BMW expands X5, X7 SUV ranges

BMW Group Australia has expanded its X5 large SUV and X7 upper-large SUV ranges, with the former scoring new petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options, while the latter has been bolstered by petrol V8 power for the first time.

The X5 now has a new entry point to the range with the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder xDrive25d, which checks in just under six figures at $99,900 plus on-roads.

Its oil-burning engine – the only four-cylinder in the X5 range – punches out 170kW/450Nm. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing for a zero-to-100km/h sprint time of 7.5 seconds.

Standard spec in the 25d includes 20-inch light alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, Comfort Access system, fine-wood high-gloss interior trim, Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant Plus with surround-view camera, Live Cockpit Professional, head-up display, adaptive LED headlights, heated front seats and aluminium roof rails.

The arrival of the xDrive45e sees BMW’s old 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder PHEV powertrain swapped out for a beefier 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine in league with an electric motor, providing a meaty combined output of 290kW/600Nm – 60kW/150Nm greater than its predecessor.

Pure-electric range is between 60 and 65km for the 24kWh, 83kW battery pack, while the zero-to-100km/h sprint can be completed in a brisk 5.6 seconds.

The 45e slots into the range above the 40i and below the M50i/M50d pair at $129,900. It includes a number of extra specification highlights such as the M Sport package, adaptive two-axle air suspension, 20-inch M light alloy wheels with run-flat tyres, Vernasca leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof and aluminium tetragon interior trim finish.

Joining the M50d atop the X5 range is the identically priced M50i, which brings petrol V8 power to the G05 X5 generation for the first time.

Priced at $151,900, the M50i employs the same 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 found in other models such as the M5 and M850i, tuned to produce 390kW/750Nm.

Mated to an eight-speed auto, the M50i completes the landmark sprint in a rapid 4.3s, 0.9s faster than the quad-turbo-diesel six-cylinder M50d.

As befitting a M Performance model, the M50i scores a number of sporty enhancements including 22-inch M light alloy wheels, M Performance exhaust, M Sport differential, M exterior design with Cerium Grey elements, M Sport brakes, adaptive M suspension, metallic paint, rear-axle steering, BMW LaserLight, leather-finished BMW Individual instrument panel, soft-close doors, lumbar support and four-zone climate control.

Meanwhile, the X7 range has also gains an M50i variant that employs the same powertrain as its smaller X5 sibling and also mirrors the M50d price at $171,900.

Specification is close to that of the X5 M50i with a couple of extra highlights, with standard kit extending to 22-inch hoops with mixed tyres, M Performance exhaust, M Sport differential, two-axle air suspension, Executive Drive Pro, rear-axle steering, Merino leather upholstery, heated cupholders, five-zone climate control, 16-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system and third-row seating.

Along with the arrival of the new SUV variants, BMW has announced a factory-designed tow bar for the X5 and X7 at $2500 across the range.

Maximum braked towing capacity is rated at 3500kg on all variants bar the X5 xDrive25d and xDrive45e (2700kg), meaning BMW now competes with the likes of Toyota’s LandCruiser on the towing front.

The tow package is only available for the 25d when fitted with the M Sport Package, while the X7 30d must be fitted with the M Sport package or Design Pure Excellence.

Through the first seven months of 2019, BMW has sold 1990 X5s, up 17.7 per cent on the same time last year.

Meanwhile, the X7 has chalked up 306 new registrations since its launch earlier this year.

2019 BMW X5 pricing*

2019 BMW X7 pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs