The New BMW X5: There Are Options
Introducing another new car from the BMW ‘Neue Klasse’ stable, courtesy of the German premium car maker. This is the original BMW ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ (SAV) and now it enters a new era with the all-new fifth-generation BMW X5, fusing a bold new design with the future-focused technologies of the Neue Klasse, the prestige brand’s technological leap forward in automotive design.
The BMW X5 has consistently set industry benchmarks since its launch in 1999 and this latest iteration continues that legacy especially as it is the first BMW model engineered to support no less than five different drive systems, including hydrogen, as part of its global line-up. This of course, will be regionally dependent for different worldwide markets.
The Motive Power Choice
In addition to a diesel model, featuring 48V mild hybrid technology, and petrol fuelled plug-in hybrid derivatives, the new BMW X5 is also available with an all-electric power-train for the first time, designated as the BMW iX5. It features sixth generation BMW ‘eDrive’ technology with new, taller cylindrical energy cells, enabling a single-charge range of up to 525 miles in the ‘60 xDrive’ variant and up to 460 kW of DC charging. Some global markets will also introduce a standard petrol variant of this new model.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen will complete the line-up as the brand’s first hydrogen-powered production vehicle. It combines BMW’s third-generation fuel cell system, BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage technology and an innovative high-voltage battery to deliver a range of up to 466 miles. It will be interesting to see if this model invigorates the rather moribund world of automotive hydrogen power.
Petrol loving buyers can select from two plug-in hybrid derivatives: the BMW X5 ‘50e xDrive’ and the BMW X5 ‘M60e xDrive’. Both models team the latest 3.0 litre six-cylinder petrol engines, both featuring a new turbo-charger, with a synchronous electric motor. This motor draws its energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery, storing 26.5 kWh of usable energy to enable up to 63 miles of all-electric range.
The Exterior Features
The new BMW X5 introduces an all-new design with a powerful, sturdy appearance that blends classic BMW SAV proportions with the new contemporary Neue Klasse design language. Elegant, minimalist and robust, the exterior is characterised by an upright front end with the BMW ‘Iconic Glow’ vertical kidney grille. The car also debuts new switchable ‘double-X’ icons for the daytime running lights.
The side profile features a typically BMW contoured silhouette with a sloping roofline, muscular wheel arches and expansive soft-close doors where new BMW ‘Winglet’ door handles can be used to operate new electrically powered doors, if specified from the really enormous options list. Wide shoulders and a recessed cabin, helping to deliver improved aerodynamics and efficiency, feature at the rear, alongside intricately-designed tail-lights which extend across almost the entire width of the vehicle. There’s plenty of choice for personalisation with a choice of paint and finish.
There’s lots of variations in style and features on the various models in the range. Wheel choices of styles and choice, body trim differences and the like. As a single example, the flagship BMW X5 ‘M60e xDrive’ stands out with ‘M Yellow’ double-X headlights and a striking rear spoiler. This model additionally receives a darker illumination for the BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille, which is flanked by a unique horizontal light signature inspired by the BMW M ‘Seehaus’ stripes. Also unique is the front bumper with additional lateral air intakes and signature BMW M quad exhaust pipes at the rear. Further visual flourishes include M-specific high-gloss exterior mirrors, again with ‘Seehaus’ stripes, and 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Sport tyres.
A Premium Interior
Moving inside, the BMW X5’s spacious cabin receives a completely new design with clear structures and smart, uncluttered surfaces optimised entirely around the driver. Innovative and natural materials help create a contemporary interior feel. Available options include ‘slate’, used as a decorative surface by an automotive manufacturer for the first time, alongside glass and model-specific details such as X stitching in the doors and dashboard.
A new wrap-around cockpit introduces a 3D backlit ambient light strip and sets the stage for BMW ‘Panoramic iDrive’, bringing together the free-cut Central Display, BMW Panoramic Vision, BMW 3D Head-Up Display and the multifunction steering wheel. The system is complemented by the ‘BMW Passenger Screen’, which makes its debut on the BMW X5, also available optionally.
Standard interior features include a large panoramic sunroof and ‘Sports’ seats with enhanced quilting, while optional multifunction seats offer ventilation and massage functionality; also available in BMW Individual Merino Leather.
A new range of steering wheels, crafted from premium materials, offer haptic feedback through ‘shy tech’ controls (of which more below), helping drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. A ‘Smoke White’ BMW Individual steering wheel can also be specified in conjunction with the ‘Smoke White Merino Leather’ interior design. Four-zone climate control, rear seat heating and front-seat ventilation, and an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with Dolby Atmos support are also optionally available. Rear passengers benefit from an updated ‘Travel & Comfort’ system, including optional magnetic holders for attaching smartphones and other devices to the back of the front seats.
Shy Technology
Yet another new phrase enters our motoring vocabulary. As our daily lives become increasingly saturated with digital interfaces, apps and the like, this is a new design philosophy that is gaining traction in the automotive world: ‘Shy Tech’. This approach reimagines how we interact with in-car technology, with, they say, subtlety, elegance, and human-centred design taking precedence over attention-grabbing displays and visible hardware.
It’s a bit of a silly name but there’s a good idea behind it: Rather than overwhelming drivers and passengers with overt technology, ‘Shy Tech’ seeks to blend it seamlessly into the background, enhancing the user experience only when it’s needed. It’s a new way, we understand, for manufacturers to think about vehicle lifestyle choices by ushering in a new era of hidden intelligence, intuitive interaction and calm interior environments.
The Ride
With 50:50 weight distribution for assured and comfortable handling, the ‘Adaptive M Chassis Control’ is standard-fit for the ‘M Performance’ model, where Adaptive Chassis Control Professional can be specified, adding adaptive two-axle air suspension and Integral Active Steering, thus enabling the rear wheels to turn up to 3.2 degrees and reducing vehicle’s turning circle by approximately 0.8 metres. Ride height can be adjusted manually or automatically to enhance comfort or increase range, depending on the chosen settings.
The fifth-generation X5 is equipped with a selection of advanced driver assistance systems. BMW ‘Symbiotic Drive’ enables seamless interaction between driver assistance systems and driver input. The driver can accelerate, steer or brake in their own style without deactivating the active assistance system. Available optionally, ‘Motorway (autoroute) Assistant’ supports hands-free Level 2 driving assistance up to the permitted speed limit, with a maximum speed of 81 mph.
Automated lane changes are also possible, once confirmed by a deliberate look in the relevant side mirror. Standard for all models is ‘Driving Assistant Plus’, bringing adaptive cruise, distance and lane control, plus ‘Parking Assistant’ with AI-supported parking space detection and manoeuvre planning. Optional ‘Parking Assistant Professional’ adds remote-control parking functionality via a compatible smartphone using the ‘My BMW’ app.
MHH International With BMW
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