Information on the refreshed 2011 BMW X5 came out today. There are no big surprises, just a mild exterior update along with a couple new engines and additional features.
As expected, the top-of-the-line X5 now offers the same 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 found in the X6 and it's rated at 400-horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Base models get the new N55 3.0-liter single turbo inline-six cylinder. The new 3.0-liter is being rolled out as a replacement for the previous twin-turbo inline-six cylinder and offers a similar 300 horsepower while improving emissions and mileage. Both engines get BMW's latest 8-speed automatic transmission first introduced in the 5 Series Gran Turismo. The diesel X5 remains in the lineup with no mechanical changes.
New features for the 2011 X5 includes active cruise control and a lane departure warning system.
wrinklebump says:
09:29 PM, 02/ 6/10
Can't wait to see the 8-speed adopted throughout the brand.
mschmal says:
06:40 AM, 02/ 7/10
Impressive torque on the 4.4L but 400 hp is probably underrated.
firstwagon says:
01:50 PM, 02/ 7/10
I wonder what it will cost to rebuild an 8 speed automatic when it fails out of warranty.
notabigdeal says:
09:04 PM, 02/ 7/10
when it comes to gears i think 5~6 was perfect. 7 seemed cool and 8 is just really pushing it.... I'm just waiting for the day Manual cars come with 8 speeds, that would be funny.
billt9 says:
12:36 AM, 02/ 8/10
How tiny are the gears to fit 8 speeds in the transmission?
Is it any more durable than a CVT?
throwback says:
06:08 AM, 02/ 8/10
Why does the diesel not get the 8-speed? Is it because the 8-speed is designed to improve gas mileage only?
hondacura4 says:
06:56 AM, 02/ 8/10
I really do admire BMW for staying on top of their game as they consistently make adjustments or additions to their models so they will remain competitive and fresh. I just wish their reliability record was stronger and more consistent as I'd love to have a 335is 6MT coupe in my garage! The "free maintenance" is tempting but you shouldn't have to offer that in the first place. Why not just make more reliable vehicles?
As for the 8AT, I really think it's just a numbers game and/or "me too" technology that isn't really necessary similar to direct injection (normally aspirated applications). It's just too much. A 6 or 7AT is more than enough.
nealibob says:
07:03 AM, 02/ 8/10
The real question is what are the ratios in the transmission? If they are the same as in the 550i GT, then there are 2 overdrives, which is great, but it would be nice to see an even taller top gear when there are so many in there. I guess it really boils down to the final drive ratio, which they may have changed since they now have a lower first gear to work with. I wonder if it will skip gears when you are in DS to save on shift times.
blueguydotcom says:
07:35 AM, 02/ 8/10
Included maintenance has a threefold reason to exist:
1. It encourages people to reach for a BMW over another make. The out of pocket beyond payments is ludicrously low.
2. It improves the entire brand's overall reliability. Yeah BMW may be bad in reliability but think how much worse it would be if all the owners/leasees had to pay for maintenance too (or worse not get it).
3. It improves resale and today CPO is where the profit lies. Spend 1k on maintenance for 4 years and in the end BMW slaps a $2500 bump on the resale price and the next buyer believes he's getting a car that's been well maintained by BMW (not Joe's Cars) for years with complete records.
BMW's included maintenance (like their Mini line's) just helps the entire brand. It sells cars new and CPO.
As for the speeds in the auto tranny. Why wouldn't you want a tranny with 8-10-12 gears? As long as the car's in the best spot for mileage and performance it's a win-win.
throwback says:
07:50 AM, 02/ 8/10
blueguydotcom, I agree with all of your points on scheduled maintenance. I am surprised MB and Audi have not followed suit. I can understand Lexus not offering it as they have (had?) a stellar reputation for quality. I believe Volvo offers limited scheduled maintenance as does Saab, 36k miles.
hispd4fun says:
08:03 AM, 02/ 8/10
Audi used to cover the maintenance they stopped in 05 why i dont know. i had an 05 A6 and its great you bring it in and its all taken care of. i now have a 08 535xi same thing its all taken care of. my brother has a benz and it crazy what they charge for an oil change at the dealer. i think volvo is including scheduled maintenance now.
blueguydotcom says:
09:57 AM, 02/ 8/10
We have an Audi that was covered under Audi's maintenance program. They covered very little compared to BMW. Everything that broke in the interior or even some exterior bits was considered to be "normal wear and tear." It was beyond infuriating as our BMWs and Mini all had repairs without a dime out of pocket. A door switch would bubble and flake yet Audi would not cover it.
inlinesix says:
10:34 AM, 02/ 8/10
hispd4fun:
Our current MB costs about $100 for an oil change through the dealership. The change intervals are 1 year or 12,000 miles though and they use a full synthetic with a (if I remember right) a fleece oil filter. So if you change your oil yourself, like I do with our other cars, I spend about $35 for good oil and filters. If a car is driven an average of 12,000 miles a year and oil is changed at 4,000 miles that's good for about $100 too.
hispd4fun says:
12:18 PM, 02/ 8/10
i dont remember the exact amount but its a couple hundred not just oil change but reg scheduled maintenance. i think the IL blog took one of the audis in recently and also mentioned that it was a lot of money for service. it also depends on where you live. im in nyc im sure the costs are different around the country. blue, when i had the audi they took care of everything one of the window buttons broke and they fixed it. i actually took my car in 2 weeks ago for maintenance and they washed for me as well.