BMW reveals new X5 03 | 06 | 2013
BMW HAS UNVEILED its third-generation X5, and the new model places a clear emphasis on efficiency, with four-cylinder power and the option of rear-wheel drive (see more official photos of the all-new BMW X5). The new car is expected to go on-sale in the UK by the third-quarter of 2014
The new model, scheduled to make its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, will be available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine.
BMW's decision to offer a rear-wheel drive version is a first in what is a hotly-contested luxury SUV sector.
The new X5 has grown over its predecessor. It's 4886mm long, 1938mm wide and 1762mm tall, which makes it 32mm longer, 5mm wider and 14mm taller than the model it replaces. And while it shares the 2933mm wheelbase with its predecessor, it has a slightly smaller footprint as a result of the tracks having been shortened by 4mm, both front and rear, to 1640mm and 1646mm.
The exterior styling of the new model is an evolution of the previous X5, with its upright profile retained and the traditional two-piece tailgate continuing.
However, the front-end now has a more robust appearance, featuring a more prominent kidney grille. BMW designers have also butted the LED headlamps up against the chrome surround of the grille.
The new X5 also includes an 'air blade' duct, sited behind the front wheel arches, which first appeared on the recently introduced 3-series GT. Air curtain ducts on the lower outer edges of the new heavily-contoured front bumper channel air through the front wheel houses to the 'air blade'.
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BMW will offer a choice of two rear seat configurations as it bids to add a further aspect of luxury to the new X5. Buyers can choose from a fixed 40/20/40 split bench arrangement, or a newly-developed 70/30 split bench. The latter adjusts longitudinally to free-up leg space for an optional third row of seats.
Boot capacity has been increased by 30 litres to 650 litres: when the second and third seat rows are folded away, this rises to 1870 litres.
The new X5 will also come with a host of advanced optional extras. These will include an improved range of multimedia features as part of its ConnectedDrive initiative. The new car will also offer full internet access, in-car use of Facebook, Twitter and other on-line services as well as a dictation function with speech recognition for e-mails and text messages.
In addition, night vision with human and animal detection, collision warning with an automatic braking function, lane departure warning and road sign information, a head up display and a 360deg surround-view parking assistant will also be optional.
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UK buyers will initially get the option of three engines, all mated to an updated version of BMW’s eight-speed automatic gearbox. New stop-start and coasting functions will contribute to improved performance. The reduced fuel consumption figures will also meet upcoming EU6 emission regulations due to come into force in September 2014. All diesel units receive urea injection for reduced NOX emissions.
The launch line-up includes a 444bhp 4.4-litre V8 petrol in the xDrive50i. The new xDrive30d — traditionally the UK's bestseller — will be powered by a 254bhp turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder common rail diesel engine.
The performance-orientated xDrive M50d — which BMW claims will cover the 0-62mph sprint in 5.3sec, reach a limited 155mph top speed, and return 42.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 177g/km — will be powered by a 376bhp triple turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder common rail diesel.
Figures for the top selling xDrive30d sees the 0-62mph time drop from 7.6sec to 6.9sec: combined fuel economy improves from 38.2mpg to 45.6mpg, and CO2 emissions drop from 195g/km to 164g/km.
BMW will add a further three engine options — including the first-ever four-cylinder to appear in an X5, the 215bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel — to the line-up shortly after the X5's launch.
Available in both the four-wheel-drive xDrive25d and rear-wheel-drive sDrive25d, in the latter it will return 50.4mpg and emit 149g/km.
A choice of petrol-electric or diesel-electric hybrids are expected to enter the market in 2015.
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Jim McGill