Complete Vehicle

INTRODUCTION
The X5 marks BMW's introduction into the luxury "Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)" niche segment of the Sport Utility Vehicle market. While carrying the designation X5, the vehicle is not based on the 5 Series but it is its own new car-like platform. The X5 is being introduced with the 4.4 liter M62 TU engine equipped with the A5S 440 Z automatic transmission with Steptronic shifter. The 3 liter version of the X5, equipped with the new M54 engine, will be introduced later in the 2001 Model Year.

The X5 incorporates the following features:
- Four wheel independent suspension (BMW tradition)
- Full time - all wheel drive (planetary gear transfer case)
- Allroad vehicle (ON/OFF road capabilities)
- High ground clearance
- Unitized body and Chassis (car like ride and handling)
- Double pivot front suspension
- "Integral Link" rear suspension with air spring self leveling
- X5 specific traction control system