The flagship of the X5 range is the 4.8-litre V8-engineb BMW X5 4.8is. Powered by a 4,799cc unit, the BMW X5 4.8is is a vehicle capable of performance car statistics from a Sports Activity Vehicle. To complement its sporting pretensions, standard specification includes 20-inch alloy wheels, Sports suspension and Sports seats.
 

Prices

Model Price OTR
BMW X5 3.0i SE to BMW X5 3.0i Sport Pounds Sterling 36,775 to Pounds Sterling 38,725
BMW X5 3.0d SE to BMW X5 3.0d Le Mans Blue Sport Edition Pounds Sterling 37,160 to Pounds Sterling 40,650
BMW X5 4.4i SE to BMW X5 4.4i Sport Pounds Sterling 49,395 to Pounds Sterling 50,070
BMW X5 4.8isPounds Sterling 59,945



9. Future BMW cars

The new BMW 3 Series Coupe

Heralding the dawn of a new era in BMW engine technology, the arrival of the all-new BMW 3 Series Coupe comes too late for its inclusion within the BMW Group Plaza at the British International Motor Show. Instead, the third generation of compact coupe, with the first ever twin-turbo petrol-powered engine to appear in a production BMW as well as pioneering Direct Injection technology, will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in September. This is the same month the car will go on sale in the UK with two six-cylinder models. Other engine variants will follow soon offer.



Designed for sporting elegance

Despite its close technical ties with the 3 Series Saloon and Touring variants, BMW designers aimed to differentiate the two-door model more from the four-door versions compared to previous generations. From the front, side and rear, the car is clearly related to other 3 Series models but has its own elegant and flowing form. BMW's typical Coupe proportions remain - long wheelbase, short overhangs, long bonnet, cabin set to the rear and a low, sleek roofline.

Key highlights in exterior design are the kidney grilles and restyled headlamps at the front. Whilst at the rear, the broad rear lights use horizontal light rods with bright LED illumination to accentuate the car's low, wide stance.

Another change from the other models in the 3 Series range is the use of lightweight materials in the body construction. While all 3 Series models use Tailored Blanks that increase panel thickness where structural rigidity is needed, and reduces thickness where it's not, the Coupe variant also uses plastics in construction. As a result of the lightweight plastic front wings used on the 3 Series Coupe the new car is an average 10kgs lighter than the Saloon variant.


Twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder

The all-new Coupe bodyshell clothes the twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine in the new BMW 335i SE that develops 306hp and 400Nm of torque between 1,300 - 5,000rpm. With such performance statistics, the 335i forms the pinnacle of the new 3 Series range.

The 335i SE Coupe accelerates from zero to 62mph in 5.5 seconds, and, if left unchecked, would travel on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. This level of performance is made possible by two turbochargers, each supplying compressed air to three cylinders each. The use of two smaller units ensures that the turbochargers react more quickly to changes in the throttle position all the way to the 7,000rpm red line while also eliminating the previous scourge of turbocharged engines - 'turbo lag'.

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