BMW X5 unveiled, goes on sale in November

MANILA: First the Audi Q8, and now the BMW X5, it seems like a day designated to premium SUVs from Germany. After a course of teaser images and spy shots, BMW has finally revealed its new sports utility vehicle, the X5. The X moniker reminds us of the recently launched BMW X3, and hopefully, the two share some design traits.

The 2019 X5 displays a shape familiar with the model, however, it now showcases improvements on the design end. The front profile features a large grille, LED headlights with Laser lights in the top variant, signature Hofmeister Kink, split rear taillight, and large corner intakes (M Sport). The xLine trim benefits from a slightly different exterior design and more ground clearance.

Step inside the cabin, and you’ll be awestruck by X5’s beauty and tech inclusions. Up front, the dashboard is pinned with a pair of 12.3-inch screen, one each for the driver’s arena and centre console. Front row seats are turned with standard features like power-adjustment and heating function. Messaging and ventilation features are optional. Buyers can further enhance the cabin with a glass controls for the gearbox and 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo system with 1,500-watt output unit.

The X5 model revealed today can accommodate five adults, however, in December the company confirmed to launch a seven-seater option. It would feature controls for the second-row seats to tilt, slide, and fold the backrest.

BMW X5, when launched, will be offered in two engine configurations-

• The X5 xDrive 40i powered by a 3.0-litre turbo inline-six generating a maximum power of 340 PS. It covers 0 to 100 kmph in 5.3 seconds
• The X5 xDrive 50i variant is tuned with a 4.4-litre V8 mill that produces a 463 PS of power and can touch the 100 kmph mark in 4.6 seconds

Both these options are paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels.

Making driving fun and smooth is the whole bunch of BMW assistance features like - Blind Spot Monitoring, Front and Rear Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, City Collision Mitigation, and Pedestrian Monitoring. To this lot, buyers can add Traffic Jam Assist, Automatic Lane Changing, Collision Evasion Aid, and Lane Keeping Assist.

Starting this November, the all-new BMW X5 will first go on sale in the United States. In the Philippines, we can expect the SUV to arrive in Q1 of 2019.