BMW X5 (2014)

The new BMW X5 has an extremely broad-set kidney grille extending all the way to the headlight units, and the hallmark BMW twin circular headlights, in turn, stretch well into the car's side panels. Their light rings are each levelled off at the bottom and overlapped at their top edge by an LED accent light. Sweeping chrome inserts and the prominently three-dimensional design of the lights underline the car's sophisticated character. LED front foglamps can be specified as an option, while the likewise optional Adaptive LED Headlights are identified by the horizontal light sources in the centre of the light rings. The BMW X5 xDrive50i and BMW X5 M50d are equipped with xenon headlights as standard.

The front apron, with side air intakes positioned far to its outer edges, draws further attention to the wide track and planted stance of the new BMW X5. And the car's striking underbody protection elements provide a further nod to its robust and versatile character. Elsewhere, drag-reducing Air Curtains make their debut on a BMW X model. These vertical apertures guide the inflowing air around the wheel arches, where it creates a curtain of air over the wheels before making a controlled escape through the Air Breathers in the side panels.

The design of the BMW X5's flanks shines a particularly clear spotlight on the car's power and sporting ability. Precisely drawn lines rising up towards the rear end build a wedge shape exuding dynamic intent and break up the taut surfaces around the front side panels, doors and rear wheel arches. The resulting light and shadow effects bring out the athleticism and agility of the Sports Activity Vehicle.

The car's upright front end, with its forward-thrusting BMW kidney grille, cuts an arresting figure from the side. The familiar BMW swage line, meanwhile, rises steadily from the headlight units, through the door pulls and into the rear lights. It combines with the character line extending from the upper edge of the Air Breathers and another, more obvious crease above the side skirts to stretch the figure-hugging surfaces of the car's flanks powerfully to the rear.

The clear subdivision between the muscular body and a passenger compartment, whose large windows lend it a light and spacious feel, is clearly visible from the rear as well as from the side. Horizontal lines on the two-section tailgate and around the rear apron emphasise the width and robust stance of the new BMW X5. The thin, three-dimensional LED light strips of the two-section, L-shaped rear lights create a striking night-time look. Plus, the new BMW X5 is the brand's first model to feature Aero Blades. These black air-channelling elements are contiguous with the roof spoiler and help it to optimise the car's aerodynamic properties.

The exterior paintwork of the new BMW X5 can be ordered in a choice of 11 colours, among them the new metallic finish Sparkling Brown Brilliant Effect.

Interior design: high-quality materials, luxurious ambience, cutting-edge functionality

The interior of the new BMW X5 is both elegant and generously sized. The horizontal structure of the layered surfaces underlines the broad sweep of the instrument panel and therefore also the impressive amount of space available on board. Plus, the three-dimensional design of the surfaces also generates vibrant contrasts.

The ambient lighting designs included in the lighting package lend extra emphasis to the visual unity between the instrument panel and door panels. LED units arranged in a wrap-around contour line and featuring in other areas of the interior create an alluring effect. Blue, white and orange light can be selected either individually or in nine pre-stored combinations via the iDrive system. The interior materials selected for the new BMW X5 also play a role in shaping the exclusive onboard ambience. The trim strip and accent strip extend into the front door panels and are picked up again in the rear door panels. Plus, the standard Oxide Silver dark matt (BMW X5 xDrive30d), Poplar Grain fine wood (BMW X5 xDrive50i) or Aluminium Hexagon (BMW X5 M50d) interior trim elements now sit atop a high-gloss black surface, which is bordered on its lower edge by an accent strip in Pearl Gloss Chrome.

The freestanding, up to 10.25-inch Control Display linked to the standard-fitted iDrive operating system adds further appeal. The displays for the climate control and ventilation systems - and, as an option, the instrument cluster - feature black panel technology.

The seat surfaces can be specified as an option in Dakota leather or - as part of the Pure Experience and Pure Excellence interior design lines - Exclusive Nappa leather with extended features. Customers can choose from seven upholstery colours.

