BMW is taking the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) even further into the realms of luxury cars with the introduction of the new, third-generation X5.
BMW invented the concept of the SAV with the original X5 and is the global market leader in the segment, with more than 1.3 million sales of the previous two models.
The new X5, which goes on sale in the UK from 16 November 2013, delivers major advances in design, luxury, comfort, versatility, efficiency, driving pleasure, safety and connectivity. It will be available with five TwinPower Turbo engines – four diesel and one petrol – a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and the option of two or four-wheel drive (sDrive and xDrive). In the UK it will be offered in SE or M Sport specifications.
The design of the new X5 is deliberately evolutionary – a modern and eye-catching update of the style which has made the car the global best-seller in its class – while the spacious interior with seats for up to seven people now offers even greater luxury and functionality.
Signature exterior features are a short overhang, long wheelbase, upright A-pillars and a short distance between the front axle and the instrument panel. The forward-leaning and muscular kidney grille is set into a triangle between the three-dimensional twin circular headlights with LED elements, the LED foglamps and the X-shaped contours within the front bumper. Adaptive LED headlights are optional.
The front apron has air intakes at its outer edges which emphasise the X5’s wide track and broad stance, while striking underbody protection elements are a nod to its robust and versatile nature. The sides are characterised by precise lines leading into a dynamic wedge shape and taut surfaces which create light and shade, reinforcing the dynamic qualities of the car. A shoulder line rises steadily from the headlight units through the door pulls and into the rear lights. A character line extending from the Air Breathers and a crease above the side skirts appear to stretch the side surfaces.
Large windows give the interior a light and spacious feel. Horizontal lines on the split tailgate and rear apron accentuate the width of the car, and there are thin 3D strips within the L-shaped rear light units.
The elegant and luxurious interior features a layered front panel with a horizontal structure and 3D surfacing, adding to the sensation of space. The high-quality materials include accent strips on the front and rear door panels and Oxide Silver dark matt, Poplar Grain fine wood or Aluminium Hexagon elements on top of a high-gloss black surface with a Pearl Grey Chrome underline.
There is a 10.2 inch free-standing Control Display screen linked to the new iDrive Touch Controller operating system. The climate control and ventilation displays feature black-panel technology.
The new BMW X5 goes on sale on 16 November 2013 and will cost from £42,590 OTR for an sDrive25d SE and from £44,895 OTR as an xDrive25d SE.
