BMW reveals 2018 X5 07 | 06 | 2018
BMW HAS UNVEILED its all-new fourth-generation X5, which is set to go head-to-head against the likes of the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. Available to order now from Scottish dealerships, prices start from £56,710 for the X5 xDrive30d xLine and climb to £70,690 for the M50d. First deliveries are scheduled for December. (Related: Scots dealer is UK No1)
There’s a choice of two diesels and one petrol engine. No surprise that by far the most popular — expected to account for roughly 80-85% of all UK X5 sales — will be the 261bhp, 3.0-litre straight-six xDrive30d. Capable of returning 47.1mpg at the pumps, it emits 158g/km CO2. It also hits 62mph from standstill in 6.5secs.
There’s an even more potent diesel in the M50d, where power rises to 395bhp and 760Nm, reducing the 0-62mph sprint to just 5.2s. The sole petrol — the xDrive40i — is not only 3/10ths slower in the sprint, but returns significantly poorer economy figures of 33.2mpg. Standard across all three models are four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. (Related: New Mini dealership for Scotland)
The range will be further supplemented in the future by the addition of a plug-in hybrid, though BMW has yet to confirm official details.
In keeping with modern trends, the new model is longer, wider and taller than the outgoing X5. Stylistically, the most noticeable change is at the front where active flaps have been aded to the huge kidney grille to improve aerodynamic efficiency. At either side, the headlights are available with optional laser technology which shine up to 500 metres ahead on full beam.
Though the car is larger, bootspace has shrunk by 10 litres to 640 litres with the rear seats in place; flick the seats down and the 1860-litre stowage space is again 10 litres shy of the outgoing model. Accessed via a split tailgate, buyers can also opt for an optional hands-free tailgate and electrically retractable load cover, both of which boost practicality.
But BMW is squick to highlight the loss of luggage stowage means occupants of the third row of seats in the seven-seater now benefit from more space.
As for the cabin, BMW has ditched the previous button-heavy style for a more minimalist look dominated by the latest version of its iDrive infotainment system. Most functions are accessed via clickwheel, touch, voice and gesture commands and appear on the 12.3-inch display control.
This, in turn, blends into another 12.3-inch screen, which houses the main instrument panel and includes customisable digital dials. Both screens are further supplemented by BMW’s largest-ever head-up display.
As you’d expect, there’s a plethora of technology available. Emergency Stop Assistant steps in if the driver becomes suddenly incapacitated, and brings the X5 safely to a standstill. The system will even perform lane changes to pull the BMW to a stop on a hard shoulder.
Another system, Traffic Jam Assist keeps the car in a lane with semi-autonomous steering input. In addition it will it merge into a clear lane when the indicator stalk is held in the desired direction.
Options include four-wheel steering, which improves agility when manoeuvring and stability at higher speeds, plus air suspension system. You can also tick the boxes for a pair of 10.2-inch touchscreens for rear seat passengers, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, panoramic glass sunroof and — in a first for BMW — 22in alloys.
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Jim McGill