That was fast.
BMW’s local office has managed quite a feat getting the all-new and hotly-anticipated BMW X5 to our shores so quickly, with the November arrival date coming just 5-months after the model’s global debut. We’ve little doubt that major work was done behind the scenes to make this happen, and we’re certain that the buying public will be ecstatic to know that BMW’s most advanced SUV yet will be here very, very soon.
The BMW X5 range will only consist of two variants when it arrives in November, arriving as the xDrive 30d and the xDrive M50d. Once the range fills out with other powertrain options, it’s likely that the 30d and M50d will bookend the range, but time will tell on that. In the meantime though, BMW has finalised the prices: The 30d can be yours from $112,900, while the hot M-tuned M50d can be had for $149,900.
With a $37k difference, surprisingly, there isn’t a gulf between the two models in terms of kit. Starting with the 30d, it gets its motivation from a turbodiesel 3.0-litre engine with 195kW and 620Nm, which sends power to all-four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox and BMW’s own xDrive all-paw system. It’ll hit 100km/h in just 6.5-seconds, and should be able to return decent fuel economy.
All cars get things like keyless entry, 360º ‘3D’ camera, adaptive cruise control with highway- and traffic jam-assistant, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Further tech kit includes DAB digital radio, electrochroamatic mirrors, dual-zone climate control, and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring. All cars also get dual 12.3-inch screens handling instrumentation and infotainment duties, and feature gesture input and a heads-up display system too.
30d cars will ride on 20-inch alloys as standard, and the ‘xLine’ aesthetic package (which gives it a more off-road ready look) is available as standard. With xLine, you get additional underbody protection beneath, air suspension, an electronically-controlled rear diff-lock, and a unique toggle switch to choose the appropriate off-road drive mode depending on the terrain being traversed.
A more popular choice will likely be M-Sport trim, which made up for some 80% of sales of the previous-generation X5. M-Sport will, of course, bring about things like a sharper-looking bodykit, larger brakes, unique-design alloys, a smarter suspension setup, and M-branded interfaces for the digital drivers display and the infotainment system, all part of the $4000 upgrade. But at least you’ll have a choice between two 19-inch wheels, one 20-inch design, or you can pay (even) more for a 21-inch set of alloys.
Those keen on more power will most certainly opt for the X5 xDrive 50d, which takes the same 3.0-litre mill as the entry-level variant and straps to it four turbochargers, producing 294kW and 760Nm as a result. The nearly doubly-powerful engine is capable of rocketing the X5 xDrive M50d from rest to 100km/h in just 5.2-seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of 200km/h (not that anyone will ever hit that anyway). In order to harness all that power, the M50d models come standard with an active anti-roll system and rear-wheel steering, both of which improve agility and dynamics.
As part of the M50d experience, you get 22-inch alloy wheels, soft-close doors, quad-zone climate control, a leather-trimmed dash, heated/cooled cupholders up front, adjustable lumbar support, a 16-speaker stereo, heated front pews, and the M-Sport exterior pack that’s set off (to this writer at least) by laser-equipped headlights.
The BMW X5 is the brand’s newest and most advanced SUV yet, and will remain so until the flagship BMW X7 arrives later this year. With first models due on Australian shores next month, perhaps it’d be best to put in an order for a new one now.
For the best deals on a new BMW, check out our Showroom.
