BMW uncovers fourth-gen X5

BMW has ripped the covers off its all-new fourth-generation X5 large SUV that sports a new exterior, larger dimensions and a host of features to enhance on-road comfort, safety and off-road capability.

 

Expected to touch down in Australia before the end of the year, the new X5 debuts a number of features never before seen on a BMW SUV, such as two-axle air suspension and integral active steering.

 

The integral active steering is a four-wheel steering system for greater stability at high speeds and improved manoeuvrability at low speeds, making it easier to park – handy when the new model is bigger in all dimensions.

 

Measuring 4922mm long, 2004mm wide and 1745mm high, the new X5 is 36mm longer, 66mm wider and 19mm wider than its predecessor, with a 42mm longer wheelbase.

 

The two-axle air suspension with automatic self-levelling will be offered on the new X5. The system can adjust ride height by up to 80mm, dropping down 40mm for loading items into the vehicle and up 40mm for off-roading.

 

Never previously renowned for its prowess in the rough stuff, the new X5 will be offered with an optional off-road package that includes underbody protection, the aforementioned adjustable suspension, four-mode terrain select and a locking differential on the rear axle.

 

At launch, four turbocharged engines – two diesel and two petrol – will be offered, with three inline six-cylinder mills and a V8, with Australia likely to receive all four.

 

The two petrol mills are the 250kW/450Nm 3.0-litre inline-six 40i and the 340kW/650Nm 4.4-litre V8 50i, while the diesel offerings are the volume-selling 195kW/620Nm inline-six 30d, and the M Performance-fettled 294kW/760Nm quad-turbo 3.0-litre six M50d, which cannot be optioned with the off-road package.

 

All engines employ the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, which channels power to all four wheels via BMW’s rear-biased xDrive set-up.

 

A rear-drive version is expected to appear later in the model’s life-cycle, as are a plug-in hybrid powertrain and top-spec X5 M, as seen in the current X5 range.

 

Visually, the new large SUV is identifiable as an X5. However, a number of design tweaks set it apart from its predecessor.

 

BMW’s signature kidney grille has grown bigger on the new X5, while the new-look standard LED headlights have been given a hexagonal ring to match the rest of the German brand’s stable.

 

M Sport and xLine bodykits will be available, while the standard 18-inch alloy wheels can be upgraded to 19- to 22-inch units.

 

Inside, the new X5 debuts the Live Cockpit Professional system that teams two 12.3-inch digital displays – one for the instrument cluster and one for the multimedia interface – and the latest iteration of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system.

 

The dashboard has been redesigned with more angular styling, while other interior highlights include a larger head-up display, leather upholstery, 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins 3D surround sound system, cooled and heated cupholders, six-colour ambient lighting, four-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof that can be optioned with LED technology to simulate a starry sky at night.

 

Boot capacity stands at 645 litres, expanding to 1860L with the 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats folded. A seven-seat third-row option will be available. The previous model had an 18 per cent local take-up of that option.

 

Driver assistance systems available on the new model include adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitor, lane-change assist, cross-traffic alert, wrong-way warning, parking assistant that also controls accelerating and braking, emergency stop assist and reversing assistant, which can trace a previously navigated route backwards for up to 50 metres.

 

Despite nearing replacement, the current X5 has achieved 1189 sales so far this year to lead the $70,000-plus large SUV segment, ahead of the Range Rover Sport (1152), Audi Q7 (931), Lexus RX (882) and Mercedes-Benz GLE (782).

 

Exact Australian timing, pricing and specification will be confirmed closer to the X5’s launch towards the end of the year.

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