2018 is BMW’s year of the X, as they reveal yet another SUV in the form of the all-new BMW X5. Following the launch of the BMW X2, the X5 is now ready to take on the battle among luxury midsize SUVs.
On the outside, the BMW X5 carries an evolutionary styling approach, but there are many unique details that make the X5 further stand out. The large kidney grilles with Active Air Flaps are framed by a single piece of trim, which are then flanked by BMW Laserlights with Adaptive LED Headlights as an option, while LED headlights come as standard on all variants. The front fascia features many hexagonal elements, which has now been characteristic of every BMW X model as of late. At the side, the BMW X5 features a rising character line that gives the car a distinct identity. It also highlights the car’s shoulders, which then leads to the LED tail lights that feature a design that breaks BMW tradition, eschewing the L-pattern seen on traditional BMW designs.
Likewise, the interior also sees an evolutionary approach, but one that is laden with tech. The BMW X5 is the first BMW to utilize the brand’s new BMW Operating System 7.0, which can either be controlled by the traditional rotary knob on the center console, or via the 12.3-inch touch screen infotainment. The X5 also features BMW’s first ever BMW Live Cockpit, which is the brand’s latest iteration of its 12.3-inch TFT LCD screen instrument cluster. Options such as a panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, Dynamic Interior Light, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, and Rear-seat entertainment Professional system with 10.2-inch touchscreen display can be specified to further elevate the cabin experience for all occupants.
At launch, the BMW X5 will be available with one V8 engine and three inline-6 engines. The range starts with the xDrive40i, which features a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 producing 335 hp and 450 Nm of torque, with a 0-100 kph time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 243 kph. The other two inline-6 engines are turbocharged diesels, which starts with the xDrive30d. It produces 261 hp and 620 Nm of torque, with the M50d being the range topping diesel, which features a quad-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 with 394 hp and 760 Nm of torque. This gives it a 5.2 second 0-100 kph time and a top speed of 250 kph. Lastly, the top tier engine is a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 465 hp and 650 Nm of torque, with a 0-100 kph time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 kph. All engines are mated solely to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
As standard, the BMW X5 now features Dynamic Damper Control, which not only provides excellent ride comfort, but also keeps the BMW X5’s body flat as it enters some corners, futher solidifying the X5 as a fun to drive and dynamic SUV. The X5 can also be equipped with four-wheel steering, a limited-slip rear differential, and an air suspension, which can lower the vehicle to ease cargo loading or raise the ride height by 40 mm to improve off-road capability.
Also new to the X5 is an off-road package, which bundles the air suspension, limited slip differential, together with underbody skid plates, and a dedicated controller knob to electronically adjust the X5’s xDrive AWD system, which feature gravel, rock, sand, and snow.
As with all new cars nowadays, the BMW X5 comes with a slew of active driver assist and convenience features, the highlight of which is the Driving Assistant Professional, which features semi-autonomous features that include Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Steering Assist, Lane Control Assist, and Automatic Speed Limit Assist.
The BMW X5 will go on sale in November in the USA, and as with all of the brand’s SUVs, the BMW X5 will be built at the brand’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant.
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