New-gen BMW X5 to be launched in India tomorrow

-    The new-gen BMW X5 is bigger but retains its characteristic profile. 

-    Likely to be available with two powertrain options.

-    We expect it to be priced from Rs 70 lakhs.

BMW will launch the new X5 in India tomorrow. Codenamed G05, the fourth-gen X5 was revealed in June last year. It is now bigger, more feature loaded and slightly stylish than before. BMW has maintained its characteristic stance but with fresh changes everywhere to make it more upmarket and furthermore capable.

Appearance wise, BMW’s iconic Kidney grille on the X5 is larger than before, lending an imposing character to the SUV. The sleek LED headlamps are newly designed and have the BMW Laser light with adaptive LED signature. The front bumper gets large air vents surrounded by black inserts. The taillights are sleek and have a 3D lighting signature. The new X5 sits on massive 21-inch wheels for the first time. 

Based on the new CLAR platform as 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 is extended by 42mm to 2,975mm. The boot capacity of 645litres can be increased to 1,860litres.

On the inside, the cabin 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 marks its debut. The updated iDrive now supports a customisable display, touchscreen panel and gesture/voice commands. The three-row X5 also debuts with electrically forward-tilting second-row seats. 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.

Engine wise, the new-gen X5 is likely to be launched in two engine options. This includes the usual xDrive30d with a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six diesel producing 265bhp and 620Nm. The X5 xDrive40i might also be introduced with 340bhp/500Nm of peak torque. The eight-speed Steptronic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive are standard fitments. 

When launched, the new X5 will continue to rival against the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 besides Range Rover Velar and Porsche Cayenne.