The BMW X5 is a mid-size luxury, rear-wheel drive SUV produced by BMW.
The X5 made its debut in 1999. It was BMW's first SUV and it also featured all-wheel drive and was available with either manual or automatic transmission. In 2006, the second generation X5 was launched, known internally as the E70. Introduced in the facelift version of the E53, the E70 also featured the torque-split capable xDrive all-wheel drive system mated to an automatic transmission. In 2009, the X5 M performance variant was released as a 2010 model.
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| BMW X5 50i (G05). Courtesy of carspotdx.tumblr.com |
BMW branded the X5 as a Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) rather than an SUV, to emphasize its on-road ability despite its size. Like the Lexus RX 300, the X5 heralded the shift from light truck-based body-on-frame SUVs to crossovers underpinned by unibody car platforms that would come to fruition in the late 2000s. Among German luxury automakers, while the Mercedes-Benz M-Class had beaten the X5 to the market by a year, the X5 was the first to use a unibody chassis whereas the M-Class used a light truck platform until its second generation. While the Lexus RX is based on the Toyota Camry mass market sedan, the X5 shares its underpinnings with the BMW 5 Series performance luxury sedan.
X5s are manufactured in Greer, South Carolina at the Spartanburg BMW plant and modified for armoured, security versions in Mexico at the BMW de México Toluca plant. Since July 2009, some assembly operations are also performed in Kaliningrad, Russia by Avtotor.
Starting with the X5, BMW's "SAV" series has since expanded with derivatives of other BMW number-series models, first in 2003 with the BMW X3 compact luxury crossover, and then in 2008 with the BMW X6 midsize coupe luxury crossover which shares its platform with the X5.
Launch
Information on the G05 X5 was released online on 6 June 2018.
The G05 X5 uses BMW's Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform also found in the G11 7 Series and G30 5 Series. It features a five-link rear suspension and is also available with four-wheel steering or adjustable air suspension that can be raised or lowered by 40 mm (2 in). Compared to its predecessor, the G05 X5 is 36 mm (1 in) longer, 66 mm (3 in) wider, and 19 mm (1 in) taller in height. All petrol models feature particulate filters while all diesel models feature AdBlue injection that reduces nitrogen oxide emissions.
Almost all regions feature xDrive all-wheel drive, but a rear wheel drive sDrive model is available in the USA. The xDrive50i model is available outside the European markets, while the European markets will get the M50i models.
In August 2019, BMW revealed an armoured variant called X5 Protection VR6, which can withstand attacks from AK-47 bullets.
Equipment
Standard equipment includes LED headlights, electronically controlled dampers, electric and heated sports seats, and two 12.3-inch displays for the instrument panel and iDrive system. G05 X5 models are also available with laser headlights, heated and cooled cupholders, a panoramic sunroof with LED patterns, and a Microsoft Office 365 and Skype for Business subscription with over-the-air updates. A new Digital Key system also enables a smartphone to be used as a keyfob to lock or unlock the car via NFC.
xLine and M Sport packages are also offered alongside the standard trim and feature different body styling and exclusive exterior paint colours and upholstery choices. xLine models feature 19-inch alloy wheels with aluminium exterior trim, while M Sport models feature 20-inch alloy wheels with high-gloss trim.
Engine
Petrol Engine (Gasoline)
|
Model |
Years |
Engine |
Power |
Torque |
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
X5 xDrive40i |
2018– |
B58B30M1 |
250 kW (340 PS;
335 hp) |
450 N⋅m
(332 lb⋅ft) |
5.5 s |
|
X5 xDrive50i |
2018– |
N63B44M3 |
340 kW (462 PS;
456 hp) |
650 N⋅m
(479 lb⋅ft) |
4.7 s |
|
X5 M50i |
2019– |
N63B44T3 |
390 kW (530 PS;
523 hp) |
750 N⋅m
(553 lb⋅ft) |
4.3 s |
|
X5 xDrive45e |
2019– |
B58B30M1 |
290 kW (394 PS;
389 hp) |
600 N⋅m
(443 lb⋅ft) |
5.6 s |
|
X5 M |
2020– |
S63 4.4 L V8 twin-turbo |
441 kW (600 PS;
591 hp) |
750 N⋅m
(553 lb⋅ft) |
3.8 s |
|
X5 M Competition |
460 kW (625 PS;
617 hp) |
3.7 s |
Diesel Engine
|
Model |
Years |
Engine |
Power |
Torque |
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
X5 xDrive30d |
2018– |
B57D30 |
195 kW (265 PS;
261 hp) |
620 N⋅m
(457 lb⋅ft) |
6.5 s |
|
X5 M50d |
B57D30C |
294 kW (400 PS;
394 hp) |
760 N⋅m
(561 lb⋅ft) |
5.2 s |
Safety
The 2018 X5 received five stars overall in its Euro NCAP test.
|
Test |
Score |
Rating |
|
Adult Passenger |
34.2 |
4.45/5.0 |
|
Child Passenger |
42.6 |
4.30/5.0 |
|
Pedestrian |
36.3 |
3.75/5.0 |
|
Safety assist |
9.8 |
3.75/5.0 |
