The new BMW X5 - Simply better!

MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA – Nov 14, 2013: When it was first released in 1999, the BMW X5 created the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment and shaped a whole new movement amongst premium vehicle manufacturers. In 2013, the new BMW X5 raises the standard, presenting a faster, more efficient, more intelligent and more highly specified vehicle to the Australian vehicle market.

According to Phil Horton, managing director of BMW Group Australia, the new BMW X5 raises the bar in every respect.

“The BMW X5 set the benchmark when it was first launched, and has always been recognised for its style and refinement,” Horton said.

“With a refreshed design, innovative technology and a host of new features, the new BMW X5 takes the SAV concept one step further.”

While demonstrating similar proportions to its predecessor, the new BMW X5 sports a whole new look. The sharper, more stylised lines of the new BMW X5 are easily identified, and new creases and bold lines combine with a broader kidney grille, new headlight and tail light design and newly available colours. Two new character packages called ‘Design Pure Experience’ and ‘Design Pure Excellence’ bring the new BMW X5 in line with the design language expressed on the newest generation of BMW vehicles.

The new BMW X5’s smart new styling has a functional edge, with newly introduced Air Curtains designed to reduce drag positioned at the outer edge front apron of the vehicle. These stylish new features direct the air around the wheel arches to create a curtain of air over the wheels and then eliminate the air through Air Breathers in the side panels.

The new BMW X5 has received a considerable upgrade to all drivetrains. The xDrive30d and xDrive50i variants of the new BMW X5 both generate more power than their predecessors and all models available at launch benefit from greater fuel economy and an improved 0-100 km/h sprint.

The new BMW X5 xDrive30d incorporates a range of improvements that offer an even better balance between performance and fuel consumption. The 3.0-litre diesel engine, whose BMW TwinPower Turbo technology comprises VNT turbocharging and common rail direct injection, now develops maximum power of 190 kW (+ 10 kW), and maximum torque of 560 Newton metres (+ 20 Nm). Reaching 0-100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds (– 0.7 seconds), the average fuel economy in the EU test cycle has been improved by 1.2 litres per 100km– to 6.2 litres per 100 km, with CO2 emissions of 162 grams per km (– 33 grams per km).

The BMW X5 xDrive50i now develops 10 per cent – or 30 kW– more power (330 kW) than its predecessor, combined with a 16 per cent reduction in average fuel consumption. The improvement is due to the new-generation V8 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which, in addition to twin turbochargers and High Precision direct petrol injection, now also includes VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, resulting in improved response and efficiency.

Maximum torque is now 650 Newton metres (+ 50 Nm), which is delivered between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. The new BMW X5 xDrive50i completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.0 seconds (– 0.5 seconds), and returns average fuel consumption of 10.5 litres per100 km – that’s a 2.0 litre per100 km improvement. CO2 emissions are down 48 grams per km, at 244 grams per km according to the EU test cycle.

At the top of the model line-up, the BMW X5 M50d also benefits from the latest in technical know-how. This M Performance automobile retains the 3.0-litre straight-six unit featuring M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology with three-stage turbocharging. Although this engine has identical outputs to its predecessor of 280 kW and 740 Nm, the 0–100 km/h time of the BMW X5 M50d has improved by 0.1 seconds to 5.3 seconds and the average EU fuel consumption is down a significant 0.8 litres to just 6.7 litres per 100km. The C02 emissions have similarly improved and are now at 177 grams per km, demonstrating a reduction of 22 grams per km versus the previous model.

All engines in the new BMW X5 line-up are combined as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission which includes the extremely fast-shifting eight-speed sports automatic version for the BMW X5 xDrive50i and BMW X5 M50d variants.

The improvements in the new BMW X5 don’t stop there. The standard specification levels on all variants are truly impressive.

The entry level to the range, the BMW X5 xDrive30d, is packed with features commensurate with a top of the range vehicle and well above that of the outgoing model.

The increase in standard specification for this model versus the predecessor includes an upgrade to 19-inch alloy wheels, BMW Individual exterior line aluminium satinated and the inclusion of a new exterior Design Pure Experience package.

Visibility and awareness for the driver has been improved by the inclusion of Bi-Xenon headlights, LED front fog lights, High-Beam Assist and anti-dazzle exterior mirrors. Additionally, the Head-Up Display, Driving Assistant (which includes lane departure warning, forward collision warning and pedestrian warning with light city braking function), Rear View Camera and 360 degree Surround View, increase the safety credentials of this new model.

Fully electric front seat adjustment with memory function and automatic tailgate functionality further enhance the comfort and convenience of the BMW X5 xDrive 30d. Also included are the Navigation system Professional with iDrive Touch controller and voice control, internet functionality and HiFi loudspeaker system.

Stepping up to the BMW X5 xDrive50i not only brings with it enthralling and improved V8 performance, but a host of additional standard equipment which is new to this model variant.

