Major changes are in the wind for BMW’s outstanding X5 luxury SUV with a mid-life facelift scheduled for local launch in June.
Highlights are a changed model lineup and new engines with BMW EfficientDynamics providing more power/torque and faster acceleration while providing reductions in fuel consumption of up to 15 per cent.
Among the changes, X5 gains Brake Energy Regeneration and on-demand control of ancillary functions.
All models will receive the stunning eight-speed automatic transmission currently only fitted to the company’s range-topping 760Li sedan.
The top-selling X5 xDrive30d gets extra power from its straight-six turbo-diesel (up to 180kW), which improves its zero to 100km/h performance by half a second to 7.6 seconds. It’s also much more economical – down to 7.4l/100kms.
XDrive40d replaces the xDrive35d. Its all-alloy straight-six twin-turbo common rail diesel engine providing increased performance (225kW/600Nm) but 15 per cent better fuel economy (7.5l/100kms). Zero to 100km/h is nearly half a second better at 6.6 seconds.
On the petrol-powered front, the xDrive 35i replaces the xDrive30i with a twin-turbocharged straight six under the bonnet. With 225kW/400Nm, the newcomer sprints from zero to 100km/h in just 6.8 seconds but delivers impressively better fuel consumption of 10.1l/100kms (compared to 11.7l/100kms for its predecessor).
And the range-topping xDrive50i (replacing the xDrive48i) enjoys the twin-turbo V8 engine which debuted in the X6. With 300kW/600Nm, it sprints through zero to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds.
Externally, there are styling changes front and rear and elegant LED daytime running lights.
To ease parking, the electric power steering gains Servotronic and the available rear view camera gains ‘Top View’.
Other driver aids include Head-up Display, Adaptive Cornering Headlights, High Beam Assistant and Park Distance Control while Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Departure Warning and Side View have been added.
BMW Australia will finalize local specifications and pricing closer to the June launch date.
