7 hot features that make the BMW X5 stand out from the competition

 

By Chad Lückhoff

We list our 7 favourite features of the new BMW X5

The latest BMW X5 is moving the goalposts even further than before and is making it hard for the competition to keep up. Aside from an exemplary driving experience, the new BMW X5 has a host of features that were previously only seen in the likes of the flagship BMW 7 Series offerings.

Here are seven of the best innovations to hit the new BMW X5.

Four Turbos

The engine in the BMW X5 M50d is an impressive 3.0-litre straight-six turbo-diesel unit that produces an astounding 294 kW and 760 Nm. It will sprint from 0 – 100km/h in only 5.2-seconds.

It manages to do this thanks to the four turbochargers attached to the engine. Two smaller, low-pressure turbos ensure that over 450 Nm of torque is developed at only 1 000 rpm and as the revs climb over 2 500 rpm, two larger turbos intervene and help produce maximum power.

This gives you a wonderfully seamless power delivery and makes the X5 M50d a dream to drive.

Reversing assistant

A feature that we're yet to see from anyone else is the new Reversing Assistant. This driving assistant takes control of the steering inputs to help manoeuvre the X5 out of long driveways or tricky parking spots.

The driver merely operates the throttle input and brakes and the BMW X5 will reverse back out, the way it came in, remembering the steering input for up to the last 50 meters travelled. This information is stored for long periods of time (until overwritten) so that backing out of the spot the next day is easy as pie.

Laser Lights

While BMWs are known for particularly impressive lighting, the new Laserlight system on the new X5 ups the ante yet again. These lights are even brighter and more focussed than before, providing excellent visibility at night or in low-light conditions.

Laserlight spotlights have a Selective Beam function that prevents the blinding of oncoming traffic and helps increase road illumination to approximately 500 meters. 

The blue elements in the headlight cluster add to the aesthetics of the new X5 as well.

Class-leading infotainment

The new BMW X5 sees the introduction of the BMW OS 7.0, a revised and updated operating system. The system is now even easier to use with larger displays, new menu layouts and a new tiled interface that allows for several displays at once.

Gesture Control is now available in the new X5 to help you skip tracks, adjust the volume or answer / reject calls without having to hunt for buttons.

It's complemented by a high-end Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System that churns out an impressive 1 500-watts through a 20-speaker setup.

Panorama Sky Lounge

The Panorama Sky Lounge creates a unique and enticing ambience in the interior when the sun sets. 

LED lights connect with over 15 000 graphic patterns in the panoramic roof, spreading across the surface of the galls and creating the impression of a starlit night sky, no matter the weather. With adaptable lighting and colours, you're able to create exactly the right kind of ambience inside, to suit your mood.

Comfort and convenience

BMW worked hard at getting the ergonomics of the X5 just right, and it shows. A raised seating position and driver-orientated cockpit layout with improved controls positioning ensure that the driver has the best view of the road and excellent control over the vehicle no matter the road conditions.

New upholstery, including the all-new Vernasca leather, adorns the electrically adjustable heated seats. Customers can also specify the optional Merino leather as well as multifunction seats with ventilation and massage function.

Thermo-cupholders are an option that will see your beverages kept either cool or warm – a feature you never knew you needed! 

Digital Key

Digital Key is guaranteed to be a controversial feature, especially in South Africa.

Digital Key uses NFC technology to allow you to grant access and driving permission to up to 5 friends or family, without needing to give them the physical key. They will be able to lock and unlock the X5 with their NFC smartphone and the BMW Connected app.

Once their phones are placed in the smartphone tray or wireless charger, they will be able to start the X5 and drive as usual.

Check out our First Drive Impression here: The new BMW X5