Visually, the increase in specification on this model is clear with the new styling of the standard 20-inch alloy wheels, Design Pure Excellence package for the exterior and standard metallic paint. The interior upgrade on the BMW X5 xDrive50i is even more distinguishable from the predecessor, with either of the interior Design Pure packages included as a no-cost option. Ceramic surrounds for the controls and the striking BMW Individual leather instrument panel further enhance the vehicle’s quality, appeal and exclusivity.

The more sporty performance of the higher powered BMW X5 xDrive50i is reflected in the inclusion of the adaptive suspension package ‘Professional’ that adds Dynamic Performance Ccontrol and Dynamic Drive to the Dynamic Damper Control and rear axle air suspension.

Further additions to the BMW X5 xDrive50i include Adaptive LED headlights with Anti-Glare High-Beam Assist, LED front fog lights, Surround View and HeadUp Display, along with Driving Assistant Plus, which includes active cruise control with stop&go in addition to the functionality of Driving Assistant.

The driver and occupants will certainly notice the additional comfort and convenience of the Comfort Access System, automatic tailgate operation and front seat heating, as well as the increased infotainment provided by the harman/kardon surround sound system, internet functionality and DAB+ digital radio. Vehicle security is also enhanced with the standard fitment of an alarm system.

At the top of the range, BMW X5 M50d receives a similar uplift over its predecessor, with the ‘added value’ list including most of the same features as the aforementioned BMW X5 xDrive50i model. This includes Adaptive LED headlights and LED fog-lights, Driving Assistant Plus, metallic paint, Design Pure interior package at no additional cost, Comfort Access System and an upgrade to the harman/kardon surround sound system.

In addition to this list, the BMW X5 M50d is further improved with a new adaptive suspension package ‘Dynamic’, which combines with Adaptive M suspension to enhance the performance credentials and add refinement to the ride and handling of this performance model.

Hot on the heels of its market launch, the addition of another three engines and four new model variants to the new BMW X5 line-up is set to further widen the SAV’s appeal.

The third-generation X5 will be available for the first time from March 2014 with a new entry level diesel variant with the premiere of the BMW X5 xDrive25d and the BMW X5 sDrive25d, the first to feature rear wheel drive. The new additions take their places alongside the two more familiar models of the BMW X5 xDrive35i and X5 xDrive40d which, from March 2014, will bring the total of BMW X5 models available to seven.

The engine powering the new entry level variants uses two turbochargers and common rail direct injection to produce maximum output of 160 kW and 450 Nm of torque and teams up as standard with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. With an average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of just 5.8 litres per 100km for the BMW X5 sDrive25d (CO2 emissions: 152 grams per km) and 6.0 litres per 100km for the BMW X5 xDrive25d (CO2 emissions: 157 grams per km) these new models combine all of the outstanding attributes of the new BMW X5 with even lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Although the multi-award winning BMW TwinPower turbo in-line six cylinder petrol engine in the BMW X5 xDrive35i delivers the same power and torque of 225 kW and 400 Nm, the new model still manages a substantial improvement in performance and efficiency versus the outgoing model. The zero to 100 km/h sprint is 0.3 seconds faster at 6.5 seconds. Economy is notably improved, with the BMW X5 xDriv35i using only 8.5 litres per 100km on the combined cycle - a saving of a whopping 1.6 litres per 100km – and emitting 197 grams per km of CO2 - a marked improvement over the predecessor.

The BMW TwinPower 3.0-litre diesel engine with two turbochargers powering the BMW X5 xDrive40d boasts increased power output and substantially improved fuel consumption over its predecessor. With 230 kW (+5 kW) and 630 Nm (+30 Nm) the new BMW X5 xDrive40d sprints to 100 km/h from standstill in a time of 5.9 seconds (-0.7 seconds) and consumes only 6.2 litres per 100km on the combined cycle (-1.3 litres per 100km).

Both the BMW X5 sDrive25d and the BMW X5 xDrive25d share the same impressive standard specification with high-end features including Navigation system Professional, HiFi loudspeaker system, extended Bluetooth functionality including audio streaming and internet functionality.

Safety and increased awareness is ensured with the full suite of airbags and stability control systems (sDrive excludes Hill Descent Control), standard Bi-Xenon headlights, LED fog lights, the active protection package with attention assist, Park Distance Control and Rear View Camera.

Occupants will also enjoy a very high level of comfort and convenience with standard Dakota leather upholstery, front seats featuring full electrical adjustment and memory function, two-zone climate control system, heat/sun protection glazing and automatic tailgate operation.

Both the BMW x5 xDrive35i and BMW X5 xDrive40d boast an identically laden specification list with features commensurate with their place in the line-up. The step up from the BMW X5 xDrive30d will include sports automatic transmission with gearshift paddles, Adaptive headlights, BMW Individual leather instrument panel, Comfort Access System, sports seats for driver and front passenger and the 16 speaker harman/kardon surround sound system.