BMW has unveiled the newly facelifted X5, which competes against the Mercedes-Benz GLE that also got a facelift several days ago. The G05 LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) follows in the footsteps of the latest 3 Series, receiving a more refined design and a few technical updates to keep the mid-size SUV competitive. Styling changes that are immediately noticeable include the reprofiled headlamps, which BMW says are 35 mm narrower than before. The LED daytime running light signature is also new here, dropping the half-hexagon look in favour of outward-pointing arrows.
Meanwhile, the kidney grille hasn’t grown
any larger but it is illuminated via cascade lighting when specified with the
Iconic Glow package on specific variants. Said grille is accompanied by a
surround and redesigned slats in Pearl-effect Chrome, while in the lower apron,
the air curtains are now on their own and aligned vertically against the
bumper. Said bumper also gets some tweaks, with prominent creases pointing
towards the rectangular lower intake that is highlighted by black and chrome
trim. Progressing down the sides, the air breathers on the front fenders now
have a new design with three horizontal blades at their trailing edge. Roof
rails are now standard, while the rear underguard is now finished in Glacier
Silver to match the revised bumper. Still on the rear of the SUV, the
taillights gain a new lighting signature with double L shapes (one being
inverted) to form what BMW calls an “unmistakable X motif.”
The X5 can also be ordered with the M
Sport package with more aggressive bumpers, with a further Pro version adding
plenty of black accents for a more intimidating look. The latter option also
adds an M Sport braking system with red calipers, an M Sport exhaust system and
M seat belts. On that mention, the interior of the new X5 adopts the BMW Curved
Display (includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster) with iDrive 8 that is
powered by BMW Operating System 8. Just like in the 3 Series LCI, most of the
vehicle controls are integrated into the 14.9-inch touchscreen, so the physical
climate controls and programmable favourites row have been omitted.
The new infotainment system includes a
digital voice assistant to control various functions if you prefer not tapping
on a screen, and there are various ambiance modes available in addition to the
numerous connectivity features like 5G, the My BMW App, smartphone integration,
Digital Key Plus, BMW Maps navigation with Augmented View. BMW is also keen to
highlight its leather-like Sensafin dashboard and seat upholstery, which is now
standard on the X5, as well as an ambient light bar with a crystalline surface
structure and LED backlighting – the latter also serves to illuminate the model
lettering. Another change that is familiar is seen on the centre console that
still houses the iDrive controller, but omits the traditional gear lever in
favour of a toggle switch. This area can be dressed up further with the Crafted
Clarity option, which brings glass applications to the start/stop button and
controller dial.
BMW has also revised its trim structure,
with the xLine now coming standard with electrical steering adjustment, a
2.5-zone climate control system, electrically folding side mirrors, a Hi-Fi
speaker system and DAB digital radio tuner. No shortage of options too,
including the Comfort Package (heating functions), a panoramic glass sunroof or
Sky Lounge system as well as a Harman Kardon surround sound system (16
speakers, 415 watts of amplification) or a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond
surround sound system (20 speakers, 1,500 watts of amplifaction). In terms of
driver assistance, BMW offers front-collision warning, Evasion Assistant and
Crossroads Warning as standard, with the optional Driving Assistant throwing in
Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Warning as well. With the Driving
Assistant Professional package specified, further features like Active Cruise
Control with stop and go function, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, automatic
Speed Limit Assist and Active Navigation are added. The German carmaker also
offers Parking Assistant Professional that can help drivers park in parallel or
perpendicular spaces, with the added ability to also record steering movements
up to 200 metres via the Reversing Assistant. If that isn’t enough, owners can
also use their smartphone to control their vehicle remotely when dealing with
tight parking spaces. Meanwhile, Manoeuvre Assistant stores far more complex
manoeuvres using GPS data and the trajectory data from steering movements.
Lastly, let’s talk powertrains. The range
includes the X5 xDrive50e, which is a plug-in hybrid that features a 3.0 litre
turbocharged inline-six that makes 313 PS from 5,000 to
6,000 rpm and 450 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 4,700 rpm. The setup also includes
an underfloor-mounted lithium-ion battery with a gross energy capacity of 25.7
kWh (29.5 kWh gross), and this powers an electric motor rated at 197 PS and 280 Nm. The more powerful combustion engine and electric motor
contribute to a total system output is 490 PS and 700 Nm,
which is an increase of 96 PS and 100 Nm compared to the
previous X5 xDrive45e. Electric-only range is also up from the around 77 km to
between 94 and 110 km.
Next up, there’s the X5 xDrive40i that
also comes with a 3.0 litre turbo straight-six, but with a 48-volt mild hybrid
system. This sees an electric motor rated at 12 PS and 200 Nm
being integrated into the transmission, enabling low-speed electric-only
propulsion and smoother operation of the start/stop function. The e-motor draws
power from a 48-volt battery located in the engine compartment that is charged
via regenerative braking. The mild hybrid petrol engine serves up 380 PS and 520 Nm, which is 47 PS and 70 Nm more than
before. The last of the petrol options is the performance-minded X5 M60i xDrive
that replaces the previous X5 M50i xDrive. Featuring a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8
that makes 530 PS and 750 Nm, the new variant also gains a
48-volt system for better response and power delivery under acceleration. On
the diesel side of things, the sole option mentioned is the X5 xDrive30d with a
mild hybrid 3.0 litre turbodiesel inline-six making 286 PS and 650 Nm. All engines come with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and
rear-biased xDrive all-wheel drive system. Other driving-related features that
can be fitted to the X5 include adaptive suspension, which can also be had with
two-axle air suspension, Integral Active Steering (rear-wheel steering),
adaptive M suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation and an
integrated braking system. BMW also offers new wheel designs with sizes ranging
from 19 to 22 inches.