Astute individualisation: Design Pure Experience and Design Pure Excellence for the exterior and interior

Two new "design worlds" for the exterior and interior of the new BMW X5 can be ordered as an alternative to the standard specification, enabling an astutely judged level of personalisation. Each package represents a harmonious blend of design, colours and materials. The design worlds for the exterior and interior can be selected independently - i.e. customers can combine them both with one another and with standard specification, as desired. In addition, the two interior design packages are also available in combination with the M Sport package. The design worlds also encompass the new-look remote control key with operating buttons in an extremely high-quality design.

Design Pure Experience: presence and robustness

With stylistic underbody protection elements in brushed stainless steel, newly designed air intake bars in matt silver and a rear trim strip which, like the kidney grille bars, comes in matt silver, the Design Pure Experience package adds distinctive touches to the exterior and once again emphasises the SAV character of the BMW X5. This design world also includes exterior mirror bases and B-pillar and C-pillar trim in high-gloss black, as well as BMW Individual Exterior Line Aluminium satinated trim for the side windows. The exhaust tailpipe embellishers have a matt chrome finish.

The Design Pure Experience line uses a dark yet warm colour scheme to bring a classically stylish and luxurious ambience to the interior of the new BMW X5. It offers Exclusive Nappa leather trim, including extended features in Mocha/Black with contrast stitching, plus interior trim strips in textured Fineline Pure high-quality wood. The fulled leather surfaces of the instrument panel and upper-arm trim panels come in black with contrast stitching in Nut Brown. The lower section of the instrument panel is in Mocha.

Design Pure Excellence: modern and luxurious

The Design Pure Excellence line for the exterior includes stylistic underbody protection elements and wheel arch surrounds painted in the respective body colour, black kidney grille bars with high-gloss chrome fronts, T-shaped bars for the outer air intakes and louvres for the lower aperture, plus a chrome trim strip for the rear apron and Chrome Line Exterior adornments for the side windows. The exterior mirror bases, B-pillars and C-pillars all feature high-gloss black trim.

The Design Pure Excellence package lends the interior an elegant and choice ambience through the use of Exclusive Nappa leather trim, including extended features in Ivory White with contrast stitching, fine wood interior trim elements in American Oak and a fulled leather surface for the instrument panel and door panels in Atlas Grey with contrast stitching. The lower section of the instrument panel comes in matching Ivory White.

Variable-usage interior, up to seven seats and even greater versatility

With its luxurious ambience and enhanced ride comfort, spaciousness and seating comfort, the new BMW X5 offers noticeable advances over its predecessor. Added to which, the array of possible uses for its generously sized interior has grown once again. The newly designed seats for the driver and front passenger ensure a high level of long-distance comfort and impressive lateral hold through dynamically taken corners. Comfort seats and sports seats (standard in the BMW X5 M50d) are available as options.

Seat heating and comfort seats are both now also available for the rear compartment. The comfort seats come with bespoke upholstery, backrest adjustment through 10 degrees and 80 millimetres of fore/aft adjustment. The rear comfort seats can be specified either as an individual option or together with the optional third row of seats. The two additional seats are easy to access thanks to an Easy Entry function and a grip plate by the C-pillar. They can be lowered separately into the load compartment floor, are designed primarily for passengers measuring a maximum 1.50 metres in height and come with inertia-reel seat belts.

The folding backrest of the second-row seat bench can now be split 40 : 20 : 40, which allows load capacity to be increased in stages from 650 to as much as 1,870 litres - that's 30 litres / 120 litres more than the predecessor model. Additional storage compartments and door pockets which can accommodate 1.5-litre bottles (front) and one-litre bottles (in the rear) also contribute to the car's impressive functionality both in day-to-day use and on longer journeys.

The new BMW X5 also comes with a split two-section tailgate, the lower element of which can be folded down horizontally to form a single level with the load surface. Automatic tailgate operation for the upper section is a standard feature. And now, for the first time, the tailgate can be closed as well as opened using the remote control and, at the touch of a button, from the driver's seat. An electrically pivoting trailer coupling can be ordered as an option, as can roof rails in three different design variants.

