The BMW X5 4,6is, a high-performance version of the Munich manufacturer’s sports activity vehicle, will be available in SA in March. We have details of the 255 kW über-Beemer and other possible upcoming X5s – including an M5-engined M-Sport and Alpina variants.
The BMW X5 4,6is, a high-performance version of the Munich manufacturer’s sports activity vehicle, will be available in SA in March, but if rumours are true… there could be more hot X5s on the way.
Launched in an apparent response to the beefy Mercedes ML55, which was featured in the January edition of CAR, the 255 kW BMW X5 4,6is will be a relatively exclusive model in the X5 range, positioned as the high-performance variant above the X5 4.4i, which continues in its role as the luxury flagship of the range.
According to a BMW SA spokesman, the company plans to import less than 50 units of the über-Beemer this year. The X5 4,6is should retail at about R615 000.
Its high-performance power unit has been derived from BMW’s M62 4,4-litre V8. BMW claims that the increase in power and torque are a result from the greater engine capacity (4 619 cm3), the reworking of various engine components (including pistons, camshaft and intake tract) and modified engine management.
The 4,6iS is claimed to have a maximum power output of 255 kW at 5 700 r/min and torque of 480 N.m at 3 700 r/min is at the driver’s command, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6,7 seconds and reach a top speed of 240 km/h.
Furthermore, the suspension features 4,6is-specific sports tuning of the spring and damper units combined with low profile 20-inch alloy rims as well as an enlarged braking system.
Described as having “a considerably more dynamic and imposing presence echoing the ‘M’ range”, the X5 4.6is is distinguished from the Sports Package X5 through its standard 20-inch wheels and body-coloured front and rear air dams with side wind splitters.
Although not an “M” model, two exclusive paint colours, lmola red and Estoril blue, are also available on the 4,6is. The X5 4.6is has Sports seats trimmed in "Spirit" Nappa leather either in Imola Red or Black fitted as standard. As an option Sports seats in "Sportive" Trim ("M" Alcantara/Nappa leather combination) can be ordered. In addition, it is equipped with Xenon headlights, white indicator lenses and dual oval chrome exhaust casings.
The interior of the 4,6is is as luxurious as that of any other X5, but there are subtle additions. The instrument console features a grey background with variable warning field for the rev-counter (similar to that on M3 and M5, BMW says), seat heating for driver and front passenger, sports leather steering wheel, hi-fi digital sound processor, 14 speakers with 300 W sinus amplifier, tyre pressure monitoring, navigation system with TV and on-board monitor, cordless car telephone, voice control and anthracite roof liner.
The BMW X5 4.6is also comes with the manufacturer’s electronic differential lock integrated in the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). The same applies to the ABS braking system with cornering brake control (CBC), the ASC-X, dynamic brake control (DBC), hill descent control (HDC), rain sensor with automatic light activation, headlamp washer system and park distance control.
“Although the BMW X5 4.6is is a premium priced SUV, its powerful presence and credentials, combined with its full-house specification and rarity value will ensure that it becomes the choice of the motoring enthusiast,” a spokesman for BMW SA said recently.
But just case the fans of the BMW soft-roader aren’t satisfied, recently reported that two new – and very different – X5 prototypes have been spotted in Europe.
One of them is believed to be the M-Sport X5. The M-Sport is derived from the X5 V12 Le Mans concept car shown at the Geneva Motor Show last February and reports that the model will probably feature the 294 kW 4,9-litre V8 engine as used in the M5 saloon.
“It also has a huge bonnet air scoop plus all the traditional M-Sport styling touches: deep front air dam, wing and sills, plus oval-shaped door and interior mirrors, which produce a more aerodynamic look,” the report said.
The Alpina X5 is somewhat less ostentatious, looking more like the standard model. It will, however, feature the Alpina V8 B10 engine – which will produce about 260 kW.
