Audi BMW

Jonathan Spira over at The Diesel Driver continues its quest in the diesel world and this week, he gives us a full review on the 2010 BMW X5 xDrive35d. Those of you that remember, the same model served as transportation method for us on our trip to Spartanburg and after thousands of miles, we were more impressed with it than any other SAV we’ve driven before.

Does TDD share a similar experience? Let’s find out.

“We took the X5 xDrive35d on a variety of trips, from local errands to long drives along scenic and windy parkways. The view from the driver’s seat was impressive. We found it true to BMW’s Freude am Fahren (the Joy of Driving) slogan whether on city streets or the open road. This was one large vehicle but it was eminently floggable nonetheless.

Besides performance, in diesel guise the X5 has a significant price advantage over its petrol-powered V-8 stablemate. The diesel X5 starts at $52,175 (the V-8 starts at $57,175) and is eligible for BMW’s $4500 Eco Credit, making the actual cost a very attractive $47,675. On top of that the buyer is entitled to an $1800 tax credit and the knowledge that the diesel X5 can travel close to 600 miles on a tank of fuel, about 30% farther than the V-8.

(In fairness, it must be mentioned that the petrol-powered twin turbo X5 xDrive30i gets 21 mpg and sells for $48,475, only $800 more than the cost of the diesel X5.)”

Full complete review at The Diesel Driver

When started as a rumor back in December, it has now been confirmed by several sources close to BMW: the European market will see two additional models in the X5 and X6 line-up. BMW X5 xDrive40d and X6 xDrive40d will be available in Europe starting in Spring.

The BMW X5 E70 LCI (facelift) will include the xDrive40d model powered by the same 3.0-liter engine found in the 740d. The engine delivers 300 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque (600Nm).

The engine is matted to the more powerful and fuel efficient 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The idea behind this new naming convention is to showcase a smaller, powerful, fuel efficient and low CO2 emission engine that would give the large 4-5 liter diesel engines from Mercedes and Audi, a run for their money.

One of the reasons why the new models diesel models are not yet available in the U.S. market, revolves around the U.S. emission standards compliance in all 50 states. If the strong diesel sales continue in the U.S., especially in the X models market (1 out of 3 X5s in December were diesels), then we see BMW taking a closer look at introducing the bigger, more powerful engine, but let’s keep that at the speculations level.

The BMW X5 xDrive40d and X6 40d will make their debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

BMW North America and BMW Financial Services are going green with their latest sweepstakes, and by going green, we’re refering to the ultimate prize offered: a 2010 BMW X5 xDrive35d.

There are a couple of important restrictions: 1. North America customers only and 2. Customers that purchased or leased their car through BMW Financial Services.

Here are all the remaining details and good luck to everyone:

Simply sign in to My Account and you could win:

• A trip for two to the 2010 BMW Championship in Chicago, IL
• A brand-new 2010 BMW X5 Advanced Diesel
• A trip to the BMW Performance Driving School
• BMW Lifestyle Collection Merchandise

You will automatically be entered in the sweepstakes if you:

• Log in to your account at least once prior to January 31, 2010

You will automatically earn up to 4 additional entries if you:

• Elect to sign up for online monthly statements
• Make a payment online or have your payment automatically deducted from your bank account for the months of November 2009 through January 2010

While it has not been officially confirmed and could be still classified as a rumor at this point, we have just learned through one of our sources that the BMW X5 E70 LCI (facelift) will include a new model. Dubbed xDrive40d, the facelifted X5 model is 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).

The engine is matted to the more powerful and fuel efficient 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The idea behind this new naming convention is to showcase a smaller, powerful, fuel efficient and low CO2 emission engine that would give the large 4-5 liter diesel engines from Mercedes and Audi, a run for their money. Based on the current information we have at hand, the X5 xDrive40d will not be available in the U.S.

Other X5 models have been confirmed as well and indeed, they will receive the rumored turbo engines we mentioned a few days ago. The xDrive35i is powered by the 3.0 liter six-cylinder twin-turbo engine outputting 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque (400Nm). The high-end xDrive50i gets the same engine from its “brother”, X6 50i, the 4.4 liter V8 engine producing 407 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque (600Nm).

As far as design changes, everything we said before stands: front and rear bumpers, new headlights, taillights with LED technology, and painted front and rear bumpers.

