Wave the flag - Launch report: BMW X5/Z4 2.2i

When BMW launched the X5 in 2000, it could not have imagined just what a success it had on its hands. The problem with a successful car, however, comes when it's time to replace it as BMW has just discovered.

One look at the new X5 and the man in the street would be hard pushed to spot the difference from the outgoing model. In fact, even hardened car fanatics may have to look twice to spot the subtle differences. But then if you have the perfect machine, why tinker with it?

Why indeed To be honest I think BMW was more interested in getting its latest engines into the X5 than in reshaping what is rather a good-looking SUV. And after its latest makeovers of the 3, 5 and 7 Series you might begin to see why it was tempted to leave the X5 well alone When it comes to the inside, there is also little to tell the old from the new but again if it ain't broke ...

OK, let's get dirty. It's under the bonnet that you'll find the most significant changes to the X5 with a range of new engines. Probably the most significant of these for fleets is the six cylinder 3.0d which was introduced in the 730d and more recently in the 530d and 330d. Here it has 18% more power over the previous X5 3.0d and can achieve a hefty 218bhp. It also has a 22% increase in torque, boasting 500Nm--the same as the outgoing M5!

There are two other new engines: a 4.4i, which is available now, and a 4.8is, which is due later this year. A 3.0i model is also available featuring BMW's trusted six cylinder unit.

OTR prices start at 34,675 [pounds sterling] for the 3.0i SE and peak at 46,835 [pounds sterling] for the 4.4i SE. Sport models are available for a premium and feature extras such as exclusive 19in alloys, sports suspension and dedicated interior trims. The 4.8is will cost 57,005 [pounds sterling] when it enters the showrooms.

The growth of the SUV market is hard to ignore but finding one that suits the tarmac as well as the dirt track is slightly more difficult. The previous X5 owed much of its success to the fact that this was a very competent car both on and offroad. Indeed, its onroad capability was almost as refined as BMW's saloons.

In launching the new X5, BMW wanted to do more than just replicate that refinement--it wanted to improve on it.

It's done this by introducing an intelligent four-wheel-drive system called xDrive that uses the data provided by the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) sensors to "act rather than react" to the vehicle, thus relying less on the traction control facility and providing a more positive performance.

On the road xDrive gives the X5 more traction and agility. Offroad--where xDrive really performs--it offers much greater traction by channelling drive forces to the axle with the most grip rather than cutting power of braking the troubled wheels.

Of course, DSC can intervene if traction is lost, but the xDrive system means that this is less likely to occur.

Safety has also been improved, which is highlighted in the extra NCAP star the new X5 has picked up--it now has a five-star rating. BMW's host of active and passive safety systems are encompassed in its FIRST (fully integrated road safety technology) philosophy which incorporates all vehicle safety systems including up to 10 airbags.

With all this going for it, BMW expects the X5 to sell well. Last year 8250 drove off BMW forecourts throughout the UK and with CAP predicting that the three year/60,000 mile residual values of the 3.0d--the most popular model in the range--to be 49% there is no reason that the X5 won't continue its success.

DRIVER'S LOG

OTR PRICES: 34,675 [pounds sterling] to 57,005 [pounds sterling]

ENGINES: Petrol: 3.0i, 4.4i V8, 4.8is Diesel: 3.0d

TRANSMISSIONS: Six-speed manual or five/six speed auto

POWER: 3.0i: 231bhp @ 5900rpm 3.0d: 218bhp @ 4000rpm

TORQUE: 3.0i: 300Nm @ 3500rpm 3.0d: 500Nm @ 2000-2750rpm

C[O.sub.2] RATINGS: 3.0i: 307g/km. 3.0d: 229g/km

OFFICIAL COMBINED: 3.0i: 22.2mpg 3.0d: 32.8mpg

INSURANCE GROUPS: 16A-20A

ON SALE: Now 4.8is to follow later in year

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