BMW X5 gets full battery of performance visuals

Wed, 12 Feb 2014

If you think BMW toned down its third-generation X5 CUV a little too much with its latest redesign, the new M Performance Parts line of optional parts may give you a chance to inject in a new sense of style.

The aesthetic parts include new carbon fiber pieces for the mirror caps, front splitter, rear diffuser and rear aero flaps. There's also a rear spoiler, high-gloss black kidney grilles, M Performance rocker panel decals and double-spoke 21-inch wheels with performance tires. The interior upgrades are similar with an available Alcantara steering wheel with carbon fiber trim, stainless steel pedals and carbon fiber gearshift trim.

Not all of the M Performance Parts are about style. The M Performance Power Kit sharpens throttle response and boosts power of the X5 xDrive35i to 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, an improvement of 20 hp and 32 lb-ft, and an optional exhaust with chrome tips improves its sound. For buyers looking for improved stopping power, the M Performance Brake Kit adds six-piston calipers with 19-inch steel rotors.

While BMW has not announced pricing for any of the new parts yet, they give the X5 a pinch of aggressiveness before the next X5 M is ready. The full details about the X5 M Performance Parts are available below.

BMW Performance Parts Now Available for X5 Sports Activity Vehicle

At the 2014 Chicago Auto Show,BMW of North America today announced that just four months after the new third-generation BMW X5 arrived in US showrooms, it will offer a full complement of BMW M Performance Parts. BMW M Performance Parts are accessories now available for a wide variety of current models that enable the enthusiast to tailor their BMW to their individual tastes with a sporty, track-inspired character.

As with M Performance Parts already available, carbon fiber plays a prominent role with the exterior enhancements for the new X5, including mirror caps, front splitter, rear diffuser and rear aero flaps. A rear spoiler, high-gloss black kidney grilles and M Performance rocker panel decals are also available. Double-spoke 21-inch wheels with performance tires complete the aggressive look.

The carbon fiber treatment continues in the interior with an available Alcantara steering wheel with carbon fiber accents as well as a carbon fiber cover for the gear selector lever. Available stainless steel pedals add a finishing touch to the interior.

BMW M Performance Parts are not just about show. An M Performance Power Kit is available for the 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six in the X5 xDrive35i. It adds 20 horsepower and 32 lb-ft of torque, bring total output to 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The kit also provides sharper throttle calibration for a more direct connection with the accelerator pedal. The available M Performance Exhaust, available with chrome exhaust tips, provides the perfect complement to the increased power.

Another compliment to the enhanced acceleration and responsiveness provided by the M Performance Power Kit is the increased stopping performance provided by the M Performance Brake Kit. The M Performance Brake Kit for the new X5 includes six- piston calipers with 19-inch steel rotors largely adapted from the previous generation X5M.

There is one additional benefit for BMW M Performance Parts. When they are installed at a BMW Vehicle Distribution Center before the time of delivery, BMW M Performance Parts not only carry the full four-year or 50,000 mile factory warranty, but they can also be fully residualized in a lease from BMW Financial Services.

These latest accessories join an already extensive list of M Performance Parts, available from an authorized BMW Center or online at www.shopbmwusa.com.

BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 139 BMW motorcycle retailers, 119 MINI passenger car dealers, and 35 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

By Chris Bruce