Raising luxury bar inside and out
Fourth-generation BMW X5 builds on tradition of luxury and performance
The all-new, fourth-generation BMW X5 goes into full production this August with significantly improved driving dynamics and way more luxury features. Last month, BMW gave us a sneak peek of the popular SUV ahead of its full production in Spartanburg, S.C.
Already known for its excellent behaviour on the road, the 2019 X5 improves on what was so likable about the original. Most notable is the introduction of an optional air-suspension system on the front and rear axles, a system shared on the coming X7.
BMW would not let us drive the new X5 (or photograph it), although we did briefly sample the coming three-row X7 with which the X5 will share its lighter, stiffer and more configurable Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform and suspension. In the X7, the ride was astonishingly good — smooth, supple, forgiving yet firm. In the smaller X5, with its lower mass and weight, the ride and handling should be even better. Size wise, the new X5 is almost the same dimensionally as the outgoing model, but 30 mm longer and not any heavier.
Engine options will be the same as available on many BMWs today — either a V8, straight six or diesel. The V8, a twin-turbo, 4.4-L V8, will boast about 450 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. The 3.0-L straight six will carry about 320 hp and 330 lb-ft. The diesel, arriving sometime in 2019, once the regulatory and market issues are ironed out, will be the 3.0-L turbocharged six used in the X5 35d, producing about 255 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. BMW was vague on the exact arrival time of the diesel but did confirm it was aiming for Q1 of 2019. The engines will be paired to the eight-speed transmission already in use, but fine-tuned for better performance.
Overall, the looks have been sharpened and honed, with a bigger kidney-shaped grille with active shutters, optional laser headlamps as well as optional 22-inch wheels. An adjustable damping system, rear differential lock, off-road package and Integral Active Rear Wheel Steering will also be available. BMW says 98 per cent of the 2019 X5 is all new, and will be built on the same production line as the X7, so it made sense to produce a new model now because the two will share components — and the competition has also improved.
The interior of the new X5, however, sees the most obvious gains. While the cargo area offers the same space as before, and a small third row will be an option next year, the cargo area can be optioned with a power cargo cover that drops away neatly into the floor. As well, rubber slats bordered with stainless steel arch upward ever so slightly to keep cargo from sliding around. The liftgate is also powered, of course, but another button on the back can lower the air suspension to help with loading things over the split tailgate. With the tailgate closed, new contoured LED tail lights look sharp. An integrated factory receiver and wiring harness will be welcome news for those who need to tow.
In the middle row, which can be configured with buckets for a 2+2 application, passengers can be treated to a panoramic glass roof optioned with BMW’s Sky Lounge, a brilliant array of ambient lighting in the roof that transforms the interior into a funky, high-end hangout.
Up front, a 12.3-inch infotainment system powered by iDrive 7.0 joins a new, 12-inch digital gauge cluster. In both screens, the colours, clarity layout and size is superior even to the excellent displays employed by Mercedes, clearly demonstrating BMW’s intent to make the new X5 more luxurious without sacrificing the things that make a BMW a BMW: precision, performance and excellent driving characteristics. The cluster also has an “eye” to keep watch on your eyes to measure fatigue. A host of drive-assist functions can also be grouped.
A pioneer among luxury SUVs when it debuted in 1999, the X5 has sold more than two million units globally since its introduction. Now that it has stepped way up the luxury ladder, the model’s continued success is almost guaranteed.