Tomorrow’s classics: BMW X5 4.6is / 4.8is: fighters from the very beginning

Tomorrow’s classics: BMW X5 4.6is / 4.8is
Fighters from the very beginning

BMW X5 4.8is / E53

© press-inform – the press office

The SUVs have spread across the world in all car markets. The big trend towards automotive high seats with ambitions for luxury began around 25 years ago. Sport versions such as the BMW X5 4.6is were launched in order to underline the dynamic claim despite alleged off-road terrain. The first-timers should one day have the potential to become classics of the future.

Sporty performance in a large crossover – no problem. Because despite its generous dimensions and an unladen weight of more than two tons, a powerful eight-cylinder guaranteed the right propulsion and overtaking image two decades ago. At the time, things looked much more difficult in terms of driving dynamics, because the high center of gravity made chasing corners anything but easy. In addition to the up to 450 hp Porsche Cayenne Turbo, the BMW X5 4.6is and its urgent successor, the X5 4.8is, were the first luxury-class SUVs that took the sporty claim seriously and not only made a lot of fun. They were the legitimate predecessors of today’s Kraftmeier, who now officially bear the names BMW X5 M and X6 M.

The decision to develop a large crossover and, according to the main American market, to also have it produced in the USA had resulted in long and intensive discussions at BMW between the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board. When the thumb was finally raised, it was clear that sports models should play a fundamental role in the right positioning of the new flagship. Unsurprisingly, the core competence here should lie with the expert M GmbH in Garching, which developed the decidedly sporty top version of the BMW X5 4.6is almost parallel to the standard X5 models 3.0d, 3.0i and 4.4i. It was actually an M model, but M GmbH successfully defended itself against the M logo on the rear with the two-part flap, which was supposed to replace the normal nomenclature on the front fender, with its dynamic demands on racetracks and top sporting performances. The technical basis for the 4.67 meter long BMW X5 4.6is was the V8 top version from the Bavarian series shelf. However, at just under 80,000 euros, the sports variant was almost 2,000 euros more expensive than the basic V8. Its 4.4 liter naturally aspirated V8 with the internal designation M62 developed 210 kW / 286 hp and guaranteed the performance that garnered a great deal of applause not only in the main US market, but also in Europe. However, the first-generation X5 of the E53 assembly was not really sporty. The steering according to M specifications too indirect, too smooth and too unsporting – there was just as much fine work to be done as with the chassis, which should be firmer and significantly more active.

No surprise that the BMW X5 4.6is moves significantly differently than the 4.4. In addition to the tighter package, this is not least due to the huge tires that BMW fitted to its sports SUV as standard. Even today, they are still impressive with a 315 mm width in the imposing 20-inch format. If you are looking for one of the early Sport X5s today, you have to make an effort, because it wasn’t even around for two years. Then the 347 hp 4.6 liter engine got an early replacement. Not least because Porsche had hurried with its top model, the Cayenne Turbo, the Bavarians gave the X5 a new heart even before it was replaced by the second generation. It shone with a displacement of 4.8 liters, a six-speed automatic transmission and was therefore given the name BMW X5 4.8is. Associated with this is a narrow performance increase to 265 kW / 360 PS and a maximum torque of 500 Nm at 3,500 rpm. You feel the dynamism in your whole body and look at the insignia of power as if it were incidental. Because the two X5 versions 4.6is and 4.8is have an unmistakable M bonus even without the standard sports package: the gray-shaded displays for speedometer, speed, temperature and fuel gauge. Often these were in stark contrast to the strong blue or red paintwork that stretched into the dashboard.

From a standing start, the 2.275 kilogram all-wheel drive with the six-speed automatic went up to 100 km / h in 6.1 seconds and the top speed remained stuck at 246 km / h. As with the somewhat weaker 4.6is with the older transmission version, the 250 brand with the naturally aspirated V8 and the almost unchanged aerodynamics could not be packaged. But although the performance of the 4.8er was better and the performance was higher, the sportiest of all BMW X5s had lost some of its shameless and perhaps also slightly spoiled dynamics. Stronger does not always mean better and even if the X5 4.8is shone more in everyday life, consumed less and found more buyers – many SUV fans of the first hour are now looking for a muscle man from the very first M-hour. And that is the BMW X5 4.6is.

A well-preserved BMW X5 4.8is from 2005 with exclusive leather upholstery, the air suspension, xenon light and complete maintenance history already available at the time, starts with a mileage of 150,000 kilometers for around 10,000 to 12,000 euros. The 347 hp predecessor from 2002 can hardly be obtained for less than 20,000 euros with a similar mileage and the range is thinner than thin. The equipment of both top models at the time leaves little to be desired, but the sports SUVs are mostly available with the little contoured comfort seats that can be heated and electrically adjusted. Particularly well-equipped versions have a sun canopy, heated seats in the rear and a navigation system that is nowhere to be used. If you want to do without the incongruous suction cup navigation device on the windshield, you can use a holder for your own smartphone when driving in the classic of the future or replace the BMW navigation system with a similarly designed accessory solution.

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