BMW introduces new fourth generation X5 in Georgia

In case you're wondering why BMW has been launching its X models in the land of the free and the home of the brave instead of in Europe, that's because the German manufacturer produces its X4, X5, X6, and X7 models in Greer, South Carolina, at BMW Spartanburg. This time around, however, we've flown to the plant's neighbouring state of Georgia (where BMW also launched the first ever X5) for the launch of the all new fourth generation X5.

The X5 is BMW's first SUV, which first debuted in 1999 and has proven to be a winning formula with previous generations selling in excess of 2.2 million examples. For 2018, the all new X5 promises an even greater blend of premium luxury performance and comfort.

This latest X5 retains the hallmark proportions of its predecessors, but the pared-back design language - clean surfacing and precise lines providing elegant poise and muscular authority - is new.

With a wheelbase 42mm longer than its predecessor (now 2,975mm), an increase in vehicle length of 36mm (to 4,922mm), an extra 66mm of width (now 2,004mm) and a 19mm increase in height (to 1,745mm), the all new X5 has both an imposing appearance and generous levels of space for passengers and their luggage.

Folding down the 40:20:40 split rear seat backrest increases boot capacity from 650 litres to a maximum of 1,860 litres. The all new X5 also has a two-section tailgate for ease of loading. If the optional third row of seats is specified (expected to be available from December 2018), customers may also order the rear seats with electric fore-and-aft adjustment.

Other new features on board include the four-zone air-conditioning system and the panoramic glass roof, whose clear surface is 23% larger than on the outgoing car, a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster, a newly designed transmission selector lever and a similarly new-look control panel for said heating and air-conditioning.

There will be two petrol and two diesel units available at launch from the latest generation of engines. The top-of-the-range X5 xDrive50i (456bhp and 650Nm) is powered by a V8.

The X5 M50d (395bhp and 760Nm) is powered by a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with a quartet of turbochargers, with a six-cylinder in-line petrol unit in the X5 xDrive40i (335bhp and 450Nm) and a six-cylinder in-line diesel in the X5 xDrive30d (261bhp and 620Nm). All engines channel their power through an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive is on hand to ensure that power is translated into secure progress - on or off road.

The task of maximising traction, agility and directional stability in the all new X5 falls to the latest generation of the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, which is now able to split drive torque between the front and rear wheels with even greater precision and speed on demand.

The new xDrive system also offers a rear-biased set-up for those occasions when the driver adopts a particularly dynamic approach. The electronically controlled rear differential lock (available on M Performance models and/or in conjunction with the Off-Road package) gives the handling an even sportier edge.

Governed by a Driving Stability Control system, the locking function for the rear differential improves traction and power transmission when driving over loose ground or on road surfaces offering differing levels of grip for the left-rear and right-rear wheels.

An array of chassis systems available make it possible to boost the off-road performance, sportiness or comfort of the all new X5. Adaptive M suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering endows the car with exceptionally agile and dynamic driving qualities.

The roll stabilisation system employs electric swivel motors to enable remarkably swift and precise compensation of body roll under dynamic cornering while Integral Active Steering (also available as an individual option) is also operated electromechanically. By turning the rear wheels in either the same direction as the front wheels or the opposite direction - depending on the vehicle speed - it optimises cornering agility, ensures effortless lane changes and helps the vehicle to dart through city traffic.

The all new BMW X5 xDrive40i, the only variant headed to Singapore for now, will be available locally from Q1 2019, at an estimated $350,000 inclusive of COE. Stay tuned to our upcoming first drive review of the X5 xDrive40i for further impressions of the car.