Fourth generation BMW X5 unveiled
The fourth generation of the BMW X5 opens the next chapter in the success story of the Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) patriarch, of which more than 2.2 million units have been sold so far.
The first X5, with the chassis code E53, made its debut in 1999. It was the first SUV by BMW, but the Munich based automaker insist on branding it as a SAV rather than an SUV, to emphasize its on-road ability despite its size. Together with the Lexus RX 300 the X5 heralded the shift from light body-on-frame SUVs to crossovers underpinned by unibody platforms in the 2000s.
According to BMW the latest X5 captures the imagination with a new, robust exterior design language incorporating extra-large kidney grille, powerfully sculpted side surfaces, dynamic roof line, and rear lights with a three-dimensional form.
The new X5, chassis code G05, is based on the new Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform of BMW and with a length increase of 36 mm to 4,922 mm, width by 66 mm to 2,004 mm and height by 19 mm to 1,745 mm, it is significantly larger than its predecessor. Its wheelbase has also extended by 42 mm to 2,975 mm. This makes it the biggest model in the BMW line-up, at least until the arrival of the huge new X7 – now undergoing endurance testing, and expected to be unveiled in production form some time next year.
As to be expected, the interior of the newcomer is classy and modern thanks to sophisticated materials, good design, and an innovative control concept called BMW Live Cockpit Professional, fitted as standard. Further development of the iDrive operating system include a fully digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch Control Display with clear graphics and flat menu structure, and the Head-Up Display now has a larger projection surface, optimised 3D-graphics and additional display content.
Optional equipment includes a third row of seats, a two-piece split tailgate with hands-free opening, and automatic boot cover, four-zone auto climate control, heated armrests, cooled/heated cup holders, a Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, ambient air package, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system, rear-seat entertainment system, telephony with wireless charging, updated ambient lighting, and an innovative suite of driver assistance systems that takes another step towards automated driving.
It also includes a complete range of services from BMW ConnectedDrive with “over the air” software updates. Head, shoulder, and legroom is more, and boot capacity can be increased from 645 litres to a maximum 1,860 litres.
Off-road package
The new X5 will be the first BMW X-model with optional off-road package, that includes a two-axle air suspension, offering ride height adjustment of up to 80 mm, underguards at the front and rear, plus specific displays in the instrument cluster and control display. A choice of four driving modes that adapt ride height and xDrive, DSC, transmission, and accelerator responses for optimum set-up on sand, rock, gravel, or snow, are available at the touch of a button.
Dynamic Damper Control with electronically controlled dampers are standard, as well as Active Steering and adaptive M-suspension with active roll stabilisation, and the new X5 will also be the first BMW model available with optional 22-inch light-alloy wheels.
At launch the X5, produced at the BMW plant in Spartanburg, United States, will be available in a choice of four engines sizes – a newly developed 340 kW V8 in the xDrive50i, a six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with 250 kW in the xDrive40i, and two six-cylinder in-line diesels with 294 kW in the M50d and 195 kW/265 kW in the xDrive30d – all paired with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
Only the M50d and xDrive30d will be offered in South Africa and the new X5 is expected here either late this year or early in 2019.
– Paul van Gass
