded Nevada Leather option.

Power!

The outgoing X5 had three engine types, the X5 xDrive30i, xDrive48i and xDrive35d. While the diesel xDrive35d survives, the 30i and 48i die off and go to that wonderful BMW heaven, wherever that is. In to replace the outgoing naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 and 4.8-liter V8 are the N55 twin-scroll single turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 making 300hp and 300lb-ft of torque, as well as the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 making 400hp and 450lb-ft of torque, similar to the engine in the X5 and X6 M models. So it will now be the X5 xDrive35i and xDrive50i, same with the X6. Zero to sixty times are estimated at 6.4 seconds for the 35i and 5.3 seconds for the 50i. Which is drastically faster than the past engines.

In order to reign all of this power in, an all-new 8-speed steptronic automatic, of which you see in the 5-Series GT and the 760Li. The new transmission weighs no more than the 6-speed model it replaces, and offers better gearing for lower speeds and rpm to make the X5 faster from a dig. It also adds the two extra gears up top to help with efficiency at highway speeds. You can also select gears manually, as always before, by pulling the gear shift closer to you and pushing and pulling the shifter forward or back (-/+).

Brake Energy Regeneration

Something that we’ve been hearing a lot about lately, and seeing in Formula 1 with KERS (Kinetic Energy Regeneration System), is BMW’s new Brake Energy Regeneration, which BMW says it can save about 1-2% on fuel consumption. Basically, there is a deep-cycle glass mat battery that is programmed to be able to disengage the alternator, this charges the battery while coasting or actually braking, in most cases.

Options and Pricing

First and foremost, there are some new options that need to be shown, because they are very important to the growth of the X5. You can now option your X5 with, Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go, which means the vehicle will actually make a full stop for you and start moving again so long as you have it set to active cruise control. Other new options are, Lane Departure Warning, Active Steering, Head-Up Display, along with side view and top view cameras that you can see on your iDrive navigation screen as you’re reversing your car. It may seem gimmicky, but I’ve used this technology while driving the ActiveHybrid X6 in a parking garage in Los Angeles, and it works brilliantly.

There are now three distinct flavors that you can choose your X5 xDrive35i in. You can opt for the standard “Essential” 35i, or go for the “Premium” or “Sport Activity” models.

Taken straight from BMW’s Press Release:

The essential X5 xDrive35i has an MSRP of $46,675 including Destination & Handling, and includes a popular profile of standard equipment often specified by X5 customers, including BMW’s Xenon Adaptive headlights, Rain Sensor with automatic headlight control, HD Radio, automatic climate control, foglights, 18” light alloy wheels, cruise control, and anti-theft alarm system. A Convenience Package is optional and adds the large panoramic moonroof, auto-dimming mirrors, Dark Burl Walnut, Bamboo, or Light Poplar wood interior trim, BMW Ambiance Lighting, and BMW Assist with Bluetooth. Stand alone options include rear side window shades, Navigation system with Real Time Traffic Information and Voice Command, satellite radio with 1-year subscription, and an iPod / USB adapter interface.

The X5 xDrive35i Premium has an MSRP of $52,475 including Destination & Handling and includes a boosted profile of standard equipment, such as 19” light alloy wheels, roof rails and panoramic moonroof, power adjustable steering column, iPod / USB adapter interface, and privacy glass. Best of all, it includes standard Nevada Leather. In addition, buyers of the Premium model may choose up to four packages, including the Active Ventilated Seat Package, Convenience Package, Cold Weather Package, and Technology Package. Each package includes a raft of focused features that enhance comfort and convenience, allowing buyers to better customize the X5 to personal taste. Third Row seating, which enables the X5 to accommodate up to 7 passengers, also becomes available on this model.

The X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity has an MSRP of $54,975 including Destination & Handling and includes even more standard equipment than the Premium model, such as 20” light alloy wheels, sport seats, Shadowline exterior trim, and Anthracite headliner. In addition to the packages available on the Premium model, customers may add the popular M Sport Package to the X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity model. The M Sport Package includes 20” wheels with performance tires, the Adaptive Drive system, aluminum roof rails, M door sill plates, M driver footrest, M steering wheel, M aerodynamic enhancements, and increased top speed limiter (150 mph).

The X5 xDrive50i is yours for an MSRP of $59,275, including destination and handling.

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