The original BMW X5 marked Bimmer’s first entry into the then-burgeoning SUV segment, and it remains a strong seller for the company, trailing only the 3 and 5 Series. The time has now rolled around for the X5’s mid-cycle refresh, which brings two new gas engines and some mild visual updates. The lower front fascia has been reshaped with the larger outboard air intakes inspired by the X5 M. Similarly, the rear bumper is re-sculpted and both ends get more of their bodywork painted the car’s main color instead of black.
The more important changes are underhood, however, where both gasoline engines have been replaced. The base engine for the xDrive35i is now the same single turbo, 300-horsepower N55 3.0-liter inline-six finding its way into most other 2011 BMWs. Similarly, the xDrive50i gets the sweet 400-horse twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 found in the X6, 7 and 5 Series Gran Turismo. Both gas engines are paired with the new eight-speed automatic also making its way to other BMW models. The gas versions also adopt brake energy regeneration to reduce parasitic losses.
The diesel-powered xDrive35d, which only debuted just a year ago but is already accounting for about one-third of X5 sales, carries over its powertrain unchanged for 2011.
Coinciding with an earlier report, the first images of the 2011 BMW 335is have leaked out, and if history is any indication, we should have all the official details within a few days.
Available in both coupe and cabrio form, the 335is - designed to slot in above the recently revised 335i and below the V8-powered M3 - will reportedly be equipped with the last 335i’s twin-turbocharged inline-six (N54), putting out an estimated 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, with an overboost function increasing the twist to 369 lb-ft for short durations. Predictably, the 0-60 time will drop to around five seconds and the top speed will increase to 149 mph.
A six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox are expected to be part of the package, along with an M-Sport Appearance package, blacked-out grille, darkened mirrors and a mildly revised suspension. Expect all the information to be revealed soon and plan to see the 335is, along with the rest of the revised 3 series line, in person at the Geneva Motor Show this March.
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We’re not sure why BMW is reticent to put forth a new Motorsports model of its Z4 folding hardtop convertible, but it has effectively introduced such a model in all but name here at the Detroit Auto Show. Inscrutably dubbed Z4 sDrive35is (we’re guessing you can hit extralegal speeds by the time you successfully spit out its name), the new model features a revised twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six that spits out 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, with an overboost function capable of a momentary bump up to 369 torques. Paired with BMW’s seven-speed Sport Automatic dual-clutch transmission, the drivetrain is good for 0-62 miles-per-hour in in 4.8 seconds.
Additional alterations include a ride height that’s lowered by 10 millimeters thanks to the adaptive M suspension, a revamped front fascia with matte aluminum trim bars, Oxide Silver mirror caps, and 19-inch alloys among other niceties - you can check out the complete roster of changes by checking out the press release after the jump.
The 5 Series is an important model for BMW, particularly in North America where it’s the brand’s second best seller behind the 3 Series. Heading into 2010, BMW has expanded its mid-size line with the new Gran Turismo body style already on sale. However, the volume leader for the 5 Series is the four-door sedan, which officially debuts today. The 2011 model transitions to a new platform architecture shared with the latest 7 Series as well as the upcoming Rolls-Royce Ghost. The 5 Series sedan gets a four-inch shorter wheelbase than its siblings, but at 116.9 inches, it still stretches well past its competition. The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class runs a mere 113.1 inches between its axles and the Cadillac CTS is 113.4 inches.
From a technical perspective, the new 5 Series picks up much of what can be found in the 7 Series and the Gran Turismo. Read on after the jump to learn more about it.
