One Millionth BMW X5: King of Its Own Hill
by Gunnar Heinrich ::: img BMW ::: BMW makes 1,000,000 X5s
THE press release is kind of funny as BMW is still using its own “Sports Activity” jargon when describing its X5 – judged a straight up sports utility vehicle by pretty much everyone on the planet.
The BMW X5, which was originally launched in Spartanburg in 1999 as the first vehicle in the Sports Activity segment, has laid the cornerstone for BMW as the most successful premium vehicle manufacturer in the SAV/SUV segment during its 11-year history.
Nothing quite like declaring yourself king of your own hill. In any event, in 11 years BMW’s made 1,000,000 X5s – a figure that represents a significant chuck of their overall car sales.
Meanwhile, Mercedes has announced a kind of reminder that it, too, makes SUVs that go like stink and take a corner. The ML63 AMG features a 6.3 Liter, 510 horsepower V8 which puts it in company with the BMW X5 M’s 4.4 Liter, twin-turbo, 550 horsepower V8.
About the Author: Gunnar Heinrich is publisher of Automobiles De Luxe online and is executive producer of the Automobiles De Luxe Television series on PBS member station CPTV.
drew | Jun 9, 2010 | Reply
gunnar – quick question since the picture reminded me…
do you know why all US spec cars require front amber reflectors? i can’t seem to find an answer even on the almighty google!
Gunnar | Jun 9, 2010 | Reply
Hey Drew,
I think you’ve answered your question! US regulations since the 1960s require all cars sold Stateside to have amber “sidemarker” and “directional” lights.
Hence, clear Euro-style lights are a no-no from the manufacturer – though – there are plenty of people who opt for these aftermarket.
Personally, I like the amber
Best,
G
Drew | Jun 9, 2010 | Reply
G,
thanks for the reply…
yes I know that they are a requirement but is there a *reason* behind this requirement? ie. safer etc etc
imho there isn’t a valid reason other than it being on the books since the dawn of time etc etc or else EU spec cars would have them as well…
Gunnar | Jun 9, 2010 | Reply
Not so sure on your last point.
The EU and US approach safety and general regulation differently with each gov’t taking the charge at different junctures.
Note the US requirement for catalytic converters, for instance, was at the time it went into effect more stringent than Continental emissions regulations of the day (though, the EU wasn’t quite the EU it is today back in the 70s).
The amber does reflect more than transparent plastic. Kind of like international hazard orange and certain road signs, the color just stands out which is vital for visibility.
Jim | Jun 10, 2010 | Reply
My wife is shopping for a new car and I noticed a couple of models that were offering clear turn signal lens as an option. Also on BMW motorcycles the clear turn signals are a nearly a ‘mandatory’ option as few bikes are in the showroom without them.
Regarding the X5, never overestimate the taste of consumers.