Almost unnoticed amongst an avalanche of new models from numerous manufacturers, at the 2007 Melbourne Motor Show, is the new 2007 BMW X5. It is displayed with the revised BMW 1-Series and 5-Series.

On display at the Melbourne Motor Show:

• New BMW X5
• First Melbourne viewing of new 3 Series convertible
• Update for 1 Series
• Update for 5 Series

BMW X5

The 2007 BMW X5 makes its debut at the Melbourne Motor Show with a host of features appearing for the first time in a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle.

With more performance combined with better fuel efficiency, more interior space augmented by a new seven-seat option, as well as unique options to this market segment including Active Steering, AdaptiveDrive and Head-Up Display.

New from the ground up suspension, further improvements to the xDrive permanent all-wheel drive system and added functions for the BMW Dynamic Stability Control system improves the new X5 over its predecessor.

With a larger body, the new BMW X5 offers the choice of three engines, from the 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder 3.0si through the 3.0d to the 4.8i V8.

All are mated to a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmissions using new torque converter technology and software to reduce reaction and gearshift times by as much as 50 per cent.

Electronic gear selection with a built-in push-button park brake selector also debuts on the new X5 to improve convenience.

The interior of the new X5 allows passengers to ride in comfort, yet also provides luggage space ranging from 620 to 1,750 litres depending on how the seating is configured.

Also appearing on the new X5 is an enhanced iDrive control system with eight “favourite” buttons allowing direct operation of the navigation system as well as easy access to telephone numbers and audio functions.

The Next Car team rates the US-built X5 below the over-achieving Volkswagen Touareg, the pleasing Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, the fully satisfying Land Rover Discovery 3 and the very dashing Range Rover Sport.

2007 BMW X5 Pricing

Model	RRP
X5 3.0si	$85,000 (available from June)
X5 3.0d	$86,800
X5 3.0si Executive	$94,500 (available from June)
X5 3.0d Executive	$96,300
X5 4.8i	$118,300

BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series arrived in Australia in 2004.

Featuring rear-wheel drive and the choice of petrol or diesel four-cylinder engines, plus a high-performance six-cylinder, the 1 Series continues to battle against BMW's own Mini and the successful Audi A3 (an S3 is arriving this year).

Now, a new-look BMW 1 Series prepares itself for market.

Running changes to the 1 Series range include a refined turbo diesel engine with a powerplant that increases power output in the 120d by 10 kW and peak torque by a further 10 Nm.

With no less than 340 Nm of torque and a maximum power output of 125 kW, the 120d accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in some 7.8 seconds.

The new BMW 1 Series is identified by a more dominant BMW kidney grille flanked by clear-glass headlights that are integrated into the bumpers and a wider intake in the newly designed front air dam.

A daytime running lights option, utilising corona rings surrounding the headlights, is incorporated into a new bi-xenon headlight package, while BMW adaptive headlights, which provide optimum illumination on winding roads, are also an option.

From the rear, the new 1 Series is identified by modifications to the design of the fog lights, tail lights – with new two-stage brake lights – and the bumper.

Inside, the BMW 1 Series gains new materials and colour choices as well as additional storage spaces.

BMW 1-Series owners also benefit from the availability of a new USB interface option to supplement the standard AUX plug and allow the integration of an external MP3 player.

New colours - Montego Blue and Patagonia Green – are also available in the new 1 Series, while new-look alloy wheels are available for 118i, 120i and 120d models.

2007 BMW 1 Series Pricing

Model	RRP (Manual)	RRP (Automatic)
116i	$34,900	N/A
118i	$38,900	$41,100
120i	$43,300	$45,500
120d	N/A	$48,000
130i	$63,700	$66,300

BMW 3 Series convertible

Fresh from its introduction to Australia, last month, at the Brisbane Motor Show and its world debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible is making its first appearance in Melbourne at the Motor Show.

With a retractable steel hard-top it takes just 22 seconds for the three-piece retractable hard top to be lowered.

The practicality of the new 3 Series Convertible is underlined by the inclusion of a fold-flat rear seat for additional luggage carrying capabilities, which also incorporates a ‘through-loading’ system from the boot enabling safe storage of longer, bulkier items.

When the roof is up, the new 3 Series Convertible makes a styling statement through the incorporation of BMW’s signature “Hofmeister kick” at the C-pillar for the first time in a BMW Convertible.

With its large rear window and minimised C-Pillar, the new 3 Series Convertible also offers an improvement of 38 per cent in rear visibility, adding not just to the light and spacious feeling, but also contributing significantly to safety.

