BMW launches X5 Expedition variant at Rs. 64.90 lakh

German luxury carmaker, BMW has introduced a cheaper variant of the X5 SUV in India. Dubbed Expedition, the new variant is priced at Rs. 64.90 lakh (ex-showroom, all-India), which is Rs. 6 lakh lower than the regular X5. At the same time it loses out on a lot of equipment.

The exterior of the car gets bumpers without titanium mouldings, a kidney grille without titanium finish and bi-xenon headlamps instead of adaptive LED units. LED fog lamps have been left out as well. Other omissions include chrome finished exhaust and stainless steel override guards. The B and C pillars of the Expedition are finished in matte black instead of high gloss.

Coming to the interior of the Expedition, the car is available in only Fine-wood trim American Oak only. The 600W, 16-speaker Harman Kardon system has been replaced by a 205W system with 9-speakers. Features like BMW Apps, Navigation system with 3D maps, handwriting recognition with 26 cm display, DVD drive and integrated hard drive and xDrive status with compass function have been left out. Instead the Expedition gets a 16.5 cm display with a CD drive. Other features that are missing include launch control and electric lumbar support for the front seats. The third row of seats is also missing.

The Expedition uses the same 2993 cc, 6-cylinder, 255 bhp diesel engine as the top-end variant. However, the 8-speed Steptronic automatic is no longer a sport version and misses out on paddle shifters.

The Expedition's cheaper price tag makes the car more competitively priced and should help the company increase its customer base.