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First Drive: 2002 BMW X5
"M" is Not for Mud
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By Edmunds.com EditorsDate Posted: 02-06-2001
The fact that Mercedes-Benz could boast having the world's fastest sport-utility vehicle in the ML55 obviously didn't sit well with BMW. So less than two years after unleashing the X5 4.4i, those wacky Bavarians have hot-rodded the X5's big V8 to take on the ML55 head-to-head. Unlike Mercedes, which aligned its super-SUV with its in-house tuning company, AMG, BMW officials are adamant that their top-of-the-line Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) won't get an "M" badge. For one thing, the appellation MX5 would probably send Mazda into legal fits. For another, BMW's Motorsports GmbH wants to restrict its moniker to only the sportiest of the company's sedans and coupes, and an SUV (oops, sorry, an SAV) just doesn't qualify.
So the new X5 is called the 4.6is and, according to BMW, its 4.6-liter V8 boasts 347 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 354 ft-lbs. of torque at 3,700 rpm (compared with 342 horses at 5,500 rpm and 376 ft-lbs. as low as 2,800 rpm for the ML55). Besides the increase in displacement, BMW says the extra ponies are the result of new induction and exhaust systems as well as revised fuel injection mapping.
It may not wear an "M" badge, but the new 4.6is certainly scoots along quite nicely, especially when you row the revised Steptronic five-speed automatic transmission like a manual. There's noticeably more torque than the standard 4.4i, though not quite enough to match the larger-displacement ML55.
However, like most BMW engines, this 4.6 is eager for revs. Compared with the longer-stroke ML55 engine that sports only three valves per cylinder, BMW's four-valve engine is more responsive over 5,000 rpm. BMW claims the 4.6 will accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in less than 6.5 seconds. In comparison, Mercedes claims a 6.4-second time for the ML55 to reach that speed. So straight-line performance between the two is a wash. BMW, however, says that the X5 4.6is "will exceed 149 mph" while the ML55 tops out at 144 mph.
The obvious question, though, is why BMW didn't save itself the development dollars and just slip the 5.0-liter V8 from the M5 Sedan under the X5's hood. Presto, instant 400-horsepower hooliganmobile. Certainly, as our experience with the 700-horse X5 Le Mans prototype proved (see sidebar), the X5 could more than handle the power. According to Eduard Walek, chief project engineer for the X5, just such a beast does exist (and with the conspiratorial wink he gave, it sounds like it's in his garage). The problem, says Walek, is that the M5's power is concentrated well up the rev scale, which is not conducive to off-roading. Considering that it's doubtful that many X5s will ever see anything muddier than a poorly graded country club parking lot, it's awfully tempting to contemplate an M5-powered X5.
Other than the boost in power, the 4.6is we drove was amazingly stock. Besides the addition of the same humungous Michelin Diamaris 20-inch tires (315/35ZR20 rear and 275/40ZR20 front) as the Le Mans prototype, the 4.6is features the current X5's optional "sport" package as standard equipment. Rear brake calipers come from the M5, while the front disc arrangement is sourced from the 7 Series. Firmer dampers and springs as well as larger sway bars improve turn-in, cornering and stability. Light years ahead of garden-variety sport-utes, the 4.6is feels remarkably composed. There's less body roll through fast corners than the ML55 and understeer is reduced compared with the AMG-tuned Mercedes.
In other regards, the 4.6is we drove was a standard X5, right down to having the same All Season Traction Control (AST) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) systems as the 282-horsepower, 4.4i version. That also means having all the creature comforts one expects of a BMW, albeit with a few color schemes that won't be available in the base versions. Inside, seats similar to those in the "Sport" package beckon, but with a different cloth/leather upholstery. A gauge set similar to the M5's sums up the predominant differences between the 4.6is and the 4.4i.
A few exterior visual cues distinguish the 4.6is from the garden-variety 4.4i. There's more pronounced wheel arches to cover the huge 20-inch wheels, a body-colored front spoiler with side wind-splitters and xenon headlights, which are optional on other X5s, are standard on the 4.6is. A lower rear spoiler and dual oval exhaust outlets complete the package.
Nonetheless, Americans may wish for a more overt indication of how special this new X5 is. German drivers revel in this kind of stealth-mobile, but we North Americans aren't quite as subtle. Maybe some outrageous OZ wheels and some seriously sculpted fender flares are in order. Or how about a neat little "M" badge along the lower door trim and on the rear trunk lid? Oh, and while you're at it, why not throw in that 400-horsepower M5 engine as well? We don't really want to get anything this dynamic muddy.
See all the Ratings: 2002 BMW X5 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5M) Road Test Scoreboard
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