BMW's new X5 features more power and efficiency in a trim and light package

Holding more power and technology than its predecessors, the all new X5 Sports Activity Vehicle allows personal customisation to individual tastes with the M Sport package, Pure Experience and Pure Excellence packages.

Along with other measures, the use of ultra-high tensile steel in the body structure, thermoplastics in the side panels, aluminium in the bonnet and magnesium in the instrument panel support, makes the X5 the lightest vehicle in its class.

The selection of engines available from launch starts with a new generation 4.4-litre V8 fitted in the BMW X5 xDrive50i. It develops 450bhp and 650Nm of torque despite a 16 percent reduction in average fuel consumption. The xDrive50i completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.0 seconds and returns average fuel consumption of 10.5L/100km while emitting 244g/km of CO₂.

The BMW X5 xDrive30d with its six-cylinder in-line diesel develops 258bhp and a maximum torque of 560Nm. All that power is good for a century sprint of 6.9 seconds with an average fuel economy of 6.2L/100km and CO₂ emissions of 164g/km.

The M Performance automobile - the BMW X5 M50d - gets a 3.0-litre straight-six featuring M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology with three-stage turbocharging for a maximum output of 381bhp and peak torque of 740Nm.

The car propels to 100km/h is just 5.3 seconds with average fuel consumption of 6.7L/100km and CO₂ emissions at 177g/km. All engines in the new BMW X5 lineup are combined with an eight-speed automatic.

In ECO PRO mode, the engine management, accelerator response and transmission characteristics are systematically tailored to support a particularly fuel-efficient, low-rpm driving style.

For example a coasting function periodically decouples the engine whenever the driver eases off the accelerator at speeds between 50km/h and 160km/h and does not apply the brakes at the same time. This allows the new BMW X5 to coast without engine braking, for maximised fuel efficiency.

As evident from the pictures, the X5 has an extremely broad-set kidney grille extending all the way to the headlight units, and the hallmark twin circular headlights, stretch well into the car's side panels.

The BMW X5 xDrive50i and BMW X5 M50d are equipped with Xenon headlights as standard. Around the rear, the thin, three-dimensional LED light strips of the two-section, L-shaped rear lights create a striking night time look.

The interior materials play a role in shaping the exclusive onboard ambience. The standard Oxide Silver dark matt (BMW X5 xDrive30d), Poplar Grain fine wood (BMW X5 xDrive50i) or Aluminium Hexagon (BMW X5 M50d) interior trim elements now sit atop a high-gloss black surface, which is bordered on its lower edge by an accent strip in Pearl Gloss Chrome. The freestanding, up to 10.25-inch Control Display, linked to the iDrive system adds further appeal.

The seat surfaces can be specified as an option in Dakota leather or - as part of the Pure Experience and Pure Excellence interior design lines - Exclusive Nappa leather with extended features.