[BMW news] Following a few leaked images earlier this year, BMW has now officially released photographs and information of its eagerly anticipated third-generation X5, due in South Africa early next year.
Design-wise there aren’t any big surprises – the newcomer is a just a thorough refinement of what came before. Reflecting current market trends, the X5 will for the first time be offered with a rear-wheel drive option – the X5 sDrive35i will fulfill this role. Of course, all-wheel drive remains on the other models.
For now there are two petrol engines and one diesel. The sDrive35i and xDrive35i derivatives are powered by the marque’s N55 3,0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine that delivers 220 kW at 5 800 r/min and 407 N.m of torque. Power is delivered to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW claims a 0-100 km/h time of 6,2 seconds.
Higher up the price ladder (and only arriving in 2014) is the xDrive50i with its twin-turbo 4,4-litre V8 engine. Power has been upped compared with the previous model (now rated at 327 kW) and there is 650 N.m of torque. Also sporting the smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, the xDrive50i can sprint to 100 km/h in around five seconds.
The sole diesel offering (for now) is the xDrive35d. Powered by a new 3,0-litre TwinPower in-line six-cylinder engine, this model has 188 kW and 560 N.m at its disposal, slightly less power than the outgoing model, but BMW still claims performance to be on par with the previous generation machine. This engine is also paired with the eight-speed automatic gearbox.
All X5s feature BMW’s ECO PRO efficiency optimising features. “In ECO PRO mode, the engine management, accelerator response and transmission characteristics are systematically tailored to support a particularly fuel-efficient, low-engine speed driving style. At the same time, ECO PRO mode also programs electrically powered functions like the climate control, heated seats and heated exterior mirrors for extra-efficient energy management. In ECO PRO mode, a coasting function periodically decouples the engine from the rest of the powertrain whenever the driver eases off the accelerator at speeds between 50-160 km/h without then applying the brakes. This allows the new BMW X5 to coast without engine braking, for maximized fuel efficiency. In conjunction with the standard Navigation system, highly fuel-efficient ECO PRO navigation routes can be selected. When the navigation system is activated, the Proactive Driving Assistant function also tells the driver exactly when to ease off the accelerator when approaching corners or a speed-restricted section of road, in order to save fuel,” BMW’s press release explains.
But ECO PRO is not the only fuel-saving measures. The new X5 also features Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start/Stop, on-demand operation of ancillary units, Electric Power Steering, and a variety of weight- and drag-reducing features. The use of ultra-high-tensile steels in the body structure, thermoplastics in the front fenders, aluminum in the hood and magnesium in the instrument panel support have all helped to reduce weight, again improving efficiency. The weights for the new X5 xDrive35i and X5 xDrive50i are reduced by around 77 and 104 kg respectively.
The optional eight-speed sport automatic transmission offers a new launch control function, courtesy of a high-precision traction control system that improves standing start acceleration.
Inside the design will once again be familiar to BMW drivers, but the luxury detailing has taken a few steps forward. Most importantly, for the first time the X5 will be available with seven seats – third row seating is an option. When fitted, these seats can be accessed by what BMW calls an Easy Entry function and a grip plate by the C-pillar. The seats can be lowered separately into the boot floor. The new X5 again features a split tailgate.
Although local specification has not been communicated just yet, the X5 will elsewhere be offered with optional Luxury Line, xLine and M Sport trim packages, as well as two interior packages – Ivory White and Mocha Brown.
Standard specification in America includes; Navigation with Advanced Real-time Traffic, BMW Apps, Mobile Office, Heated Seats, Park Distance Control, power tailgate, LED fog lights, auto dimming mirrors, storage compartment package and panoramic moonroof. Additional standard features include a two-zone automatic climate control system, Bluetooth hands-free system, automatically dimming rear-view mirror and Dynamic Cruise Control with braking function. The X5 xDrive50i also features Rear View Camera and multi-contour seats as standard equipment. In addition to the standard hi-fi sound system, there are also optional Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen sound systems. The B&O system features a 1 200-watt amplifier and 16 speakers. A newly developed rear-seat entertainment system with DVD drive and two tablet-style monitors is also available.
Additional available features include a sports leather steering wheel, heated steering wheel, four-zone automatic climate control, doors with Automatic Soft Close function, Comfort Access and aluminum running boards.
BMW’s X5 has always been one of the more dynamic vehicles in its segment and the newcomer is said to further enhance this characteristic. The standard xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system can be complemented by Dynamic Performance Control as part of the optional Dynamic Handling Package. This package also includes Active Roll Stabilisation as well as Dynamic Damper Control and air suspension at the rear. Adaptive M suspension, available as part of M Sport, also includes Dynamic Damper Control and rear air suspension with more sports-oriented suspension tuning.
Standard, of course, is BMW’s Driving Dynamics Control switch on the center console. Offering COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and ECO PRO modes, which can be selected at the press of a button, the driver can customise the accelerator response characteristics, the power steering characteristics, the characteristics of the automatic transmission and also Dynamic Damper Control, if equipped.