Arrive like a Boss in the all-new BMW X5
25 Jul 2019
Everything about the all-new BMW X5 is super-sized. It really has a huge presence and one that you just cannot ignore. In fact, in the week that the X5 was under my care, the looks from all and sundry just kept on coming everywhere I drove.
I drove the BMW X5 xDrive 30d and this is what I experienced...
This derivative is a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Having mentioned that, this super SUV is big and still jumps from 0-100 in just 6.5 seconds. It has an engine capacity of almost 3 litres (2.993cc) with 195 kW at 4,000rpm.
Image by Naresh Maharaj
The top speed of 230 km/h is easily achievable, despite the ‘desert dueller’ tyres fitted. On national roads, the ‘off-road’ tyres are smooth and very comfortable indeed. Everything about the X5 is cutting-edge, digital and seamlessly integrated into the driver’s lifestyle.
Eye-catching design and precise lines
The X5 has eye-catching off-road attributes and assures performance on uneven terrain. Combine this with the premium characteristics and signature dynamics of a German thoroughbred and you have a winner.
The SUV certainly puts down another marker in terms of design and technology. The new BMW X5 will again be built at BMW Plant Spartanburg in the US state of South Carolina.
Image by Naresh Maharaj
A wheelbase of 42mm is longer than its predecessor; a 36mm increase in vehicle length; an extra 66mm of width and a 19mm increase in height gives the new BMW X5 both an imposing appearance and generous levels of space for passengers and their luggage.
This is what I mean when I said in my opening paragraph that this vehicle is BIG!
Clean surfacing and precise lines accentuate the car’s robustness, elegant poise and muscular authority. The manner in which the bonnet has been designed adds to the powerful look of the X5.
Grille Me
Perhaps the most striking feature of the front end is the large BMW kidney grille with single-piece surround. The new BMW X5 comes standard with LED headlights, while BMW Laserlight with Adaptive LED Headlights can be specified as an added option.
Image by Naresh Maharaj
Blue X-shaped elements, which split up the hexagonal light sources inside the familiar BMW twin headlights, make a distinctive visual statement. The precise character line in the car’s flanks, which rises up at the rear door, contributes to the modern appearance of the new X5.
The new BMW X5 comes standard with 18-inch light-alloy wheels, the xLine model features its own 19-inch light-alloy wheels and M Sport brings 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design.
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Let’s go inside, shall we?
Sheer quality equals 'Sheer Driving Pleasure'. The exuberance of quality comes rushing through. Modern, clearly structured and elegant surfacing radiates a generous feeling of space inside the new BMW X5.
Indeed, the front and rear occupants all enjoy ample accommodation amid an exclusive ambience and feeling of sophistication. The instrument panel is broken up by sweeping horizontal lines, which combine with classy electroplated trim elements to emphasise the width of the interior. And with its large trim finisher and surrounds likewise made up of electroplated elements, the centre console – rising up to the instrument panel – also contributes to the handsome overall impression.
The carefully selected materials in the interior include the diamond cut gear-knob that lights up at night. The new BMW X5 is fitted as standard with electrically adjustable and heated sports seats.
Continually re-inventing
Other new features designed to maximise the feel-good factor and luxurious ambience on board the BMW X5 include the four-zone air conditioning system and the panoramic glass roof, with a clear surface that 30% larger than the outgoing car. The Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, meanwhile, generates a very special and exclusive aura when darkness falls, with LED light spreading evenly across the glass surface to illuminate more than 15,000 graphic patterns and generate a display reminiscent of a starlit sky.
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The luxurious audio experience is laid on by the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with 20 speakers and 1,500-watt output. The optional Rear-seat entertainment Professional system comprises a pair of 10.2-inch full-HD touchscreen displays, a Blu-ray-compatible DVD player, two USB ports, an HDMI socket and two headphone jacks.
The engine and gearbox marriage - A perfect harmony
The new BMW X5 is being launched with a choice of two diesel representatives in South Africa from the latest generation of engines. Heading the range is the BMW M Performance model, the BMW X5 M50d, which is powered by a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with a quartet of turbochargers. A six-cylinder in-line unit can also be found under the bonnet of the BMW X5 xDrive30d.
All the 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.
Pricing
- BMW X5 xDrive 30d Xline: R1,186,200.00
- BMW M Sport Package: R1,245,100.00
- BMW Off Road Derivative: R1,245,450.00
- BMWX5 M50d: R1,493,600.00 (All Vat incl).
The usual five-year/100,000 BMW Motor Plan applies.
About Naresh Maharaj
Naresh Maharaj is a petrol head who loves cars and writing about them. He is also a Member of the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists. Naresh is also an international sports correspondent and an acclaimed corporate MC and voice-over artist. Naresh is a sports/news producer for community radio stations and also an award-winning sports journalist. Contact Naresh on moc.liamg@123jarahamn.
