BMW has revealed the fourth generation of the X5 SUV or as they call it – Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) – which like its predecessors will be built at BMW Plant Spartanburg in the US. Its worldwide market launch will begin in November 2018.
The X5’s wheelbase is now 42 mm longer than its predecessor’s (now 2,975 millimetres), while there is also a 36 mm increase in vehicle length (to 4,922 millimetres), and an extra 66 mm of width (now 2,004 millimetres). Also increasing is the vehicle’s height which raises by 19 mm to 1,745 millimetres, which the company says gives the new BMW X5 both an imposing appearance and enviable interior space.
The most striking feature of the front end is the large BMW kidney grille with single-piece surround. The new BMW X5 comes as standard with LED headlights, while BMW Laserlight with Adaptive LED Headlights can be specified as an option to optimise the high beam function.
The precise character line in the car’s flanks, which rises up at the rear door, is key to the modern appearance of the new X5. It also defines the car’s strikingly powerful shoulders and feeds into the rear lights (likewise LED units), which extend well into the flanks. The three-dimensional design of their glass covers lends the rear lights a sculpted, technical edge.
Distinctive interior and exterior design features mark out the xLine and M Sport model variants of the new X5. 22″ light-alloy wheels will be offered (as an option) – a first for a BMW model. And the new BMW X5 will also be available from launch with model-specific options from BMW Individual.
Clear design and exclusive ambience in the interior
Inside the new BMW X5, the clear structure of the instrument panel and centre console radiates a feeling of space. The raised seating position, a new design for the instrument cluster and Control Display, and the cutting-edge display and control concept optimise the driver’s ability to maintain control over the vehicle. The front and rear occupants all enjoy ample accommodation amid an exclusive ambience. The carefully selected materials in the interior include the new Vernasca variant for the standard leather upholstery. Other new features designed to maximise well-being on board the BMW X5 include multifunction seats, cooled/heated cupholders, the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, Dynamic Interior Light, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System (expected to be available from
12/2018), the Rear-seat entertainment Professional system with 10.2″ touchscreen display (expected to be available from 12/2018) and glass
applications for selected controls.
Folding down the 40 : 20 : 40 split rear seat backrest increases boot capacity from 645 litres to a maximum 1,860 litres. A third row of seats for two additional passengers can be ordered as an option (expected to be available from 12/2018). 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 automatically and hands-free. The optional two-axle air suspension allows the loading sill to be lowered. And the boot cover can now be lowered electrically into the load compartment floor (expected to be available from 12/2018).
New V8 engine and an M Performance model available from launch.
The new BMW X5 will be available from launch with a choice of one V8 and three six-cylinder in-line engines. All will team up with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission offering optimised efficiency and shift dynamics, and all meet the EU6d-TEMP exhaust standard. The newly developed eight-cylinder unit under the bonnet of the BMW X5 xDrive50i (not available in Europe; fuel consumption combined: 11.6 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 264 g/km; provisional values) delivers maximum output of 340 kW and peak torque of 650 Nm. And the new BMW X5 xDrive40i (fuel consumption combined: 8.8 – 8.5 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 200 – 193 g/km; provisional values) is powered by a six-cylinder in-line petrol engine developing a maximum 250 kW and peak torque of 450 Nm.
A quartet of turbochargers allow the six-cylinder in-line diesel engine fitted in the new BMW X5 M50d (fuel consumption combined: 7.2 – 6.8 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 190 – 179 g/km; provisional values)* to produce maximum output of 294 kW, while peak torque of 760 Nm means the BMW M Performance model can call on a particularly forceful wave of power. The BMW X5 xDrive30d also comes with a six-cylinder inline diesel engine (fuel consumption combined: 6.8 – 6.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 179 – 158 g/km; provisional values), in this case developing 195 kW and peak torque of 620 Nm.
Optimised power distribution thanks to BMW xDrive and an electronically controlled differential lock at the rear axle
The task of maximising traction, agility and directional stability in the new BMW X5 falls to its intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The latest generation of BMW xDrive is now able to split drive torque between the front and rear wheels even more efficiently as the situation demands.
The new xDrive system also offers a rear-biased set-up for those occasions when the driver adopts a particularly dynamic style at the wheel. The electronically controlled differential lock for the rear axle (available in conjunction with the M Sport equipment line or the Off-Road package) gives the car’s handling an even sportier edge. By limiting equalisation of the rotational speeds of the inside and outside wheels through corners, it is able to optimise the transfer of power to the road on surfaces offering differing levels of grip.
New chassis systems enhance off-road performance, sportiness and comfort
A host of chassis systems make carefully judged strategic optimisations to the off-road performance, sporting prowess and comfort of the new BMW X5. The SAV comes as standard with Dynamic Damper Control, while Adaptive M suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering (making its debut in a BMW X model) enable extremely agile and dynamic driving characteristics. The two-axle air suspension caters to anyone seeking greater ride comfort and also allows the vehicle height to be adjusted by up to 80 millimetres at the touch of a button or using the BMW Display Key. Plus, customers can now order an Off-Road package – another new feature for a BMW X model. Here, a separate button gives drivers the choice of four driving modes, allowing them to activate the ideal settings for the vehicle’s ride height, the xDrive system, the car’s accelerator response and transmission control, and the DSC system’s corrective inputs in preparation for driving on sand, rock, gravel or snow.
More innovations bring automated driving another step closer
The spread of driver assistance systems available for the new BMW X5 is more extensive than ever. Among their number are Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, the Steering and lane control assistant, Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Assistant, Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision protection and evasion aid, Crossing traffic warning, Priority warning and Wrong-way warning. The Parking Assistant now takes over acceleration and braking duties as well as steering. And another new addition is Emergency Stop Assistant, which brings the car safely to a standstill if a medical emergency occurs.
A further illustration of BMW’s ongoing progress towards automated driving is provided by the Reversing Assistant. This system takes over steering to manoeuvre the vehicle along a path recently negotiated forward. This system makes reversing for a distance of up to 50 metres a particularly comfortable task in the new BMW X5.
New BMW Live Cockpit Professional display and control system fitted as standard
The new BMW Operating System 7.0 display and control concept – making its debut in this latest generation of the BMW X5 – focuses on optimising attention control. With its clear presentation and structuring, plus customisable and personalised displays, it sets out to provide drivers with the right information at the right time. In its standard application underpinning the BMW Live Cockpit Professional system, it comprises an instrument cluster and a Control Display (both 12.3″).
These present their information fully digitally and in a consistent design. Multimodal interaction allows the driver to use the steering wheel buttons, iDrive Controller, the touchscreen display, voice control or BMW gesture control, as they prefer. The likewise further developed BMW Head-Up Display offers a larger projection surface (now measuring 7 × 3.5″), as well as new display content and optimised graphics.
The BMW Connected personal mobility assistant is on hand to provide seamless connectivity between the car and digital devices. The new BMW X5 is also the brand’s first model that can be unlocked by the BMW Digital Key via a smartphone.
We look forward to slipping into the driver’s seat of the new X5 and checking out the new i-Drive infotainment system.
In other motoring news, VW recently announced that the Polo Vivo line has been expanded with the addition of the sized-up derivative, the Maxx.
