BMW has just released the first official images and details of the all-new X5.
It is significantly larger than the current model. Length increased by 36 millimetres to 4,922 mm, width by 66 mm to 2,004 mm and height by 19 mm to 1,745 mm. Wheelbase extended by 42 mm to 2,975 millimetres.
The exterior is familiar, but handsme. All the key BMW design elements are present, including the kidney grille and sculpted surfaces. Owners will also have the option of selecting between a number of design packages, including BMW xLine and M Sport lines, plus model-specific features from BMW Individual.
Four engine variants will be available from launch. There’s a new V8 petrol with 340kW, a six-cylinder petrol with 250kW and two six-cylinder diesel engines – one producing 294kW, the other 195kW. Only the latter models will be offered in South Africa, which we don’t mind. The current X5 with a diesel is a stunning SUV, so it’ll likely be business as usual. An eight-speed Steptronic transmission will be fitted as standard.
What we’re really impressed with it the number of technological advances BMW is bringing to the table. It features the kind of stuff you’d expect to see when a new Mercedes S-Class launches.
First up is the BMW Laserlight with adaptive LED headlights. The light spreads in an X-Shape, leaving no doubt as to what it is, even in the dark.
The X5 will also be the first car in BMW’s line-up to feature the all-new Live Cockpit Professional display, which will be fitted as standard. It is a further development of the iDrive operating system, which includes a fully digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch Control Display. The clear graphics and flat menu structure were designed for touch control and ensure quick access to settings and functions. Situation-linked and customisable displays supply the driver with the right information at the right time. The new generation of the BMW Head-Up Display has a larger projection surface (now 7 × 3.5 inch), optimised 3D graphics and additional display content.
In terms of practicality, there is the option of a third row, which will be easily accessible thanks to electrically forward-tilting second-row seats.
The two-piece split tailgate comes with hands-free opening and closing of both sections with optional Comfort Access.
The automatic boot cover can be lowered electrically into load compartment floor. Boot capacity can be increased from 645 litres to a maximum 1860 litres. New options provide the interior with exceptional creature comforts: Multifunction seats with massage function, four-zone automatic climate control, heated armrests, cooled/heated cupholders in the centre console, Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge with a 23 per cent larger glass surface, Ambient Air package for interior fragrancing, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System (expected to be available from 12/2018), Rear-seat entertainment Professional system with 10.2-inch touchscreen display (expected to be available from 12/2018).
This will also be the first X5 with pukka off-road credentials, thanks to BMW’s updated xDrive all-wheel drive system, now fitted with a differential lock at the rear.
There’s also an optional Off-Road package, which includes two-axle air suspension, underguard at the front and rear, plus specific displays in the instrument cluster and Control Display. There’s a choice of four driving modes available at the touch of a button. Ride height and the responses of BMW xDrive, DSC, the transmission and the accelerator are adjusted to give an optimum set-up for driving on sand, rock, gravel or snow.
The all-new X5 is expected to make its debut in South Africa near the end of 2018.