MACHINE
BMW’s Ultimate Driving and Technology
ATLANTA, GA: It was a different world back in 1999 when the BMW X5 came into the automotive scene.
What we know today as the mid-size crossover segment was just rearing its head, with the X5 facing fledgling competition from others such as the Lexus RX 300 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
Rather than calling it a SUV or CUV, BMW settled on SAV for Sport Activity Vehicle in hopes of setting it apart from its rivals.
Fast forward to the here and now and the introduction of the 2019, fourth-generation X5, which joins a SUV/CUV BMW family of no less than seven trucks ranging from the X1 to the about-to-be-introduced full-size X7.
About the only things that remain unchanged are the blue-andwhite roundel badge and the signature twin kidney grille.
Others have already said that BMW and its Ultimate Driving Machine slogan has transcended to the Ultimate Mobility Machine.
And the 2019 X5 doesn’t disappoint with more technology/driver/ safety features than any other BMW that has gone before.
There are a bevy of driver assistant aids from full and short range radar, two kinds of ultra sonic sensors, surround-view cameras including an interior camera on the driver to make sure you’re not falling asleep - and the beat goes on.
Or how about the Self Parking and Reversing Assistant with 12 ultrasound sensors, 10 pedestrian detection sensors, two parking sensors and a rear-view camera.
Available initially in North America and China is the standard Driver Assistant Professional with full range radar, 4X short range radar, tripled focus camera and interior camera that combine for semi-autonomous driving up to 60 km/h (37 mph) with Automatic Cruise Control with Stop/Go, Steering and Lane Control, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Emergency Stop Assistant and Connected Speed Limit Control that “sees” highway signs.
So there is a lot going on from the moment you press the ignition start button.
In all segments, vehicles are growing, and the new, fourthgeneration X5 is no exception, being 36 mm longer, 42 mm longer in the wheelbase, 19 mm higher and a full 66 mm wider than the third generation vehicle, with a weight of 2,258 kg.
While there are a number of engine options worldwide, Canada is sticking with the xDrive40i with 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder with 335 hp and 330 lb/ft of torque or the xDrive50i with 4.4-litre turbo V8 with 456 hp and 4769 lb/ft of torque, both with an eight-speed transmission and BMW’s proven iDrive permanent all-wheel-drive.
At the press launch site about 40 miles south of Atlanta, GA, BMW had all four generations lined up, visually showing how the shape and size has progressed – especially in the signature twin-kidney grille.
Both 2019 X5s have standard adaptive LED headlights, but optional are the new Laserlights with X-shaped elements in blue that split the light hexagonally within the headlights for a visual effect you won’t see anywhere else on the road.
There are also several tire and wheel combinations, starting with the standard 20-inches to the 21inch M Sport light alloys and up to 22-inches.
I used to say that once you’ve driven a BMW you know where all the controls are and how to reach them intuitively.
But that was back in the analog days when I owned five different Bimmers.
Today, most of the information comes to the driver via a pair of 12.3-inch touchscreens, where there is more data than you’ll probably ever need.
And when it comes to sound, how about the optional 1,500-watt Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system with no less than 20 speakers?
But for serious bling, there is the standalone optional ($850) Crystal Clarity shift knob. Oh, and did I not mention the heated and cooled cupholders on the centre console?
We were driving the new X5 on the same day we were flying out of Atlanta with the then-raging Hurricane Florence bearing down on the Carolina coast only about 300 miles away.
Ergo, I didn’t get a lot of time behind the wheel, but I did sample the optional new two-axle air suspension with automatic self-levelling.
On the highway above 138 km/h, the body is lowered 20 mm and, conversely, if going off-road it lifts 40 mm.
And speaking of off-road, the new X5 can climb like a goat and sail over just about any terrain, thanks to the Off-Road Package which lets the driver choose one of four modes – Sand, Rock, Gravel and Snow.
Frankly, I need at least a week with this new X5 just to explore all the features and this will be done as soon as it comes into the BMW Canada press fleet.
Stay tuned!
What’s Best: Outstanding BMW built quality and phenomenal technology inside and out. What’s Worst: There are so many things going on that it might take some getting used to. What’s Interesting: How, no matter what year or model, BMW comes up with so many advances, such as the new Laserlight system.