BMW India starts accepting bookings of the 2014 X5; Will be launched by month end

BMW dealers have started accepting bookings for the 3.0-litre diesel variant of the 2014 X5 for a token of Rs 5 lakh. Codenamed F15, the third-generation SUV is expected to be launched in India on May 29 with deliveries set to commence from early June. The 2014 X5 made its Indian debut alongside the 3 Series GT and the i8 supercar at the Delhi Auto Expo, earlier this year. 

The 2014 BMW X5 is mechanically similar to the previous car, though it carries a few significant cosmetic updates. The car has been restyled along BMW's current design language to maintain uniformity in the company’s line-up. The front fascia is an enlarged version of the F30 3 Series. The car sports sharp lines all over, which coupled with the roof rails, skid plates, bootlid spoiler and new alloys give it a sporty look. The new X5 is expected to be offered with updated technology, driver assists and a newer version of BMW’s iDrive system. The new car is more spacious inside and passengers are seated higher than before. The car will be available both as a five-seater and a seven-seater. 

Reports suggest that to begin with, the BMW X5 will only be offered with a 3.0-litre diesel engine in the xDrive 30d variant, while a petrol variant might be introduced later. The turbocharged in-line six-cylinder unit, which is also used in the BMW 530d and 730d sedans, churns out 258bhp and 560Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox and powers all four wheels through BMW’s xDrive system. 

At the Delhi Auto Expo, BMW had showcased the X5 xDrive 25d which is powered by four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel unit, producing 215bhp and 450Nm of torque. This powerful, yet efficient, variant might just be the favourite choice of Indian customers, though the German manufacturer hasn’t yet said anything about this variant being launched here. 

Earlier this year, BMW had revealed its plan of localising its entire range in India, instead of importing them as completely built units (CBU). In line with this strategy, the new BMW X5 is also expected to be locally assembled at the company’s Chennai facility which is expected to give the SUV an edge over its rivals. The X5 goes up against other premium SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class.