BMW is once again setting the standard for the Sports Activity Vehicle with the new fourth-generation X5.
Combining an elegant and strong design with supreme on-and off-road ability, the new X5 has an even greater blend of premium luxury performance and comfort. It’s a winning formula with previous generations selling in excess of 2.2 million examples since the first X5 launched in 1999.
On sale in the UK from June 2018, the all-new X5 demonstrates the latest BMW advances in technology, design and safety, with the highest level of autonomous capability yet seen on a BMW X model. A choice of TwinPower and M Performance petrol and diesel engines are matched to a new eight-speed Steptronic gearbox and the latest version of xDrive for maximum comfort, capability and performance.
With a wheelbase 42mm longer than its predecessor, an increase in vehicle length of 36mm, an extra 66mm of width and a 19mm increase in height, the new BMW X5 has both an imposing appearance and generous levels of space for passengers and their luggage.
Distinctive design features mark out the xLine and M Sport model variants of the new X5. The xLine model adds kidney grille bars in aluminium matt, roof rails and side window surrounds in satin Aluminium, plus other accents in Pearl-effect Chrome. M Sport specification, meanwhile, sees the wheel arch trim, bumper trim, rear underguard and side skirts painted in body colour, plus extra-large air intakes at the front end, aluminium matt kidney grille bars. The roof rails, side window surrounds and other trim elements in high-gloss black flag up the dynamic potential of the SAV.
The new BMW X5 comes as standard with 19-inch light-alloy wheels on the xLine model, 20-inch M star-spoke light-alloy wheels on the M Sport model and exclusive 22-inch V-spoke alloy wheels on the M Performance model. Further variants in 20 to 22-inch formats are available as options.
There will be one petrol and two diesel units available from the latest generation of engines. The BMW X5 M50d is powered by a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with four turbochargers. A six-cylinder inline unit powers the BMW X5 xDrive40i and BMW X5 xDrive30d. All engines channel their power through an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive is on hand to ensure that power is translated into secure progress – on or off road.
The fully-digital instrument cluster and the Control Display share the same graphics and design, with the centre console hosting the Controller, the newly designed transmission selector lever and all other driving-related controls. A similarly new-look control panel for the heating and air conditioning is also on hand and the light functions in the new X5 are likewise operated using buttons.
The carefully selected materials in the interior include the new Vernasca leather variant for the standard leather upholstery. Like the optional BMW Individual extended Merino leather trim, it is available in four colours. The new BMW X5 is fitted as standard with electrically adjustable and heated sports seats. Customers can also specify optional multifunctional front comfort seats, including massage function and seat ventilation within the Comfort/Comfort Plus packages.
M Sport models also includes an M sports steering wheel, BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite, M-specific pedals, driver’s footrest and piping on the seats, plus exclusive interior trim in Aluminium Tetragon.
Other new features on board the BMW X5 include optional four-zone air conditioning system and Skylounge panoramic glass roof, which includes 15,000 graphic patterns to generate a display reminiscent of a starlit sky. The colour scheme of this atmospheric light show can be adapted as desired. The optional ambient lighting includes the Welcome Light Carpet – which illuminates the entry area to the car when the doors are unlocked or opened – and Dynamic Interior Light, which emits pulsating light signals in pre-defined situations: they are activated in the lining of a door or doors opened while the engine is running and in the instrument panel when a phone call is incoming.
The Ambient Air package provides air ionisation and infuses the interior with eight individually selectable scents, and a luxurious audio experience is offered by the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with 20 speakers and 1,500-watt output (expected to be available from 12/2018).
The optional Rear-seat entertainment Professional system comprises a pair of 10.2-inch full-HD 1080p touchscreen displays, a Blu-ray-compatible DVD player, two USB ports, an HDMI socket and two headphone jacks. The rear-seat passengers can use both their own media sources and those available in the front compartment. A navigation map and BMW ConnectedDrive services can also be accessed in the rear seats.
The new BMW X5 can now also be specified with heated and cooledcupholders in the centre console , while the optional CraftedClarity glass application for selected controls bring an all-new flourish to the interior of the X5. This exclusive design feature has been developed for the transmission selector lever, the Controller, the start/stop button and the volume control button for the audio system.
As well as increased levels of comfort and exclusivity, the new BMW X5 now also offers enhanced functionality. Folding down the 40 : 20 : 40 split rear seat backrest increases boot capacity from 650 litres to a maximum of 1,870 litres. The new BMW X5 also has a two-section tailgate for ease of loading. If the optional Comfort Access is specified, both sections can be opened and closed electronically and hands-free. In addition, the boot cover now lowers electrically into the load compartment floor and anti-slip luggage rails helps ensure cargo remains stationary whilst the car is in motion.
If the optional third row of seats is specified customers benefit from electric fore-and-aft adjustment of the second row seats. A control panel in the boot can be used to slide the second-row seats forwards or backwards and fold down the backrests of the second and third rows.
On sale now, prices start from £57,495 OTR.
