Body

BODY




The design of the X5 originated in California at BMW's Design Works. The SAV look was further developed and refined in Munich. Traditional BMW features such as the Kidney grilles, quad headlights, reverse link rear side window trim and typical rear tail light treatment allow the X5 to assume a BMW identity. Yet the unique side and hood treatments as well as the large wheel house openings and high ground clearance set the X5 apart as its own distinctive vehicle.

The design criteria for the X5 was to develop a vehicle with the superb handling and sporty driving characteristics that are typically BMW, yet produce an all wheel drive vehicle that can also be used off-road. This was achieved through the use of independent front suspension, multi-link rear suspension components that are taken from the E38/E39 vehicle design and by the addition of front drive components.

Two different suspension options are offered (standard and sport) with different springs, shock absorbers and stabilizers.

The X5 has 180 mm ground clearance, for both suspensions, to allow it to travel off road. However; the suspension travel is the same as the E39 which allows it to retain a car like feel when driven every day.