BMW X5

The BMW X5 is a mid-size crossover SUV introduced in 1999. It was BMW's first SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) also known as "Four-by-Four" (4x4) in the UK. It features all-wheel drive and is available with either manual or automatic transmission (automatic only from 2006 model year). A range of petrol inline-6s, V8s and diesel engines are offered.
BMW describes the X5 as a Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) rather than an SUV, to emphasize its on-road ability despite its size. Like the Lexus RX 300 and Mercedes M-Class, the X5 heralded the shift from truck-based body-on-frame SUVs to sedan-based crossovers that would come to fruition in the late 2000s.
The BMW E53 X5 crossover vehicle was made between 1999 and 2006. Production ceased September, 2006 and has been replaced by the BMW E70. The E53 was developed at a time when BMW still owned Land Rover and as such shares many components and designs with both Land Rover and also the BMW E39 5-series.
The BMW E70 is the current X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). It replaced the BMW E53 in November 2006. The BMW E70 automobile platform replaced the BMW E53 as the X5's underpinnings. The E70-based X5 SAV features many new technological advancements including BMW's iDrive system as standard equipment and, for the first time in a BMW, an optional third row seat.
The current generation incorporates safety innovations for the crossover segment, such as a unique rear framing section to protect 3rd row occupants from injury due to an impact.
The Branding for the X5 from late 2008 onwards follows the new BMW branding scheme, for example the X5 3.0sd is now called the X5 XDrive 35D and the 4.8 i is called the X5 XDrive 48I.