BMW announces limited edition X5 30d
BY MIKE COSTELLO | 4th Feb 2013
Based on the entry-level xDrive 30d diesel, the Limited Edition – priced from $99,900 driveaway – adds more than $15,000 worth of equipment while reducing the on-road price.
Extra features include a range of sporty additions from its popular M Sport range, including a body kit, 20-inch alloy wheels, M leather steering wheel and gearshift paddles, and a chrome tailpipe finisher.
BMW has also thrown in Navigation Professional, voice control, rear-view camera with bird’s-eye view, electric seats, automatic tailgate operation and bi-Xenon headlights with high-beam assist.
The $99,900 driveaway price is higher than BMW’s $92,600 list price on the regular 30d, but when on-road costs are added, this blows out to a figure of more than $100,000, depending on state (the figure is $102,100 in Victoria).
The promotion comes as the big ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ comes to the end of its life-cycle, with the current shape dating back to 2006 and due for replacement in Australia by late 2013 or early 2014.
The new generation is already deep in testing and likely to appear overseas by the middle of this year.
Despite its vintage, the X5 remained BMW Australia’s second most popular model behind the 3 Series in 2012, with 2778 units sold.
BMW Australia is also offering a M Sport package on all 5 Series and Z4 variants at no charge (saving between $3500 and $7900) and throwing in the M Sport Plus package on the 1 and 3 Series coupe and convertible range (saving between $2500 and $7900).
The M Sport Plus package for the 1 and 3 Series models includes M Sport suspension, leather steering wheel, M Aerodynamics package and anthracite roof liner (coupé variants) from the existing M Sport package.
In addition, they get unique 18-inch grey alloy wheels, chrome door sills and blue piping on the floor mats.
According to BMW, almost 50 per cent of its customers in Australia shell out the extra cost for one of the optional M Sports packages.
