The new BMW X5 – the continuation of a successive story

The original BMW X5 was the German automaker's first entry into the luxury SUV (Sports Activity Vehicle) segment. Realizing that most SUV buyers rarely, if ever, venture off-road, BMW designed the X5 for on-road performance and handling.

All-New BMW X5

Short overhangs, a compact size (the original was 4.5 inches shorter than the 5-Series sedan of the same time period) and a car-based chassis combined to give the X5 its low stance and superb on-road performance. Now on its third generation, the BMW X5 continues to set the benchmark forpowerful design, interior spaciousness, luxury, versatility, driving pleasure, efficiency and innovative equipment features.

Still great on the dirt

 

Striking design

The new BMW X5 has an extremely broad-set kidney grille extending all the way to the headlight units. The hallmark BMW twin circular headlights stretch well into the car's side panels. Their light rings are each levelled off at the bottom and are covered at their top edge by an LED accent light. Sweeping chrome inserts and the three-dimensional design of the lights underline the car's sophisticated character. The front apron, with side air intakes positioned far to its outer edges, draws further attention to the wide and planted stance of the new BMW X5. The SUV’s striking under body protection elements provides a further nod to its robust and versatile character.  

Profile visibly unchanged

Drag-reducing Air Curtains make their debut on a BMW X model. These vertical apertures guide the inflowing air around the wheel arches, where it creates a curtain of air over the wheels before making a controlled escape through the Air Breathers in the side panels. The clear subdivision between the muscular body and a passenger compartment, whose large windows lend it a light and spacious feel, is clearly visible from the rear as well as from the side.

Driver focused cockpit

Horizontal lines on the two-section tailgate and around the rear apron emphasise the width and robust stance of the new SUV. The new BMW X5 is the brand's first model to feature Aero Blades. These black air-channelling elements, located at each end of the rear windshield, optimise the SUV's aerodynamic properties. The thin, three-dimensional LED light strips of the two-section, L-shaped rear lights create a striking night-time look.

Redesigned rear

Thrilling performance

A range of power units are available including a V8 engine producing 330 kW/450 hp for the BMW X5 xDrive50i and the 190 kW/258 hp six-cylinder in-line diesel earmarked for the BMW X5 xDrive30d. All engines in the new BMW X5's line-up are combined as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, whose high internal efficiency, precision and short shift times help to improve both efficiency and driving enjoyment. Standard BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive (except on the BMW X5 sDrive25d) can be complemented by Dynamic Performance Control as part of the optional Dynamic and Professional adaptive suspension packages. 

Comfortable front seats

Exquisite interior

With its luxurious ambience and enhanced ride comfort, spaciousness and seating comfort, the new BMW X5 offers noticeable advances over its predecessor. The newly designed seats for the driver and front passenger ensure a high level of long-distance comfort and impressive lateral hold through dynamically taken corners.

New BMW i-Drive system

Seat heating and comfort seats are both available for the rear compartment. The rear comfort seats can be specified either as an individual option or together with the optional third row of seats. The two additional seats are easy to access thanks to an Easy Entry function and a grip plate by the C-pillar. They can be lowered separately into the load compartment floor, are designed primarily for children and come with inertia-reel seat belts. 
 

Rear seats

The folding backrest of the second-row seat bench split 40: 20: 40, which allows load capacity to be increased in stages from 650 to as much as 1,870 litres - that's 30 litres/120 litres more than the predecessor model. Additional storage compartments and door pockets which can accommodate 1.5-litre bottles (front) and one-litre bottles (in the rear) also contribute to the car's impressive functionality both in day-to-day use and on longer journeys.

Practical rear storage

The new BMW X5 also comes with a split two-section tailgate, the lower element of which can be folded down horizontally to form a single level with the load surface. Automatic tailgate operation for the upper and lower section is now a standard feature in the new BMW X5.

Redesigned centre console

Verdict

If you want a big 4x4 that drives more like a sports saloon, the BMW X5 is the one. The new BMW X5 remains a luxury, road-focused sports SUV. Our entire Monthly Motor team gives the nod of approval to the styling; it’s one of our favourite looking big luxurious 4x4’s at the moment.

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