BMW X5 4.6is - range topping new model now on sale in the UK

The new BMW X5 4.6is is now on sale in the UK priced at £54,000. Adding
further choice to an already comprehensive range, the 4.6is offers even more
sportiness and pure performance.

The 4.6is features an exclusive 4.6 litre V8 engine producing 347 bhp,
capable of developing an almighty 480 Nm of torque (354 lb ft). This new
high-performance power unit is derived from the 4.4 litre V8.

Performance is impressive. Launching from standstill to 62 mph in just 6.5
seconds and on to a top speed of 149 mph.

Sporty shifting:
The 4.6is features a modified five-speed automatic transmission with
Steptronic. An entirely new programme has been created to accentuate the
sporting character of the vehicle even in the conventional D mode. Switch to S
mode and the driver discovers a new uncompromising sports shift programme
tailored to meet even the most enthusiastic drivers demands.

Outstanding suspension qualities:
Racing driver Hans Stuck proved the outstanding capacity of X5 suspension
technology when he lapped the 20.8 km long northern circuit of the Nürburgring
in under eight minutes, hitting a top speed of 193 mph in a special X5 model
powered by the BMW Le Mans engine. As with all models in the X5 range the
4.6is benefits from superior suspension technology ensuring safe motoring even
at high speeds. As an additional safety measure the 4.6is is also fitted with
BMW's DSC III stability control as standard.

Power under control:
Despite the greater emphasis on sports-car performance, the X5 4.6is retains
its off-road qualities. With 40 Nm of extra torque over the 4.4i, this new
model has even greater power reserves when subjected to extreme gradients or
off road conditions.

Like the 3.0i, 3.0d and 4.4i versions, the X5 4.6is also comes with BMW's
electronic ABD differential lock integrated in the electronic DSC (Dynamic
Stability Control). The same applies to ABS with CBC (Cornering Brake
Control), ASC and DBC (Dynamic Brake Control).

For use on hilly terrain, the X5 4.6is features BMW's enhanced HDC (Hill
Descent Control) for keeping a constant speed when driving downhill.
Previously when in HDC mode the speed was fixed at 6mph. Now, by pressing the
plus (+) button on the cruise control feature of the multifunction steering
wheel the driver can increase HDC speed to a maximum of 16 mph. Pressing the
minus (-) button will reduce the speed to minimum of 4 mph. By using buttons
on the steering wheel rather than the pedal the driver has far greater
precision which is especially important in rough conditions when the vehicle
might be moving heavily from side to side.

Trailer stability Control:
Unique to the X5 is a new system that provides far greater safety and comfort
when towing. BMW's trailer stability system recognises via a yaw rate signal
any swerving action and in simple terms brakes the towing vehicle as well as
the trailer itself (through an auxiliary brake system), returning the vehicle
and the trailer to a stable driving condition.
A connection at the rear through the trailer hook up electrical socket informs
the DSC system that the vehicle is towing. This signal activates the control
system, which is programmed to intervene when necessary at a speed of more than
40 mph. Activation of trailer stability control is shown by the traction light
flashing on and off.

More choice:
Two-axle pneumatic suspension with self-levelling has also been introduced as
an option. This system allows the driver to lower the vehicle by 35 mm for
loading purposes (access mode) and increase the height of the vehicle by 25 mm
of extra ground clearance (off-road mode.)

As soon as the vehicle exceeds a speed of 20 mph in access mode, the X5
automatically reverts back to the standard mode. The driver can then select
the access mode again while driving, the system returns to this mode
automatically as soon as the road speed drops below 16 mph. In the off-road
mode the X5 can be driven at speeds of up to 31 mph, automatically returning to
its original level once that speed limit has been exceeded.

Currently only available on non-Sport models, this option will be introduced
for all Sport models and the X5 4.6 is from October 2002.

Design:
Visual changes to the 4.6 are understated but create an even greater sense of
power and formidable on road presence. With 20 inch specially designed wheels
fitted as standard, running on 275/40 tyres up front and 315/35 tyres at the
rear, the 4.6is has had its wheel arches flared to house them.

Viewed from the front the 4.6is is equally impressive. The front air dam
finished in the body colour powerfully accentuates the lower air intake scoops
whilst the striking 'wind splitters' on the side of the air dam have been added
in the interest of optimum streamlining.

The rear air dam is also finished in body colour continuing the striking look.
The two tailpipes are finished in chrome. A choice of four colours is
available, two of which are from the BMW Individual Collection underlining the
stance of they vehicle. They are Imola red, Estoril blue, Titan silver and
Sapphire black.

In addition to the specification levels on the 4.4i Sport the X5 4.6is also
features as standard the following:

° 20 inch alloy wheels
° Extended wheel arch trims
° Velour floor mats
° Hi-Fi 10 speaker system
° 6 Disc CD changer
° High gloss black interior trim
° Instrument dials with matt chrome surround
° Rev counter with variable pre-warning field
° Lumbar support for front driver and passenger, electronically adjustable
° New front and rear aerodynamics
° Rear head airbags (ITS)
° Rear side airbags
° Seat heating for driver and front passenger
° Special paintwork options (Imola red, Estoril Blue)
° Spirit-Nappa leather upholstery
° Twin chrome sports rear exhaust tailpipes
° Tyre pressure control system
° Xenon headlights

Ends

Option prices and technical specifications included on the attached download
document