BMW’s 2011 X5 lineup has arrived locally with prices starting at $92,100 for the entry-level xDrive 30d model – but you’ll need to look closely to spot the changes.
A beautifully proportioned and powerful design with statuesque on-road presence, BMW’s designers have wisely made minimal changes for the mid-life update – new lights front and rear, a new spoiler and some minor trim changes. There are new 20-inch and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, changes are similarly minimal – a couple of new optional leather colours, Cinnamon Brown and Oyster, and satin Silver trim finish.
The big news is the engines - the xDrive50i Sport ($133,400) is a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with 300kW/600Nm and provides zero to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is 12.5l/100kms and exhaust C02 emissions are 292g/km.
X5’s other petrol engine is the twin-turbocharged straight-six fitted to the xDrive35i ($103,900). With 225kW/400Nm, it sprints through the standing 100km/h in 6.8 seconds and returns fuel consumption of 10.1l/100kms and 236g/km for the C02.
Both the entry-level xDrive 30d and new xDrive40d Sport ($113,300) are new generation common rail diesels – twin-turbo for the 40d and single turbo for the 30d. The 40d is good for 225kW/600Nm while the 30d returns 180kW and 540Nm.
Both the diesels deliver fuel economy around 7.5l/100kms and exhaust emissions below 200g/km. And all engines comply with EU5 emissions standards.
Standard across the range - and contributing to enhanced fuel consumption - is BMW’s superb eight-speed automatic transmission.
Suspension changes plus revisions to Adaptive Drive and xDrive systems are intended to make the X5 even sharper in its response and traction.
A reversing camera with Top View and a head-up display have also been included plus a host of extra safety and convenience features. Options are packaged under ‘Executive’, ‘Innovations’, ‘Sport’ and ‘M Sport’.
It was only a few months ago that BMW wheeled-out the X5M and X6M (in fact we’re yet to test them!) so we look forward to sampling the new X5 lineup thoroughly – it’s a real favourite with the Car Showroom team.
