The All-New BMW X5

BMW is once again setting the standard for the Sports Activity Vehicle with the new fourth-generation X5. Since it was first launched in 1999 there have been over 2.2 million vehicles sold across the world.

Available to order now in Ireland, the all-new X5 demonstrates the latest BMW advances in technology, design and safety, with the highest level of autonomous capability yet seen on a BMW X model. A choice of TwinPower petrol and diesel engines are matched to a new eight-speed Steptronic gearbox and the latest version of xDrive for maximum comfort, capability and performance.

BMW X5 Exterior Design

The exterior design recieves a fresher, more modern look to is said to redefine the BMW X family. With a longer wheelbase, an increase in vehicle length, width and height, the new X5 has both an imposing appearance and generous levels of space for passengers and their luggage.

Precise lines across the body give a muscular appearance as well as its newly sculpted bonnet, side skirts and wheel arches which all add to the rugged character of the X5. The new larger aluminium kidney grille is immediately noticeable at the front of the vehicle and is surrounded either side by LED headlights which are standard in all X5 models. 19-inch alloy wheels also come standard on the xLine model, whilst you get 20-inch M star-spoke wheels on the M Sport and 22-inch V-spokes on the M Performance model.

BMW X5 Interior Design

Inside the new BMW X5 there are a number of impressive updates that, like the changes to the exterior, give the car a more modern look whilst offering a luxurious feel. Carefully selected materials in the interior include the luxurious new Vernasca leather upholstery which is available in four colours. The X5 is also fitted as standard with electrically adjustable and heated sports seats, with the M Sports models including an M Sport steering wheel, M-specific pedals, piping on the seats and exclusive aluminium trim.  

Another new feature on board the BMW X5 is a panoramic glass roof, which can display LED lights spread evenly across the glass to illuminate over 15,000 graphic patterns to generate a display reminiscent of a starlit sky. The optional ambient lighting includes a Welcome Light Carpet which illuminates the entry area to the car when the doors are unlocked or opened.

The new BMW X5 can now also be specified with thermo-cupholders foremost in the centre console which can be kept cool or warm, while the optional CraftedClarity glass application for selected controls bring an all-new flourish to the interior of the X5. This exclusive design feature has been developed for the transmission selector lever, the Controller, the start/stop button and the volume control button for the audio system. 

There is also an option to add a third row of seats to your new X5 which can come with electric adjustment functionality controlled via the boot to slide the second-row seats forward or backwards or fold down the backrests of the second and third rows.

The new X5 is even more innovative than the previous model and features BMW’s latest operating system which is now easier to control via gestures, speech and touch screen. On the dash there is a larger 12.3-inch touch screen that features all the latest BMW infotainment features including navigation, media, apps and driving functions. It also features a fully-digital instrument cluster as standard which allows the driver to display more information and functions in the eye line behind the steering wheel.

BMW X5 Driving Functions & Safety

A two-axle air suspension system is standard on both the BMW X5 xDrive30d and X5 xDrive40i models. It is controlled individually for each wheel using an electrically driven compressor with pressure reservoir, enabling it to balance out an unevenly loaded vehicle.

A new Driving Assistant Professional package is now available as a package in the new X5 this includes Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function that is capable of braking behind the vehicle in front to a complete standstill and then taking off again once it moves forward. This pack also contains Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keeping Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning rear, Rear-End Collision Warning and Speed Limit Information.

The new X5 also comes with Parking Assistant as standard which identifies a parking space and takes control of the vehicle to manoeuvre safely into the space, parking either forward, reverse or parallel. The Reversing Assistant controls the steering to manoeuvre the vehicle along a path recently negotiated forwards. This system makes reversing for a distance of up to 50 metres a simple task in the new BMW X5. The driver just has to operate the accelerator and brakes and monitor the surrounding area. The steering movements made during the vehicle’s last forward manoeuvre are stored by the system and retained, even for longer periods

Drivers can also enjoy all-round visibility, thanks to both the rear-view camera and the Top View, Panorama View and 3D View functions of Parking Assistant Plus, which create a 360-degree image of the vehicle and its surroundings in the Control Display.

Customers can also specify an Off-Road package. Offered for the first time in a BMW X model, the package includes underguard elements at the front and rear of the vehicle, along with the two-axle air suspension and electronically controlled rear differential lock. The driver can activate the ideal settings for off-roading including the vehicle’s ride height, the xDrive system, the accelerator response, the transmission control, and the DSC system’s corrective inputs in preparation for driving on a range of surfaces, such as sand, rock, gravel or snow.  Available for all model variants apart from the BMW X5 M50d.

BMW X5 Performance and Pricing

There will be one petrol and two diesel units available from the latest generation of engines. The BMW X5 M50d is powered by a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with a quartet of turbochargers, with a six-cylinder inline unit in the BMW X5 xDrive40i and BMW X5 xDrive30d. All engines channel their power through an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive is on hand to ensure that power is translated into secure progress – on or off road.

The new BMW X5 is now available to order in Ireland from your local BMW retailer or by visiting www.BMW.ie