New BMW X5 – What to expect?

BMW will launch the new generation of their SAV, the X5, in India on 16 May. The G05 X5 is bigger, more feature loaded and slightly more stylish than before. Here is everything there is to know about the upcoming BMW X5 ahead of its official launch. 

Design:

The iconic BMW kidney grille on the new X5 is now larger than before, lending an imposing character to the SUV. The LED headlamps are redesigned and have the BMW Laser light with the adaptive LED signature in the blue X-motif. The front bumper gets large air vents surrounded by black inserts. The taillights are sleek and have a 3D lighting signature. However, even after undergoing so many changes, the overall profile is instantly recognisable as an X5. The rear diffuser with integrated exhaust tips lends a sporty appeal to the SUV. 

Dimensions:

Based on the new CLAR platform, just like the new 5 Series, the X5 has also grown in dimensions. Its length has increased by 36mm to 4,922mm, width by 66mm to 2,004 mm and height by 19mm to 1,745mm. The wheelbase has been extended by 42mm to 2,975mm. And the SUV sits on massive 21-inch wheels for the first time.

Cabin:

On the inside, the interior is typical BMW with floating infotainment screen, horizontal centre console and now a fully-digital instrument cluster. Called the BMW Live Cockpit Professional display, the digital cluster makes its debut in the X5 and it comes as standard fitment. The iDrive is also updated and now supports a customisable display, touchscreen panel and gesture/voice commands.

With the new generation, the three-row X5 is also available with electrically forward-tilting second-row seats. The boot capacity of 645litres can be increased to 1,860litres. The cabin comes with standard leather upholstery, multifunction seats, four-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, dynamic ambient lighting, passenger screens and wireless charging. The X5 also debuts the newly designed gear-selector lever.

Powertrain:

Under the hood, the new-gen X5 gets four powertrain options, but in India we expect BMW to debut. The top-spec xDrive40i is powered by a 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which makes 340hp and 500Nm of torque and the diesel will be the X5 xDrive30d which will get the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo-diesel motor that makes 265hp and 620Nm of peak torque. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system. 

What’s more, the new X5 comes with an optional Off-Road package. It gets two-axle air suspension, a body under guard, four driving modes, adjustable ride height (up to 80mm) and electric damper control.

Price and rivals:

When launched, the new-gen BMW X5 is expected to be priced between Rs 70 and 85 lakhs (ex-showroom). It will be a contender against the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 besides Range Rover Velar and Porsche Cayenne.