THE X5's alloy V8 is lifted from sedan BMWs such as the 540i and 740i. Using variable intake valve control (VANOS) and a sophisticated new "on-demand" cooling system, the 4.4-litre engine nevertheless has a lot of work to do propelling the 2.2-tonne bulk. The engine uses double overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder and is managed by BMW's DME digital electronic system.

BMW says the engine meets the latest EAIII Californian emission requirements and produces 210kW at 5400rpm and 440Nm of torque at 3600rpm