2014 BMW X5 to be launched in India tomorrow

BMW has announced that the 2014 X5 will be launched in India tomorrow. It was reported earlier that BMW dealers had started accepting bookings of the X5 for a token of Rs 5 lakh. Deliveries of the third-generation SUV are expected to commence from the first week of June.

Though the 2014 BMW X5 is mechanically similar to the previous car, it carries quite a few significant cosmetic updates. Designed along BMW's current design language, the X5 sports sharp lines all over, which coupled with the roof rails, skid plates, bootlid spoiler and new alloys give it a sporty look. The front fascia of the car carries a prominent kidney grille which seems like an enlarged version of the F30 3 Series. The new X5 will be updated with new technology, driver assists and the latest version of BMW’s iDrive system. The new car is more spacious inside and passengers are seated higher than before. It will be available in both five-seater and seven-seater variants. 

The BMW dealers had started accepting bookings only for the diesel variant of the X5, which hints that the SUV will be launched in only the xDrive 30d variant while a petrol variant might be introduced later. This xDrive 30d will be powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six diesel engine, which is also used in the BMW 530d and 730d sedans. Mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, this engine produces 258bhp and 560Nm of torque and sends powers to all four wheels through BMW’s xDrive system.

The 2014 X5 made its Indian debut alongside the 3 Series GT and the i8 supercar in February 2014 at the Delhi Auto Expo, where BMW had also showcased the X5 xDrive 25d variant. Powered by four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel unit, this powerful yet efficient, variant might just be the favourite choice of Indian customers.

The new X5 will be locally assembled at BMW’s Chennai facility which will help the German manufacturer save on the import duties and give it an edge over its CBU rivals. The X5 goes up against other premium SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class.