BMW Vision EfficientDynamics X5 and M3 Convertible

By James Foxall

Motor shows & events

05 March 2008 14:20

What’s new on BMW’s Geneva Motor Show stand?

It’s significant that of two debuts on BMW’s stand one is an X5 derivative. The other is the M3 Convertible.

For the first time this model features a folding hard top but it also pioneers BMW’s seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission that will come on all M3s from now on.

The show also marks the debut of BMW Performance, the firm’s in-house accessory line. Shown off on a white 123d with carbon fibre bonnet, mirrors and rear spoiler it’s a lot more tasteful than it sounds as BMW tries to muscle in on Schnitzer and Alpina territory.

But BMW’s main emphasis is on its EfficientDynamics fuel saving technology. And that’s where the Vision EfficientDynamics X5 comes in.

Fitted with a two-litre oil burner BMW claims it’s the world’s first diesel to have more than 100bhp per litre. Performance is further boosted by a 15kW electric motor. And it’s got solar panels on its roof to generate energy used to pre-heat the transmission fluid before starting.

CAR highlight

Hidden at the back of the stand is the beautiful CS Concept from last year’s Shanghai Motor Show. A design to rival the Mercedes CLS a production model will appear once BMW has figured out how to make it visually true to the concept while ensuring it’s an involving drive.

What were they thinking?

With its awkward roof line proving a real challenge to the eye the X6 could be a case of a niche too far.

In a nutshell

Purveyor of the Ultimate Driving Machine is trying to convince people it’s selling the Ultimate Green Machine.

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics

By Tim Pollard

First official pictures

22 February 2008 00:01

BMW has already scooped CAR’s green award for its Efficient Dynamics eco package being rolled out onto its current range. But at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the Bavarians will unveil their vision for the next generation.

Dubbed Vision Efficient Dynamics, it’s an X5 equipped with the latest gizmos to reduce the amount of fuel you put into the tank and the gases pumped out of the exhaust. It’s powered by a twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel with a mild hybrid pack and sporting an array of fuel-saving technology.

BMW X5 Vision Efficient Dynamics: an eco angel

The X5 concept showcases BMW’s new eight-speed gearbox and even has roof-mounted solar panels to top up the battery. The company claims it’s enough to make the X5 (only a show idea at this stage, remember) the cleanest large 4x4 in the world, averaging 43.5mpg combined and emitting 172g/km of CO2

It’s not all dull, however. Thanks to the twin-turbo diesel, the X5 develops more than 100bhp per litre and sprints to 62mph in a scant 8.9 seconds. Quoting such performance figures on an eco car does make you wonder how much longer we’ll all trot out acceleration sprint times, though…

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics: the tech

The familiar 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel is a classic illustration of downsizing. Usually, full-size SUVs like the X5 use six or eight-cylinder power, but twin-turbocharging allows the engineers to use a much smaller capacity engine without losing the performance expected of a sporty 4x4.

It delivers 201bhp and 295lb ft of twist from just 2000rpm. Here’s where it gets interesting. Under acceleration, the mild hybrid system chips in with a further 155lb ft of torque; the Vision Efficient Dynamcis uses a compact generator mounted directly onto the gearbox.

Don’t waste the brakes!

As on today’s Efficient Dynamics models, the alternator only charges when coasting, meaning it’s not drawing power from the engine under load. Lithium-ion batteries in the boot store the power for the electric motor, and they’re trickle charged by 1.0sq m of solar panels built into the roof. This power is also used to pre-heat the diesel fuel, helping to warm the engine from start-up when it produces the most noxious emissions.

ZF’s new eight-speed gearbox is a production cert for BMW, and is designed to deliver more economical gearchanges, while the new 19-inch wheels on this concept car are designed to be aero friendly. BMW claims the spokes are so efficient at carving the air, it’s said to be worth one horsepower at 100mph. A baffling claim, but one that Munich reckons will do its own small bit to cut emissions.