The third-generation BMW X5 will arrive in Australia in mid November with a three-model line-up boasting improved fuel consumption and higher standard equipment levels.
The xDrive 30d continues as the entry-level offering in BMW Australia’s X5 line-up. Its price rises $7655 and now just scrapes in below six figures at $99,990 before on-road costs.
The new X5 xDrive 30d’s uprated 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine produces 190kW of power and 560Nm of torque, up 10kW/20Nm from its predecessor. The new 30d accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds – seven-tenths quicker than before – yet fuel consumption falls more than 16 per cent to 6.2L/100km.
The sole petrol model in the launch range is the xDrive 50i. Its enhanced twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 now produces 330kW and 650Nm (up 30kW/50Nm), cutting its 0-100km/h sprint time to 5.0 seconds (down five-tenths), while fuel consumption also improves 16 per cent to 10.5L/100km.
The price of the BMW X5 xDrive 50i falls to $133,900 (down $245), while the flagship performance diesel, the xDrive M50d, increases marginally to $147,900 (up $755).
The M50d’s 280kW/740Nm outputs carry over the from second-gen model, though the triple-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine is now more than 10 per cent more fuel efficient at 6.7L/100km and one-tenth quicker to triple figures (5.3 seconds).
The 30d is equipped with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission, while the 50i and M50d models gain the faster-shifting eight-speed sports auto.
BMW Australia will expand its X5 line-up with the new 225kW xDrive 35i petrol and 235kW xDrive 40d variants in March/April after production of those models starts in December.
BMW Australia spokesman Scott Croaker told CarAdvice the 25d base model remains “on the table” in both rear- and all-wheel drive, but has not been confirmed for our market at this stage.
While more expensive than the outgoing model, the new BMW X5 xDrive 30d is much better equipped. New to its standard specification list are larger 19-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, LED fog lights, high-beam assist and anti-dazzle mirrors, auto tailgate, and the Professional navigation system with voice control, internet functionality and an upgraded audio system.
The X5’s standard safety package has been bolstered and now includes a head-up display, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, pedestrian warning with light city braking function, rear-view camera, and a 360-degree surround view camera system.
In addition to its grunty V8, the xDrive 50i gains the ‘professional’ adaptive suspension package that adds dynamic performance control and dynamic drive to the dynamic damper control and rear axle air suspension.
The 50i also upgrades to 20-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights, and a distinct exterior styling package, while the cabin gains ceramic and high-grade leather trim highlights, along with heated front seats, a Harmon Kardon surround sound system with digital radio, active cruise control with ‘stop-and-go’ function, and a vehicle alarm.
The BMW X5 xDrive M50d adds to this a new ‘dynamic’ adaptive suspension package, which combines with M adaptive suspension in the pursuit of enhanced performance and added ride and handling refinement.
At 4886mm long, 1938mm wide, 1762mm tall, the all-new BMW X5 is 29mm longer, 5mm wider and has a 4mm-lower roofline than the second-gen luxury SUV. The 2933mm wheelbase has been retained.
Boot capacity is up 30 litres to 650L, and the second-row seats can now be split 40:20:40 to create 1870L of space (up 120L).
Despite being seven years old, the second-generation BMW X5 remains the top-selling vehicle in Australia’s $70K-plus large SUV segment. Sales are up 22 per cent so far this year to 2062, boosting its market share from 17.4 to 19.2 per cent.
CarAdvice is attending the international launch of the BMW X5 in Canada in mid September. Stay tuned for our first drive review.
BMW X5 manufacturer’s list prices:
xDrive 30d – $99,900 (+$7655) xDrive 50i – $133,900 (-$245) xDrive M50d – $147,900 (+$755)
