1. Design
Compared to the 2013 model, the latest BMW X5 has a much more refined design which includes BMW’s latest design ethos with the larger kidney grille and air intakes. The body also has sharper lines along the bonnet and along the side, while the top of the boot integrates a small lip spoiler.
Inside the new X5, BMW has completely simplified the cabin so it’s easier to navigate while driving. An improvement over its predecessor is also seen through the decluttering of the centre console whereby there now appears are just two screens and a small air conditioning control panel.
Related reading: BMW X5 test drive: make sure to check these features out
2. Performance
BMW has retained the same sized engines as before, however, their engineers have managed to extract more power from them to improve performance. The 30d six-cylinder diesel now puts out 195 kW/265 hp and has a claimed fuel consumption on a combined cycle of 6.8 – 6.0 l/100 km. Relative CO2 emissions combined are 179 – 158 g/km.
The M50d now puts out 294 kW/400 hp and has a claimed fuel consumption on a combined cycle of 7.2 – 6.8 l/100 km. CO2 emissions combined is 190 – 179 g/km.
Then there’s the newly introduced six-cylinder in-line 40i petrol engine that puts out 250 kW/340 hp. Claimed fuel consumption on a combined cycle is rated at 8.8 – 8.5 l/100 km while CO2 emissions are 200 – 193 g/km.
All engines in the range are paired with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission (automatic) and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with a new, more efficient control system and rear-wheel bias as standard.
3. Off-Road package
The new X5 is the first BMW X model to be offered with an optional Off-Road package. Available for all model variants apart from the BMW X5 M50d, the package’s specification includes rugged underguard elements at the front and rear of the vehicle, along with the two-axle air suspension and electronically controlled rear differential lock. The Off-Road package also features its own special graphics in the instrument cluster and Control Display, and an extra button on the centre console for selecting the four driving modes. The driver can activate the ideal settings for the vehicle’s ride height, the xDrive system, the accelerator response, the transmission control, and the DSC system’s corrective inputs in preparation for driving on a range of surfaces, such as sand, rock, gravel or snow.
Related reading: What is covered under BMW X5 manufacturer warranty?
4. Well-being and luxury innovations
Other new features designed to maximise the feel-good factor and luxurious ambience on board the new BMW X5 include the four-zone air conditioning system and the panoramic glass roof, whose clear surface is 30 per cent larger than on the outgoing car. The Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge generates a very special and exclusive aura when darkness falls, with LED light spreading evenly across the glass surface to illuminate more than 15,000 graphic patterns and 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 enables air ionisation and infuses the interior with eight individually selectable scents.
A luxurious audio experience is laid on by the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with 20 speakers and 1,500-watt output. The optional Rear-seat entertainment Professional system comprises a pair of 10.2-inch full-HD touchscreen displays, a Blu-ray-compatible DVD player, two USB ports, an HDMI socket and two headphone jacks.
The system is part of the new display and control concept and allows those in the rear of the vehicle to select and operate entertainment functions. 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 thermo-cupholders foremost in the centre console; the containers here can be kept cool or warm, as required. Elsewhere, the optional glass applications 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.
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