autoevolution
 

Rear-Wheel-Drive BMW F15 X5 Joins the Team

Everyone's mind is now set on the new X5. After we saw how it looks and what engines it will have, including the new 2-liter 4-cylinder diesel, it's time to talk transmission.
2014 BMW F15 X5 1 photo
Photo: BMW
Even though we don't have any official info yet, we can rest assured that all of the new X5s will be fitted as standard with the ZF 8-speed gearbox, one of the best to hit the car industry in its entire history.

Furthermore, all cars will benefit from the all-wheel-drive system, xDrive, except one. That one exception is what most enthusiasts have been waiting for: the rear-wheel-drive X5.

Back in 1994, when BMW started working on its first SAV, most people were undecided on where the power should go, to all four corners of the car or the rear, in the BMW traditional way.

In the end, the decision was to make the E53 X5 a car with all-wheel-drive but 65% of its power and torque to be sent to the rear axle. This way, they had an SUV with the BMW-like road characteristics.

When the second generation, the E70 X5 came out, it was transformed into a real all-terrain vehicle, being available only with the xDrive transmission. Now, after the public requested an rear-wheel-drive model, the Bavarian company is complying.

The sDrive25d model will be equipped with rear-wheel-drive. It will have a 2-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine with 218 HP and 450 Nm of torque (332 lb-ft). Sending its power over only to the rear axle, this model will have an even better fuel consumption than its xDrive brother.

Returning 5.6 l/100km (42 mpg) it will be 0.3 l/100 km (3 mpg) more economical and will be releasing 6 less grams of CO2 per kilometer into the atmosphere, compared to 155 g/km done by the all-wheel-drive model.

Some people might say that an rear-wheel-drive X5 is useless, since the car has that SUV stance and could be used off-road. However, we should be honest with ourselves: how many of the X5 owners are actually using it on dirt roads and outside the cities? Close to none?

That's what we figured. That means that a rear-wheel-drive X5 actually makes sense and it will give you even more sheer driving experience behind the wheel.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories