Stepping into its 3rd generation, the BMW X5 has clocked sales of over 1.3 million units since its launch in 1999. For the first time in its history, the BMW X5 will also offer a rear wheel drive variant, the X5 sDrive35i, apart from all wheel drive variants that form the remaining lineup.
The Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) adopts BMW’s latest design language that debuted on the new 3 Series. The headlamps flow into the slightly revised kidney grill. There is a narrow air intake right below the grill and the bumper contains numerous cuts and curves. New combination lights make the rear much more refreshing than its predecessor. The split tailgate is carried forward.
In profile, the new X5 gets a vent in the front fender akin to the 4 Series concept and character lines now run longer. The SAV runs on either 19″ or 20″ alloy wheels which complement the dynamic appearance.
On the inside, the dashboard adopts a completely new design. The iDrive multimedia infotainment system incorporates the BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance features and now has a bigger display. BMW offers two interior design packages – Ivory White and Mocha. The car can be specified with an optional third row with easy access, making it a seven seater.
The X5 sDrive35i is powered by a 3.0L TwinPower turbo in-line six cylinder petrol motor that delivers 300 bhp and 407 Nm of torque. The X5 xDrive35i also employs the same engine but sends power to all four wheels. The motor propels the X5 from 0-100 kph in just 6.2 seconds.
If you need more firepower, BMW offers the xDrive50i with the 4.4 litre TwinPower turbo V8 which belts out 445 bhp (45bhp more than the predecessor) and 650 Nm of torque. The 0-100 kph sprint is dismissed in a meager 4.9 seconds. Diesel power comes from the 3.0L in-line six-cylinder unit which has 255 bhp and 560 Nm of torque. 0-100 kph is achieved in under 7 seconds. All variants come with BMW’s new 8-speed automatic transmission.
Electronic nannies are used in every part of the new BMW X5. The car comes with Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control,Cornering Brake Control, Automatic Differential Brake, Fade Compensation, Hill Descent Control, Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go, etc.
