New Models
New Models

2019 BMW X5 revealed, here before year’s end

It's bigger, badder, and brimming with tech


The all-new 2019 BMW X5 has gone official this morning, shortly after it was leaked by overseas media.

Now in its fourth generation, the X5 has grown in every dimension, gained a host of new technologies, and a revised engine line-up.

Compared to the outgoing model, the new SUV is 36mm longer, 66mm wider and 19mm taller, measuring 4922mm/2004mm/1745mm respectively. The wheelbase has also been extended by 42mm to 2975mm.

Despite the beefier proportions, luggage capacity has slightly dropped with the second row in place, rated at 645L (down 5L), and maximum storage with the rear seats folded has dropped by 10L to 1860L.

Externally, the X5 may not look a whole lot different to the generation before it, though it bears a strong resemblance to all of the company's current 'X' model lines.

Up front there's a large, taller interpretation of BMW's double-kidney grille, along with the option of Laserlight headlights that spread in a "distinctive X shape".

At the back the new tail-lights are a little different to the rest of the range, looking almost Audi-like in their shape. BMW says the new units also have a "three-dimensional form".

The new X5 is also the first model from BMW to be available with 22-inch alloy wheels, with designs at launch limited to an M light-alloy rim (pictured) in twin-spoke design, along with a BMW Individual design.

Inside, the new-generation model debuts a slightly tweaked take on the classic BMW interior formula. The layout of the dashboard is less cluttered in terms of physical buttons and dials, and there's the option of a glass controls and switchgear on the centre tunnel.

Two 12.3-inch displays can be specified, one for the driver's instrument cluster along with the central infotainment display, with the X5 range debuting BMW Operating System 7.0. Drivers can supplement these screens with a larger head-up display (7.0 x 3.5 inches) with "new display content and optimised graphics".

BMW says the new X5 is the first of its models that can be unlocked via smartphone using the new BMW Digital Key, while other new available features include wireless phone charging, upgraded ambient interior lighting, massaging front seats, quad-zone climate control, heated/cooled cupholders in the centre console, along with an interior fragrance system.

From December, BMW will offer a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system, along with a new rear entertainment system with dual 10.2-inch touchscreen displays.

There's a lot of driver assistance technologies on offer as well. BMW Driving Assistant Professional includes adaptive cruise control with stop&go function, steering and lane assist, lane-change warning, side assist, rear cross-traffic alert, 'priority warning' and 'wrong-way warning'.

Other systems include an Emergency Stop Assistant, which brakes the vehicle automatically if required and steers it to the side of the road, and an upgraded Parking Assistant with "automated longitudinal and lateral guidance".

As part of the parking pack, there's a new Reversing Assistant which can steer the vehicle along a path "recently negotiated forward" up to 50 metres, while the surround camera system also offers Surround View, Panorama View and Remote 3D View.

The tech suite will add a Traffic Jam Assistant around December 2018, similar to the slow-moving adaptive cruise control function seen in various Volkswagen and Audi models.

Rounding out the feature highlights are acoustic glass for the windscreen and side windows (the latter is an option), active flaps in the front grille for improved efficiency, the availability of active roll stabilisation, air suspension, an electric luggage compartment cover (from December 2018 production), and an optional M Sport exhaust system for both petrol and diesel models.

Speaking of powertrains, the X5 will be offered with four engines at launch – one V8 and three inline sixes. All derivatives will be paired with an eight-speed automatic as standard.

Headlining the range is a new 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 in the xDrive50i, which makes 340kW of power and 650Nm of torque – the latter available between 1500 and 4750rpm.

Performance in the new bent eight is nothing short of brisk. BMW claims a 0-100km/h time of just 4.7 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 250km/h.

Meanwhile, the xDrive40i features a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six, making 250kW of power and 450Nm of torque. With this engine, the X5 sprints from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.5 seconds, with top speed rated at 243km/h.

The diesel range kicks off with the xDrive30d, which draws power from a 3.0-litre inline six turbo-diesel, generating 195kW and  620Nm. BMW claims a 0-100km/h time of 6.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 230km/h.

Finally, there's the M50d, which gets a quad-turbo version of the 3.0-litre diesel. Outputs are rated at 294kW and 760Nm, while performance figures are 5.2 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint and a 250km/h top speed.

All launch versions are equipped with the latest version of BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system, which can now split torque between the front and rear wheels more efficiently, and offers the option of an electronically-controlled lock for the rear axle when specified with the M Sport or Off-Road packages.

Under the skin, the X5 is fitted as standard with Dynamic Damper Control, while Adaptive M Suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering (a first for BMW X models) is available as an option.

The new air suspension system allows vehicle height to be adjusted by up to 80mm – unladen ground clearance is 214mm – and the new Off-Road Package increases the X5's capability even further with additional driving modes for the vehicle's ride height, xDrive system, accelerator response, transmission control and stability control system.

Australia

Speaking with CarAdvice, Adam Davis, BMW Australia's corporate communications manager, said the local arm is expecting the new X5 "late this year", with further details to come.

Stay tuned for all the latest updates in the lead-up to the local launch. Head to the gallery for more images.

MORE:BMW Showroom
MORE:BMW News
MORE:BMW Reviews
MORE:BMW X5 Showroom
MORE:BMW X5 News
MORE:BMW X5 Reviews
MORE:Search Used BMW X5 Cars for Sale
MORE:Search Used BMW Cars for Sale
MORE:BMW Showroom
MORE:BMW News
MORE:BMW Reviews
MORE:BMW X5 Showroom
MORE:BMW X5 News
MORE:BMW X5 Reviews
MORE:Search Used BMW X5 Cars for Sale
MORE:Search Used BMW Cars for Sale
Chat with us!







Chat with Agent