BMW’s new X5 offers laser headlight technology and is over two metres wide
BMW’s largest SUV yet gets a bigger body, new infotainment system and improved driving ease for the grit. By Richard Leu
There’s a chunky face! As with many new BMWs these days, the all- new X5 comes with a super- big kidney grille and air vents to give itself lots of presence on the road. Accompanying this is a package that has grown in all dimensions to help yield even more interior space than ever. The X5 also becomes one of the few new cars to be over two metres wide.
The fourth- gen X5 is 4,922mm long ( up by 36mm), 2,004mm wide (+ 66mm) and 1,754mm tall (+ 19mm). The wheelbase length of 2,975mm is 42mm greater than before.
Despite previewing an even bigger
SUV in the guise of the imminent seven-seat X7, BMW is offering a third-row bench option in the X5.
Apart from featuring laser light technology for the head lamps, the X5 is the first BMW to get a revamped infotainment system that offers more personalisation possibilities for the driver. Aren’t SUVs more for sealed tarmac?
You’re probably right about this. However, BMW seemingly wants to give the X5 more edge in the grit because competition in this segment has intensified over the years with many more new capable players.
The X5 comes with a two- axle air suspension that can raise the body by 80mm, a new off- road driving mode like in a Range Rover and an electronic differential lock on the rear axle for more precise handling.
There are four engine variances to choose from initially, all with eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive transmission.
The petrol models include the 40i with 340hp 3.0litre inline- six and 50i with 462hp 4.4- litre V8. Two diesels with 3.0- litre inline-six motors comprise of the 265hp 30d and quad-turbo 400hp M50d, the latter capable of cracking 0- 100kph in 5.2 seconds, yet able of achieving
nearly 14km per litre on average. No plug-in hybrid? BMW hasn’t announced a semi-electric version yet, although it’s most likely to be an improved version of today’s so-called 40e. Some sources are even suggesting that a high-performance plug-in hybrid is in the works.
The plug-in X5 is an important variant for Thailand where BMW is using special excise taxation to help yield prices in the 4-million-baht range. While today’s 40e focuses more on economy via 313hp 2.0-litre petrol-electric drivetrain, the Mercedes-Benz GLE500e and Volvo XC90 T8 both come with 400hp-plus of semi-electric performance.
BMW says global sales of the new X5 start in November. Apart from the plug-in hybrid, the 30d might also be offered in Thailand to satisfy buyers who still enjoy the merits of diesel engines.