BMW X5 4.6is
The BMW X5 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV that has been manufactured and sold by BMW since 2000. It is based on the E39 5 Series and features all-wheel drive along with various engines including a line of straight-6 and V8 engines, as well as a 3.0 L diesel engine option for non-U.S. models. Chris Bangle created the first sketches for the X5 from his Designworks studio in California, and those early designs closely resemble the modern X5.
The acquisition of Rover Corp. was beneficial to BMW during the development of the X5, in that engineers could look to the Range Rover for engineering info and parts like hill descent control. In addition, the design of the X5 was influenced by its British counterpart, taking on the two-piece tailgate from the Range Rover. Furthermore, many parts and electronics were taken from the E39 5 series parts bin in an effort to save costs.
Contrary to the Range Rovers, however, BMW designed the X5 as a sporting car – BMW reportedly insisted that it be referred to as a Sports Activity Vehicle rather than a Sports Utility Vehicle. This is supported by the fact that 60% of the engine's torque is sent to the rear wheels, giving the X5 a feel that closely approximates that of BMW's rear-wheel drive sedans.
Despite its all-wheel drive, the X5 has been criticized for having low interior volume for its size, particularly in comparison to the smaller BMW X3 or 5 Series (Touring). It is speculated that future iterations of the X5 will attempt to remedy this issue.
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