Such fascinating info in this thread. Enilab, you rock dude. Thanks for the input. I love that turbo strategy should it materialise they way you say it will. It's so structured and delineated; a far cry from the ever changing nomenclature associated with all too regular (albeit necessary) engine displacement increments. I mean it's so hard for the general consumer out there to make sense of the misleading badge numbers.

I recall just the other day having to explain in great detail that BMW actually offer both a 323i and a 325i of identical displacement but different states of tune. The North American market 325i / 330i differentiation and model separation is even more questionable: why are both engines 3 litres in capacity?
Oh and a 550i is actually a 4.8 litre but the pre-FL 735i was a 3.6 litre.

Ok, so you get the picture. In a bodyshell line-up as nicely structured as that of BMW's, a similarly organised range of engines will be a boon in aiding consumer identification with the various derivatives on offer. No more explaining, no more confusion, heck, they'll practically sell themselves! Oh wait... erm they pretty much do that already!

Now, here's the only caveat: according to the stated engine line-up an entry-level six cylinder 3er will be a 330i. And therein lies a problem for me... I love the idea of a 325i with N52 straight six. Of course this is based on the assumption that the 2.0T will be a four cylinder engine which is a pretty safe bet.

Purpose of the X5: "A mobile communication statement"


Right from the day it made its debut, in January 2000 at the Detroit motor show, The BMW X5 took the sports activity segment by storm, expanding the BMW brand and the scope of the profile of BMW in the process. Now with the second generation of this successful model making its debut in a few weeks . The new X5 embodies dynamism, performance and sheer driving pleasure to "change the rules" for it's competitors , it's handling , design , comfort and technology.


Best in its Class

Since it's introduction the X5 has always claimed it is not a utility vehicle. in this way BMW positioned the X5 was as a " Sport Activity Vehicle" a vehicle with four wheel drive and a higher ground clearance but developed to be more dynamic and concentrate overall development on it's road behaviour rather than extreme off-road ability .
Although capable in some terrain . The X5 utilised it's four wheel drive system developed from previous four wheel drive BMW 5er Tourings to be more about stability , control and safety.
This combination of design , safety , performance and handling established the BMW X5 as a class leader Overtaking the already established on market Mercedes-Benz ML-Klasse. To this day rivals have appeared on this segment which first came about thanks to the positioning of the X5 .


Breaking the illusion of the SUV

Before the X5 the competition although only a small segment but burgeoning in the USA were easily defined by their truck like design , an evolutionary phase of the Jeep like stylings of the original first SUV's.
The X5 sought to change it's identity by offering a design similar to a raised estate or wagon a long car like bonnet , and simple rounded bulges introduced the first phase of BMW interpreting a new design language but also added muscle and animalistic dynamism to the design language of a classic BMW look the double kidney grille , four circular lights , a strong shoulder line and the classic BMW kick in the rear side glass.
A design that caught the eye of the public , A mobile communication statement.


Successful Introduction and Market integration

Long before finalized prototypes hit the streets of Munich - The X5 was slowly building a market base , Interest had started and with loyal BMW customers anticipating the launch of the then new X5 dealers were starting to take orders for the American built X5 - To be built in the US for the reasons of economy , production space and of course the biggest market for the X5 as BMW slowly observed the impact of the new ML-Klasse in the USA.
When the first pictures were shown in the press , the orders kept on coming ... At last BMW were bringing out their SUV - marketed as the SAV "sport Activity Vehicle" as BMW did not see the X5 as a "truck" but something that defied convention and offered something new to the world of "trucks".

Although built in the USA with the US Market out stripping supply - The European and British and Asia launches had to be postponed a few months to satisfy demand - The X5 was becoming the success BMW had hoped it would be - The success of the right idea of product identity- Reinvent the concept , offer something new , market it well and they will sell. With the introduction of the new X5 upcoming the current car although finishing production in August is still commanding waiting lists especially in markets where the new car will not arrive until next summer at least.


A Mobile Communication Statement

The first generation of the X5 codenamed E53 can be seen as the first evidence of a "Mobile Communication statement"
A vehicle that communicated through its praise and marketing to the customer that this was not a regular "truck" The proof was always when you turned the key and felt that this was no ordinary SUV and when you drove it you could feel the agility , composure and control and the performance especially when fitted with BMW's successful V8 engine.
The term of "Mobile Communication statement " fits into the forthcoming E70 as well as upcoming BMW products that aim to defy their conventional attributes.

Although the design might represent something else in shape or form it is how it drives and what is underneath which indeed will "Change the Rules for the competitors.

The BMW X5 stretched the core market of BMW - Its mainstay appeal of sustainable sedans, coupes , cabrios , Tourings and Roadsters where expanded by the introduction of the X5 a feat that BMW are hoping to repeat again when the upcoming E70 X5 comes on stream.

Interesting read, not telling us much in this first article though. Can't wait for the new one to come out! Thanks for posting!

BTW, I will always remember when the current X5 first came out, it was test driven on Top Gear, when Vicki from 5th Gear was on the team, and she took it to a race track to test it instead of taking it off-road, I found that rather strange at the time!