BMW has unveiled the third generation of their SAV, the X5, due for its debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) was abbreviated by BMW instead of categorizing it in the traditional SUV segment, to accent the on-road capabilities of the BMW X5 despite of being heavy and large in size. The BMW X5 was first time launched in 1999, followed by the second generation model in 2006. Now the 2014 third generation X5 is arriving to replace the current model.
The 2014 BMW X5 looks more sophisticated and the luxurious premium feel of new generation model dominates its appearance over the rugged design of its predecessor. The elongated headlamps, large symbolic kidney grille and the large air scoops in sharply designed front bumper add more bestiality to the overall design aspects. The reformed cutting edged body lines, 19-inch alloy wheels and precisely designed running board has dissolved the bulky appeal of the current X5.
At the rear, the wing shaped tail lights with new rectangular design exhaust pipes looks more energetic and has abolished the bland feel of the current model. The interiors get subtle changes to improve ergonomics for passengers, a large 10.2-inch touch sensitive iDrive system monitor and a slightly redesigned dashboard provides information from all four corners of the car. The system offers crucial data like lane change warning system, navigation system and so on.
Large door pockets and use of premium materials like leather, wood and silver finish enhance the luxurious feel inside the cabin. The X5 also gets seven seat layout with added advantage of 40:20:40 ratio split seats in the second row that makes the cabin more practical for large luggage. The ample boot space of 650-litres available with five seats can be raised to 1870-litres by folding the second row.
For the first time since its inception, BMW will offer the new X5 with only rear-wheel drive mechanism in the sDrive25d variant. Powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine, this variant produces 215 BHP of power. AWD of the same variant will be named as xDrive25d. The xDrive30d featuring a 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder diesel unit churns out 255 BHP of power. The xDrive35i combusts on petrol with a power output of 302 BHP from the 3.0-litre turbocharged unit.
The global market will also get the BMW M50d performance model rolls with the tri-turbo, 3.0-litre diesel unit, generating 376 BHP of power, achieving 0 to 100 km/hr in just 5.3 seconds! The xDrive50i builds 444 horses under its hood from a 4.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine. All models will be mated to 8-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive system. The new X5 will go on sale in Europe later this year and will reach our shores in the first quarter of 2014.
