Because it needs to be able to do those speeds in the German market, where there are large sections of Autobahn with no speed limit!:thumbup:

I was passed by a Cayenne on the autobahn ealier this summer that was doing at least 150. As Pete said, BMW needs to post some respectable numbers for the sake of the non US markets.

German press release???
 

Has anybody already seen a german press release?

StumpyPete, I see you're from Perthshire - if you use the A9 then you'll also need a decent turn of speed to make reasonable progress. Have you ordered a new X5 yet? If so from where and what number on the waiting list are you?

For everybody else out there:- anyone got any UK prices yet (including options!) I'm looking out for an X5 diesel sport or the Hybrid whenever it's due to make an appearance. Incidentally will the Hybrid be based on the petrol or diesel powerplant? There's also a rumour about a twin turbo diesel - is this fact or fiction. I'm also confused where it fits into the line up??? If there is to be a hybrid then it will likely give the 4.8 a run for it's money in the performance stakes and challenge the diesel in the economy stakes. How will BMW market all these models together???

yep, got a 3.0i on pre-order with Dunedin in Edinburgh - I'm about 15th on their list - but one of the first for a 3.0i - most people are ordering 3.0d. It will all depend on when they start taking real orders. Effectively all a pre-order does is put you in a queue, they aren't taking real orders yet.

As for the A9 .... the X5 does indeed make that road a bit more bearable!

There a three variants due out in UK the 3.0is- SE, the 3.0d- SE, the 4.8i - SE. The prices are 39,505.00p, 40,085.00p, 49,945.00p OTR.

See this link to view the full release sent to the UK dealers by BMW UK.

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...+press+release

In respect of the hybrid thats due out earliest End of 2007 probably spring 2008 release. Also there is a V8 diesel due end of 2007 and probably a 5.0is, anyway a replacement to the 4.8is definitely. Also end of year 2007 till M-sport models will be released. Although you can get a dynamics pack for the SE which is sort of close to what will come but not exactly, wheels etc

Haven't seen UK prices. Since the intro isn't until Q2 2007, it may be a while yet. Edit - see post above.

The hybrid is quite a ways out. Rumours are 2008, but lots could change by then. No info on which engine(s) they would use with the hybrid. My bet would be petrol. It is all speculation at this point, though.

There is a new 3.0 diesel for the E70, similar power but aluminum block, as I understand it. The next diesel model after that will be the twin turbo (sequential turbo, not parallel like the 335 petrol) 3.0 litre. That is a further evolution of the engine used today in the 535d. See the specs on bmw.co.uk, under press releases for the new 2007 X3, which will have that exact engine as an option (at least in the UK). There are further rumours of a V8 twin turbo diesel, but no release dates or further specs that I have seen.

We don't have a list of what models will be out in 2008, so hard to say where the hybrid will fit, if it is in fact available then. I would guess it would be a showpiece for technology, more than a volume model. Sort of a "look what we can do, now would you like to buy a regular model" sort of vehicle.

The lineup will probably consist of several diesels (I6 and V8), petrol 3.0 and 4.8, sport model with twin-turbo 4.0-4.4 litre to replace the old 4.8, and a hybrid. This will be further confused by the availability of the X6, which will get some of the new engines in advance of the E70 X5.

I think the thing to remember is that the X3 takes over some sales from the X5 at the lower to mid price points, and the X6 further encroaches at the top end. The technology will be somewhat common between the three, but not completely.

Marketing? Sounds a bit like a supermarket, a bit of everything to please everyone. If choice is good, then these will be good times. If the resources to fully develop and test the new models are stretched too far, then the times may not be quite as good. Interesting, but possibly risky for early adopters.

Crystal ball over and out.

Edit: Pete M can type faster, lol

Thanks guys.

Anybody know why it would be worth waiting for the sport model over adding the dynamic package to a standard model? Price differences, added spec etc.

i'm not sure there is going to be a sport model now that this car has the 'sport' button. (which is different from 'sport' mode in previous years).

what 'dynamic' package are you referring to?

There will for sure be a sport model (is) or an ///M badge.