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2003 BMW X5 4.6i Full-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
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Quickly following the arrival of the X5 4.4i, BMW added a six-pack powertrain option to the series with the X5 3.0i.
It carries a husky 3.0-liter straight-six that pumps up 225 hp at 2500 rpm plus 214 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm through either the Steptronic automatic or a sporty five-speed ZF Type C manual.
Now, though, the X5 4.6is emerges with a third powertrain option that offers maximum muscle plus the shoulder-pinning acceleration.
The V8 in the 4.6is measures to 4.6 liters and develops 340 hp at 5700 rpm with torque of 350 lb-ft at 3500 rpm.
Like the 4.4i, the 4.6is plant links strictly with BMW's five-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
And it's so quick, capable of pouncing up to 60 mph in only six seconds or racing to autobahn speed at 150 mph.
We get to verify those performance numbers at a closed-loop test track pitched not far from the X5 assembly plant in Spartanburg.
The 4.6is blasts down the track's initial straightaway so quickly that we're on the big brakes to rein it before the course's first corner.
Suspension braces hold the package firmly while we move in fairly flat stance through the curve. Subsequent chicane sets don't upset it as we fly through the esses with the agility of a sportster, while on the long back straight we push it to triple-digit pace and the most powerful X5 hunkers down like a true autobahn hauler.
The pliable suspension consists of front struts with double-pivot lower arms and coil springs with twin-tube gas-pressured shocks and anti-roll bar, plus the rear aluminum integral link with lateral arms forward of the lower and rear upper lateral arms. Coil springs come on the 3.0i X5, but both V8 versions employ self-leveling air springs.
Large disc brakes mount at all posts. Brakes tie by computer link to an anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and dynamic stability control for all wheels (DSC-X) with a four-wheel traction control system (TCS-X).
Another computerized electronic control distributes power to all wheels through a planetary center differential that divides the engine torque. Normally, 38 percent of the muscle goes to front wheels and the rest goes to the rear, although wheel slippage will prompt the smart system to redirect torque to other wheels that still maintain grip.
New equipment appears on X5 issues for 2003, such as BMW's brake force display that intensifies taillamps, rear-seat head protection system (HPS) air bags and an optional navigation system upgraded with a DVD database.
In addition, an available sport package for X5 3.0i and X5 4.4i includes adjustable ride height controls and speed-rated tires, while new premium leather covers all seats.
The X5 4.6is contains all optional equipment available for 3.0i and X5 4.4i, making it the X5 version with every conceivable feature plus enormous 20-inch cast alloy wheels and 275/40R20 performance tires.
BMW's line of SUVs means superior control and sports-car fun in a wagon but these machines are not pitched at driver's challenged by budgetary constraints, since price points reach from $40,195 for the X5 3.0i to $67,495 for X5 4.6is loaded with that big engine and all equipment.
