Background
BMW X5 4.8i (E70) was the most powerful version in the original second-generation X5 range. Unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November 2006, the new X5 was larger, more spacious and considerably more advanced than its E53 predecessor. The V8-powered 4.8i combined the practicality of a luxury Sports Activity Vehicle with the sporting performance and driving characteristics traditionally associated with BMW.
Powerful 4.8-litre V8
The BMW X5 4.8i was powered by a 4,799 cm³ N62 naturally aspirated V8 engine, producing 355 hp at 6,300 rpm and 475 Nm of torque. The engine featured Double VANOS variable valve timing and VALVETRONIC variable valve lift technology. Power was delivered to all four wheels through a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
6.5 seconds
Despite its large body and all-wheel-drive system, the X5 4.8i offered impressive performance. It accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and reached a top speed of 240 km/h. Its powerful naturally aspirated V8, responsive automatic transmission and rear-biased driving character made it one of the sportiest luxury Sports Activity Vehicles of its era.
A new generation of chassis engineering
The E70 introduced a comprehensively redesigned chassis intended to combine the comfort of a large luxury vehicle with the precise handling expected from BMW. It featured double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear axle. Intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive worked together with Dynamic Stability Control to continuously adjust torque distribution according to driving conditions. Optional AdaptiveDrive and Active Steering further enhanced its driving dynamics.
Luxury and seven seats
The second-generation X5 was significantly more practical than its predecessor. Its longer wheelbase and larger body allowed BMW to offer an optional third row of seats for the first time in the X5. This made it possible to configure the vehicle as a seven-seat luxury SUV. In five-seat configuration, luggage capacity ranged from 620 to 1,750 litres. The interior featured iDrive, high-quality materials and an extensive range of comfort and driver assistance technologies.
From 4.8i to xDrive48i
In the autumn of 2008, BMW introduced a revised naming system for its X models, and the X5 4.8i became the X5 xDrive48i. It retained the same 355 hp naturally aspirated V8 engine. The 2010 model update replaced it with the new xDrive50i, powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 407 hp. This marked the end of naturally aspirated V8 power at the top of the regular X5 range.
The success of the second-generation X5
The BMW X5 E70 was manufactured primarily at BMW Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina, USA. Between 2006 and 2013, the plant produced a total of 728,107 second-generation X5s. BMW has not published a separate production figure for the 4.8i and its later xDrive48i version. The V8-powered model helped strengthen the X5’s reputation as a luxurious and highly capable road-focused Sports Activity Vehicle.
Model in the collection
The BMW X5 4.8i (E70) in my collection was produced by AutoArt. It is an official BMW dealer model representing the original V8-powered version of the second-generation X5.
Technical data in brief
World premiere: November 2006
Production period: 2006–2010, renamed xDrive48i in autumn 2008
Production location: BMW Plant Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
Body style: five-door Sports Activity Vehicle
Engine: N62B48, naturally aspirated 4.8-litre V8
Displacement: 4,799 cm³
Power: 355 hp / 261 kW @ 6,300 rpm
Torque: 475 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed Steptronic automatic
Drivetrain: intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive
0–100 km/h: 6.5 seconds
Top speed: 240 km/h
Seating capacity: 5, optionally 7
Wheelbase: 2,933 mm
Luggage capacity: 620–1,750 litres
Second-generation X5 production at Spartanburg: 728,107 cars
Special feature: the original V8 flagship of the second-generation X5, combining strong performance, all-wheel drive and the practicality of a luxury SAV