In the U.S., we will retain the current xDrive35d model and we’ll get the new turbos: xDrive35i and 50i.

BMW announced today that it has won two Best Resale Value awards from Kelley Blue Book and a Residual Value Award from ALG. The BMW 1 Series won the ALG Residual Value Award in the Near Luxury Car category. The BMW X5 xDrive35d Advanced Diesel was named Best Resale Value in its class by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, and the 2010 BMW M3 is one of the Top 10 cars with Best Resale Value according to Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.

“BMW drivers are loyal to the brand not only because of the exceptional driving experience their vehicles provide, but because of the remarkable ease of ownership afforded by BMW Ultimate Service®,” said Robert Frisch, Vice President, Western Region, BMW of North America. “Ultimate Service helps ensure BMW vehicles are serviced properly and on-schedule for the first four years, boosting the resale value and desirability of each BMW in the used vehicle marketplace.”

ALG determines the award winners after carefully studying the competition in each segment, historical performance, and industry trends.  Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing strategies are among the key factors that affect ALG’s residual value forecasts.  Winning vehicles in each segment are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period. Since 2007, BMW models have won five ALG Residual Value Awards.

The Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards recognize automakers’ outstanding achievements in producing vehicles that best retain their value. In addition to the mainstream and luxury brands with the best projected resale values across their entire vehicle lines, awards are presented to top vehicles within 16 vehicle categories and for the overall top 10 vehicles across all categories. With these two latest honors, BMW has garnered a total of 14 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards since the awards were established in 2003.

The new X5 from HARTGE: Sporty Elegance
Extremely elegant – but not extravagant – that’s the new outfit for the X5 xDrive35d from HARTGE. All exterior components are characterised by clear lines. Thus, the front spoiler, the diffuser-like rear skirt and the two-part side sills in PUR-RIM form a harmonious ensemble that, naturally, comes with a ABE homologation (Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis – ABE).

Thanks to the HARTGE sports spring set with level control system for the rear axle, which lowers the vehicle by up to 30 mm, the X5 does not look like a SUV. This impression is underscored by the set of ‘BRILLANT CLASSIC 2′ wheels. These 22 inch rims for ultra-wide tyres – 295/30 ZR 22 at the front and 335/25 ZR 22 at the rear – are the ideal match for the sporting four-wheel drive car with appropriate

HARTGE emblems. Details such as carbon casings for exterior mirrors and stainless steel tail pieces with oval tail pipes that can be connected to the standard exhaust system underscore the sporting nature of the car.

This is based on a 3-litre diesel engine producing 328 hp (241 kW) at 4400 rpm. With such a forceful power plant, the X5 xDrive35d from HARTGE needs only 6.1 seconds for the standing start to 100 km/h, i.e., significantly faster than the series X5, which takes seven seconds. The extra power is also reflected by a higher top speed, which rises from 235 to 244 km/h.

Weighing 2.2 tonnes, the interior of the X5 xDrive35d from HARTGE is also distinguished by a range of sporting accessories: 3-spoke leather steering wheel with carbon inserts, which also grace the dashboard, a variety of interior and decorative strips and a transmission console made of this high-tech compound. With a silver metallic dial and red needle, the 300 km/h speedometer is a great eye-catcher.

Moreover, with aluminium pedals and foot rest coupled with black velour foot mats, even the footwell has that sporting touch that characterises not only the X5 Beau from Beckingen in Germany’s Saarland region but all HARTGE automobiles. And this is hardly surprising because Herbert Hartge, a successful ex-racing driver, brought the spirit of motorsport with him into the company. All parts are, of course, suitable for retro-fitting.

As a complete vehicle, this exclusive X5 costs a total of € 87,277.47 (including 19% VAT).

To mark the X5’s 10th birthday, BMW has launched a special edition version of the popular SAV. The model chose this time was the xDrive35d, the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six diesel with 286 horsepower.

The 10-Year Edition X5 features a new special Sophisto Grey metallic paint finish, panoramic glass sunroof and 20-inch wheels with a matte aluminum paint.

Inside, the X5 10-Year Edition gets an upgraded Nappa leather and Piano Black trim. Commemorative engraving can be found inside as well, on the sill plates and on the dashboard.

BMW will manufacture 2,000 unites distributed worldwide with about 10% assigned to the UK market with a target price of £53,075.