The BMW X5 gains more power for the 2004 model year, with the top V-8 now displacing 4.8 liters and producing 360 horsepower. BMW claims swift a six-second 0-60-mph time for this high-performance package. The now-midrange 4.4-liter engine receives numerous enhancements for the new model year, including several refinements adapted from the prestigious 7 Series sedan. The X5 benefits from the new, intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system that can infinitely vary the distribution of forces to the front and rear axles. The system works with onboard sensors, monitoring yaw rate and steering input, to predict when stability control intervention or motive force distribution is required. While the hardware marks the most significant updates, the exterior has been modestly updated for the new model year.

Following close on the heels of the X5 facelift, the new X5 4.8is will offer an enhanced, sportier driving experience beyond the realm of the other X5 models.

The new X5 features an enlarged version of the VALVETRONIC 4.4-liter engine featured in the X5 4.4i. This new 4.8-liter V8 power plant produces 355-horsepower and 360 ft-lbs of torque, and is coupled with a 6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission. This abundant power is driven through 20-inch W-rated performance tires - 275/40 front and 315/35 in the rear. Massive 14-inch front/12.8-inch rear disc brakes bring BMWs most potent SAV to a quick and sure-footed stop.

For 2004, all X5 models have been treated to a freshened exterior design, with an  subtly revised front end, new taillights and several fresh new colors.

The long list of standard features include rain-sensing windshield wipers and adaptive headlights with automatic headlight control and self-dimming mirrors. Also included with this package are adjustable and heated rear seats, a ski bag, and a digital compass mirror. For the audiophile, an in-dash CD player is included as is a 6-CD changer. In fact, the list of standard features is so extensive, that all option packages are included in the list price of $70,495 including destination.

As with the other X5 versions, xDrive, BMW's newest all-wheel drive system, helps to ensure optimum performance in all driving situations. The xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system is a completely new design, and it sets new standards among all-wheel drive vehicles for road holding and agility. The perfect match to the X5 4.8is' abundant power, the xDrive system performs stepless and variable distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels at an unprecedented speed.

BMW's xDrive reacts faster than other systems because it not only makes use of the information obtained from the wheel sensors, which signal when any of the wheels are spinning, but also data collected from Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system sensors. Yaw rate, the information regarding rotational movement of the vehicle itself, and the steering wheel position both supply important data concerning the current situation. This enables xDrive to distribute drive power ideally and at any given moment between the front and rear wheels, for instance during cornering, thereby significantly minimizing under- or oversteer.

In addition to the clear increase in agility and driving enjoyment, xDrive also provides great safety benefits. As a result of its fast reaction time, the new system provides greatly improved road holding characteristics. Whether the driving surface is rough or smooth, it only takes a few milliseconds once traction is lost between the wheel and the road surface for the drive forces to be redistributed to the wheels that still have traction. The electronically controlled multi-disk clutch loses no time and reacts immediately.