When the roof is lowered, the new 3 Series also benefits from BMW’s SunReflective technology that ushers in a new era for convertibles where the heat build-up normally experienced when the car’s interior is exposed to direct sunlight is reduced by as much as 20 per cent.

The engine choice includes the 160 kW in-line 325i six-cylinder and the stirring Twin Turbo 335i with 225 kW and a massive 400 Nm of torque.

Both engines are available with the choice of BMW’s six-speed manual or an upgraded six-speed Steptronic automatic.

The new 3 Series combines the stylish elegance of a coupé with all the benefits of open-top motoring.

In addition to the SunReflective Dakota leather seating, the new 325i Convertible comes as standard with Bi-Xenon headlamps, Brake Force Display two-stage brake lights, 17-inch light alloy wheels, BMW Business navigation system with colour monitor, six-stacker CD player, rear Park Distance Control, automatic climate control, an extended lights package for interior illumination, cruise control with brake function and Bluetooth mobile phone preparation.

Above the 325i Convertible, the 335i version adds as standard equipment larger front and rear brakes, sports seats for driver and front passenger, 18-inch light alloy wheels, PDC Park Distance Control front and rear, front seat lumbar adjustment, BMW Professional Navigation with 8.8-inch colour monitor along with TV and Voice Recognition functions, Hi-Fi loudspeaker system, High Beam Assist and Adaptive Headlights.

The 3 Series Convertible offers the highest levels of safety with dual front airbags, front seat integrated side airbags with combined head airbags and active safety systems that include DTC Dynamic Traction Control, CBC Cornering Brake Control and DBC Dynamic Brake Control.

2007 BMW 3 Series Convertible Pricing

Model	RRP (Manual)	RRP (Automatic)
325i	$94,900	$97,500
335i	$121,500	$124,100

BMW 5-Series

Facing particularly strong competition from the Audi A6 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW’s 5 Series received an update that brings new styling features inside and out.

Among a number of new features, the new BMW 5 Series continues with the unique technology it brought to market with its Australian introduction in 2003.

Among these technologies is the standard-equipment variable-ratio Active Steering system.

Exclusive new features include Active cruise control incorporating a Stop and Go function, Lane Change Warning, High-Beam Assist, Night Vision and Head-Up Display.

The new 5 Series models include the 523i, 525i, 530i, 530i Touring, 530d, 540i and 550i, with power outputs ranging from 140 kW in the 523i to 270 kW for the 4.8-litre V8 550i.

All models benefit from a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission that almost halves gearshift times.

The 530i sedan and Touring models also gain 10 kW of power and 15 Nm of torque, with 200 kW and 315 Nm produced by the high-efficiency aluminium-magnesium 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine.

The styling of the BMW 5 Series has been amended inside and out, with refinements to the double kidney grille bringing the surrounds flush with the air dam surfaces and an upward-sweeping air intake with a horizontal trim bar continuing the line of the headlight contours.

Headlights of the 5 Series now come with new clear glass technology, transparent glass panels covering the direction indicators along with chrome surrounds that highlight the sophisticated character of the round headlights.

The side profile is made even sleeker with an additional light contour on the sills while clear-glass taillights with LED direction indicators combine with a more defined trim bar around the number plate to give sharper definition to the rear.

Inside the new BMW 5 Series, attention to detail has been given to improving functionality.

This is achieved through the use of Pearl Gloss Chrome finish on the controls, comfortable padding on the door armrests and striking twin-tone panels, as well as the centre console, black trim bars at the top of the doors and sweeping decal bars.

New, power window and mirror-adjustment buttons, door handles and door pockets add to convenience.

The iDrive vehicle management system in the new 5 Series also now gains enhanced menu guidance and eight “favourite” buttons to allow even faster, easier access to important functions.

The new 5 Series also lifts active safety with the latest version of DSC Dynamic Stability Control adding new functions to the braking system such as Fading Compensation, Start-Off Assistant, Regular Dry Braking - which helps to ensure optimum stopping power in wet weather - and pre-loading of the brake pads to enhance the brake standby function when the driver requires a particularly short stopping distance.

Cruise control with brake function (now common in the marketplace), which allows the set speed to be maintained even when driving on long downhill gradients, is finally standard on the new 5 Series, while Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle travelling in front, right down to standstill, is optional.

Also optional is the BMW Lane Change Warning assistance system that advises the driver via a tactile signal on the steering wheel of any deviation from the chosen lane.

High-Beam Assist is another option unique to the segment, automatically switching between high-beam and low-beam depending of on-coming traffic or the illumination level of the road ahead.

BMW Night Vision is also available in the new 5 Series, using a thermal imaging camera to display on the navigation system’s Control Display objects that may not be visible in the normal lights up to a distance of 300 metres away.