2008 BMW X5 3.0sd twin-turbo diesel

BMW Australia have announced the pricing and specifications for their new twin-turbo powered X5 3.0sd’s. There will only be one highly-specified model variant of the X5 3.0sd available in Australia with a Sport package being optionally available.

All the information points the new Diesel X5 3.0sd being a ripper. With 200 kW of power and a hefty 565 Nm of torque available from its 3.0-litre straight six, all-aluminium twin-turbo engine performance is brisk while fuel consumption is quite frugal given the size of the X5 at just 8.8-litres per 100km. The 3.0sd engine employs two turbochargers of different sizes connected in series. Thanks to its low inertia, the smaller charger is capable of developing its full effect at low revs, allowing turbo-lag to be kept to a minimum – as revs rise the second, larger turbo takes over.

BMW claim an amazing 0-100kmh time of 7.2 seconds which really will make it hard for X5 purchasers to justify the V8 version when there is a diesel option with these power, performance and fuel efficiency figures available for less money.

BMW point out that advanced engine control and fine-tuning of the turbochargers, sees the X5 3.0sd achieve this level of performance while keeping CO2 emissions pegged at an almost identical level to the already clean-living X5 3.0d.

"The arrival of the new X5 3.0sd will present BMW customers with an excellent opportunity to obtain a high-performance vehicle that offers the absolute last word in technology, acceleration and agility," said BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Guenther Seemann.

The X5 3.0sd will be specified in line with the X5 3.0d Executive, which means it will come with 18-inch light-alloy wheels, a rear view camera for when Reverse is engaged, electrically adjustable driver's seat with memory function, electrically adjustable steering column with memory function, BMW Navigation system Professional with 8.8-inch full colour monitor and analogue and digital Television receiver, preparation for Bluetooth interface Business, Voice Recognition system and BMW Assist.

Like all X5 models, the 3.0sd also features front, side and head airbags, anti-lock brakes with Dynamic Traction Control, Hill Descent Control, rain sensing wipers, automatic driving lights, multifunction steering wheel controls, iDrive with eight favourite buttons, cruise control with braking function, engine start/stop button, six-stacker CD player, and leather upholstery.

The Sport package comprises Sport suspension settings, Sport leather steering wheel, 19-inch light-alloy wheels, front Sport seats, BMW Individual high-gloss Satin Chrome trim, and anthracite BMW Individual roof lining.

The BMW X5 3.0sd is priced from $102,800 plus dealer delivery and statutory charges while the X5 3.0sd with optional Sport package will be priced from $107,300 plus dealer delivery and statutory charges.

The first Australian deliveries of the new BMW X5 3.0sd are scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2008.

Specifications follow the image gallery.

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2008 BMW X5 3.0sd. Specifications

Engine

Cylinders 6 in-line

Valves 24

Capacity cc 2,993

Maximum power kW/rpm 200/4,400

Maximum torque Nm/rpm 565/2,000

Exterior Dimensions

Length mm 4,854

Width mm 1,933

Height mm 1,766

Wheelbase mm 2,933

Front track mm 1,644

Rear track mm 1,650

Boot capacity litres 620-1,750

Fuel tank capacity litres 85

Turning circle metres 12.8

Weights

Kerb weight kg 2,110

Payload kg 680

Roof load limit kg 100

Towing capacity (braked) on 12% slope kg 2,700

Towing capacity without brakes kg 750

Maximum permitted towbar download kg 270

Performance

Drag co-efficient Cd 0.34

Acceleration:

0-100 km/h seconds 7.2

0-1000 m seconds 27.3

Maximum speed km/h 230

Fuel Consumption

City l/100km 11.1

Highway l/100km 7.5

Combined l/100km 8.8