4th-gen BMW X5 unveiled

BMW has unveiled the 4th-generation BMW X5. The SUV will be formally launched in November 2018 with deliveries expected to commence one month later.

The X5 has grown in size compared to the earlier model. It now measures 4,922 mm in length, 2,004 mm in width and has a height of 1,745 mm. They have increased by 36 mm, 66 mm and 19 mm respectively. The wheelbase has also been extended by 42 mm to 2,975 mm. The boot space, which is rated at 645 litres, can be extended to 1,860 litres with the seats folded. The new BMW X5 gets an 83-liter fuel tank.

At the front the X5 gets a large kidney grille, updated LED headlamps, revised bumpers with an air dam and two side vents. The car also gets an acoustic windshield as standard with optional acoustic side windows. The central portion of the air dam houses radars for the different assist systems. The side profile is similar to that of the outgoing car, except for the larger dimensions. It gets a choice of new design alloy wheels sized between 18-22 inches. The rear gets a spilt tailgate, new tail lamps and a sliver skid plate. Twin exhausts with square openings are present on the bumper.

The X5 will be available in a choice of xLine or M Sport trims. The xLine gets a different front bumper with smaller side vents, 19-inch alloy wheels, black side skirts and roof rails, grille and side window trims in a matte aluminium finish. It gets dual tone beige and black interiors, xLine door sill finish and a 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel. On the other hand, the M Sport trim gets an M Sport steering wheel, a darker brown and black interior scheme along with contrast stitching, illuminated door sills and M floor mats, pedals and dead pedals. Changes on the outside for the M Sport trim include body coloured wheel arches and side skirts, option of 20 to 22-inch alloy wheels and an M Sport exhaust. The X5 will also be offered with an optional third row of seats, panoramic roof, ambient lighting with 6 colours, an optional 20-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system and a pair of 12.3-inch displays - one each for the driver information and infotainment system.

The new BMW X5 will be offered with a choice of four engines. A 4.4-liter, twin turbo V8 petrol engine developing 456 BHP / 650 Nm will be offered outside of Europe. A 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder petrol putting out 355 BHP / 450 Nm will be the standard petrol option. Diesel engines include the option of a 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder unit with maximum output of 261 BHP / 620 Nm and a 3.0-liter M Performance unit that puts out 394 BHP / 760 Nm. All the engines are Euro 6 compliant and send power to all the wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. BMW will also offer an off-road package with two axle air suspension, front and rear underbody protection and specific information in the display. The cars will be offered with four drive modes - sand, rock, gravel and snow.

Radar based safety features include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Steering and lane control assistant, Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assistant, side collision protection, evasion aid, Crossing traffic warning, Priority warning and Wrong-way warning. The X5 also come with an Emergency Stop Assistant that brings the car safely to a standstill if a medical emergency occurs. The Reversing Assistant is able to navigate the car up to 50m in reverse if the path has been recently traversed.