BMW says the updated X5 is more powerful, more efficient and more luxurious than the outgoing model, although local specifications aren’t expected to be confirmed until the June launch date draws nearer.
Styling
A mid-life update, the 2011 X5’s revised styling is a simple affair, the majority of the exterior changes going to the front and rear bumpers.
As revealed in our recent spy photos, the updated X5 gains a new X5 M-inspired front bumper. Greater emphasis has been put on the more sports-like air dam and side intakes, with the foglights moved further inboard.
Out back, the rear bumper gets a minor update, with a more prominent faux-diffuser flanked by larger exhaust tips than the previous model.
Filling the same space as those of the outgoing X5, the 2011 model also features updated taillights with a pair of LED-illuminated light banks running the length of each.
Interior
Interior updates follow a similar minimalist approach, featuring the same high seating position and general layout and trim as the outgoing model.
As expected, new colours will join the options list, although BMW Australia has not specified which will be available locally.
Nappa leather-wrapped seats, dashboard and centre console figure among the options.
Luggage capacity is unchanged, offering 620 litres with the rear seats up and a maximum of 1750 litres with the seats folded flat.
Equipment and Features
Among the updated X5’s equipment and safety features list, BMW has added Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Departure Warning and Side View to the X5 range.
Other features include a Head-up Display, Adaptive Cornering Headlights, High-Beam Assistant, Park Distance Control and a reversing camera with a new Top View function.
On the safety front, the new X5 features front and side airbags for the front and second-row seats, three-point automatic safety belts for all seats, belt tensioners and belt force limiters for front seats as well as crash-active front headrests to optimise occupant protection.
The new BMW X5 is equipped with adaptive brake lights, run-flat safety tyres and a tyre defect indicator.
Mechanical Package
BMW has dropped the X5 xDrive 30i in favour of the single-turbo N55-powered xDrive35i, developing 225kW and 400Nm of torque - up 25kW and 85Nm over its predecessor.
BMW’s TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection (BMW’s direct injection system) and VALVETRONIC technologies figure among the new engine’s features.
Acceleration sees a huge jump, the xDrive35i reaching 100km/h in just 6.8 seconds, compared to the previous model’s 8.1 second run.
Fuel consumption is down on the xDrive30i, dropping 1.6 l/100km to achieve 10.1 l/100km.
The new BMW X5 xDrive50i replaces the xDrive48i, drawing power from a new 300kW V8 engine with High Precision Injection and BMW TwinPower Turbo.
Power is boosted to an even 300kW, with torque almost doubled from 355Nm to 600Nm, online between 1750 and 4500rpm.
With great power comes great 0-100km/h sprints, the xDrive50i covering the distance in 5.5 seconds - 1.1 seconds quicker than the outgoing model.
On the diesel front, the xDrive30d gains a 15 percent improvement in fuel consumption thanks to its revised turbo-charged 3.0 litre straight-six common-rail-diesel engine.
Consuming just 7.4 l/100km - a 1.3 litre improvement - the xDrive30d develops 180kW and hits 100km/h in 7.6 seconds.
The xDrive35d has been succeeded by the new xDrive40d, developing 225kW and 600Nm of torque, an improvement of 15kW and 20Nm respectively.
The xDrive40d is almost as frugal as the xDrive30d, using just 7.5 l/100km - down from 8.8 l/100km - and covering the 0-100km/h run in 6.6 seconds.
All new X5 models are equipped with BMW’s new eight-speed automatic transmission, which debuted in Australia with the range-topping 760Li.
BMW says its innovative gear seat configuration and minimum converter slip results in “outstanding shift dynamics,” optimised effectiveness and vastly improved comfort.
Pricing and Availability
BMW Australia has yet to reveal pricing details for the updated X5 line-up, but more details are expected closer to its June launch.
source: themotorreport
