On the finishing straight: the new BMW X5 enters its final test phase. – AutoMart Canada

Munich/Spartanburg (USA). The new BMW X5 has entered
the finishing straight in its development programme. The fifth
generation of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is now completing
final calibration drives around its production base at BMW Group Plant
Spartanburg in the USA. The new BMW X5 will be the first
BMW production model to be introduced onto the market with a choice of
five different drive system technologies. The first fully electric
BMW iX5 will be making its debut, and this will be followed in 2028 by
the arrival of the first ever hydrogen-powered BMW to go into series
production – the BMW iX5 Hydrogen. Also available will be petrol and
diesel variants with 48V mild hybrid technology, and plug‑in hybrid
models. Media representatives from various countries took the chance
to sample the BMW X5 40 xDrive (294 kW/400 hp), BMW X5 50e xDrive
plug-in hybrid (360 kW/490 hp) and BMW iX5 60 xDrive (425 kW/578 hp)
in the concluding test drives before the start of production.

The fully electric BMW iX5: world premiere with new Gen6
eDrive technology.

The first battery-electric BMW iX5 is based on the sixth generation
of BMW eDrive technology, which features a new high-voltage battery
concept with cylindrical cells and 800V technology. With its usable
energy content of 144 kWh in the USA and 141 kWh in the EU (net), the
BMW iX5 60 xDrive boasts the largest high-voltage battery to be fitted
in an all-electric BMW model to date. Propulsive power is provided by
one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear, working
in tandem with BMW xDrive electric all-wheel drive.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen: hydrogen-powered production model from
BMW due in 2028 with innovative Flat Storage system.
The first ever hydrogen-powered BMW production model, the BMW
iX5 Hydrogen, will hit the roads in 2028. Its powertrain comprises a
fuel cell system, the new BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage system and an
innovative high-voltage battery. The third generation of the fuel cell
system forms the basis for a particularly compact design as well as
high power and efficiency. The flat tank system consists of seven
high-pressure tanks made of a carbon-fibre reinforced composite, which
are connected with one another in parallel. These are integrated into
a robust metal frame. This layout makes exceptionally efficient use of
the space the system takes up in the vehicle; no room is lost inside
the cabin. Another benefit is that models with fuel cell technology
can be built on the same production line as other drive system types.

Pure driving pleasure thanks to the Heart of Joy.

The new BMW X5 will offer a new-dimension driving experience
courtesy of technology from the Neue Klasse – the Heart of Joy
featuring the BMW Dynamic Performance Control driving stack developed
fully in-house. This high-performance control unit acts ten times
faster than previous systems, meaning it is able to make adjustments
to the powertrain, brakes, steering sub-functions, charging and
recuperation in a matter of milliseconds. The result is remarkable
agility, poise and precision. In the BMW iX5 and BMW iX5 Hydrogen,
this technology also impresses with extremely smooth stopping
manoeuvres while also increasing efficiency by recovering more energy
under deceleration with regenerative braking. In combustion-engined or
plug-in hybrid models, the latest digital and highly interconnected
driving dynamics systems ensure the car always makes optimum use of
the available traction and delivers composed handling at all times.
These systems include the standard-fitted tenth-generation transverse
dynamics management system and near-actuator wheel slip limitation,
both supported by precisely tuned chassis components.

The wheels – larger rims with diameters of up to 23 inches can now be
specified – and the standard mixed-size tyres further enhance comfort,
stability and dynamism. The new BMW X5 comes as standard with adaptive
suspension whose dampers are controlled electronically for each
individual wheel, plus almost 50:50 weight distribution. The dampers
can be continuously adjusted, enabling everything from a very
comfortable ride through to sporty, dynamic handling. Adaptive Chassis
Control Professional, which is available as an option for the
all‑electric BMW iX5 and the plug-in hybrid models, maximises dynamic
prowess. It includes two-axle air suspension with electronically
controlled dampers, Integral Active Steering and active roll stabilisation.

Next-generation driver assistance systems.
The new BMW X5 features innovative SAE Level 2 driver
assistance systems and active safety functions from the Neue Klasse
technology clusters. Customers can therefore look forward to
significant upgrades and extended functionality, as well
as BMW Symbiotic Drive. One example of these innovations is the
optional Motorway and City Assistant, which includes Entry-2-Exit
assistance on motorways and Address‑2‑Address assistance in urban
areas. The advanced Level 2 driver assistance systems from BMW are
meticulously designed for seamless interaction between assistance tech
and human driving habits. The aim here is not to attain the highest
possible level of automation in every situation, but to provide a safe
driver assistance experience that offers maximum benefit and remains
controllable at all times. As a result, the driver always stays
involved as human and artificial intelligence interact. With driver
assistance systems active, this means the driver can accelerate, steer
and brake as required, without instantly deactivating the assistance
system in the process. The straightforward operating logic and clear
displays of BMW Panoramic iDrive ensure that assisted driving is
intuitive and controllable at all times, enabling safe use of the
highest SAE Level 2 automation.

The symbiotic interaction between driver and vehicle can also be
experienced with active safety functions that work unobtrusively in
the background as silent companions. A good example is the Lane
Keeping Assistant, which detects t. The driver’s intention based on
steering behaviour and where they are looking. The system only assists
with warnings and steering inputs when the driver really is drifting
out of their lane unintentionally or an impending collision is
detected. Other safety functions include automated evasive manoeuvring
within the car’s own lane, Lane Change Warning, Side Collision Warning
with steering intervention when there is a risk of a lateral
collision, plus Crossing Traffic Warning and automatic braking when
turning into a road or exiting a parking space.

* As this is a development-phase prototype, the figures given are
provisional. Energy consumption information as per WLTP is not yet available.