Detroit Auto Show: BMW X5 xDrive35d & 335d - choke on the name, not the fumes

BMW released the X5 xDrive35d and the 335d diesel models powered by a variable twin turbo 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder. The motor produces 265-hp and 425lb-ft of torque. The result is a zero to sixty time of 6.2 seconds while still netting 23/33 MPG for the 335d and 7.2 seconds and 19/25 MPG, respectively for the X5 xDrive35d.

These ‘Advanced Diesels’ as BMW calls them, incorporate such technology as an aluminum crankcase, third generation common rail diesel direct injection and precise piezo-injectors. While the power and fuel economy are very impressive, more important is that this technology results in a 50-state clean certification, no small feat.

With technology this good, one has to wonder why BMW insisted on choosing the most hideous name possible for the X5 diesel. Both models arrive this fall. Pricing will be announced closer to launch date.

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2ndbimmer - 1/15/2008 10:31:01 AM

+4 Boost

Why such animosity towards BMW? I dont care about any name change. They are expanding their line and are trying to make it easy to understand each model. Instead of complain, what is your solution. This article is supposed to be about the diesel engine and the X5, not your dislike towards the nomenclature.
Personally, I have driven a 5 series with this diesel engine, and it is fantastic! Smooth, quiet and powerful. I am very excited to get a 335d.

2ndbimmer - 1/15/2008 10:32:37 AM

+1 Boost

Also, the 3 series is due for a facelift this fall, so that 335d they are showing will look different this fall.

nybimmer - 1/15/2008 4:40:49 PM

+2 Boost

The whole reason for the name change is that BMW is trying to copy Mercedes' smart and successful strategy of branding their all-wheel drive vehicles with the '4-matic' name (who copied Audi's original great idea to brand their AWD vehicles as Quattro).

S4cabriofoxone - 1/15/2008 5:24:38 PM

+1 Boost

Not an incredible improvement, but especially on the X5, a very useful one.

I think it would be good if the 330d also came here, because it gets far better mileage, and is by no means slow.

Htay7500 - 1/15/2008 6:30:09 PM

+1 Boost

it should also come in a wagon.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/15/2008 6:59:17 PM

+1 Boost

I agree.

And BTW... I love that they're using the 4.8i's grille on the diesel model, if that is in fact what the production version will look like.

autopro - 1/15/2008 7:24:05 PM

+1 Boost

Hey test it in the US americans will buy anything,BMW can use us as guinea pigs like the did with the 04 seven series.The largest buy back in BMW's history.

lexusis350 - 1/15/2008 10:07:50 PM

+1 Boost

Wow, that's great. "xDrive35d" has over 10 mpg better than the 4.8i and (if I remember correctly) it's faster, too.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/16/2008 2:05:33 PM

+1 Boost

It's not faster. It's right in between the 3.0si and the 4.8i, which is still nice.

lexusis350 - 1/16/2008 6:09:11 PM

+1 Boost

Isn't the 0-60 on the 4.8i 6.5 seconds?

S4cabriofoxone - 1/16/2008 9:51:55 PM

+1 Boost

About 6.2. It's 7.2 for this car.

lexusis350 - 1/17/2008 6:41:40 PM

+1 Boost

The 7.2 is for the "xDrive35d" model. I was talking about the 335d model which gets 6.2. Unless that is the 4.8i model. The new naming system is messing me up so I could be wrong.

kurtismac - 1/18/2008 2:54:12 AM

+1 Boost

Diesels are here to stay...get use to it..no batteries to replace...nuthing...