Engines: more driving enjoyment and efficiency with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology

As the first ever Sports Activity Vehicle, the BMW X5 continues to set the trends and standards in its segment, with the accent firmly on driving enjoyment and efficiency. The new-generation V8 engine, for example, fitted in the BMW X5 xDrive50i, now develops 10 per cent - or 30 kW/43 hp - more power (330 kW/450 hp) than its predecessor, and combines this with a 16 per cent reduction in average fuel consumption. The improvement is down to BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which in addition to twin turbochargers and High Precision Injection direct petrol injection now also includes VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, resulting in improved response and efficiency. Maximum torque of this 4.4-litre engine is now 650 Newton metres / 479 lb-ft (+ 50 Nm / 37 lb-ft), which is delivered between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. The new BMW X5 xDrive50i completes the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in 5.0 seconds (- 0.5 seconds), and returns average fuel consumption of between 10.4 and 10.5 litres/100 km (27.2 - 26.9 mpg imp) - that's a 2.0 litre/100 km (approx. 4.4 mpg imp) improvement. CO2 emissions are down 50 grams per kilometre, at 242/244 g/km (according to the EU test cycle and depending on tyre format).

The new BMW X5 xDrive30d too, with its six-cylinder in-line diesel engine, incorporates a range of detail improvements that offer an even better balance than before between performance and fuel consumption. The 3.0-litre engine, whose BMW TwinPower Turbo technology comprises VNT turbocharging and common rail direct injection, now develops maximum power of 190 kW/258 hp (+ 10 kW/13 hp), and maximum torque of 560 Newton metres / 413 lb-ft (+ 20 Nm / 15 lb-ft), which is delivered between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. The new BMW X5 xDrive30d has a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 6.9 seconds (- 0.7 seconds). Average fuel economy in the EU test cycle has been improved by 16 per cent - or 1.2 litres per 100 kilometres (7.4 mpg imp) - to 6.2 l/100 km (45.6 mpg imp), with CO2 emissions of between 162 and 164 g/km (- 31 g/km), depending on tyre format.

The sporty temperament of the latest diesel engines finds even more potent expression in the BMW X5 M50d. This M Performance Automobile likewise gets a 3.0-litre straight-six unit, in this case featuring M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology with three-stage turbocharging. The three turbochargers work in harmony to maximise power output. Fuel is supplied via a common rail piezo injection system developing maximum pressure of 2,200 bar. This engine has a maximum output of 280 kW/381 hp and develops its peak torque of 740 Newton metres / 546 lb-ft between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm. The 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of the BMW X5 M50d is 5.3 seconds (- 0.1 seconds), with average EU fuel consumption of 6.7 litres/100 km (42.2 mpg imp), an 11 per cent (0.8 l/100 km / 4.5 mpg imp) improvement on the predecessor model. CO2 emissions stand at 177 g/km (-22 g/km).

The BMW X5 line-up will expand further in December 2013. The BMW X5 xDrive35i (225 kW/306 hp) has average fuel consumption of 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres (33.2 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 199 grams per kilometre, while the BMW X5 xDrive40d (230 kW/313 hp) posts average fuel consumption of 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres (44.1 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 169 grams per kilometre. They will be joined by two models developing 160 kW/218 hp - the BMW X5 xDrive25d with average fuel consumption of 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres (47.9 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 155 g/km, and the BMW X5 sDrive25d, which has average fuel consumption of 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres (50.4 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 149 grams per kilometre (provisional figures, according to the EU test cycle).

All versions of the new BMW X5 are already compliant with the EU6 emissions standard, which will apply from September 2014. On the diesel models, the lower nitrogen oxide limits are met using a close-coupled NOX adsorber catalyst and an SCR catalyst with urea (AdBlue) injection.

BMW EfficientDynamics as standard: eight-speed automatic transmission and ECO PRO mode with new functions

All engines in the new BMW X5 line-up are combined as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, whose high internal efficiency, precision and short shift times help to improve both efficiency and driving enjoyment. The extremely fast-shifting eight-speed sports automatic version used in the BMW X5 M50d comes with steering-wheel shift paddles, which are optionally available for the other new BMW X5 models as well. In vehicles with the eight-speed sports automatic transmission, the new "launch control" function is also available, a high-precision traction control system which allows engine power to be translated as efficiently as possible into road speed when accelerating from standstill.

In ECO PRO mode, the engine management, accelerator response and transmission characteristics are systematically tailored to support a particularly fuel-efficient, low-rpm driving style. At the same time, ECO PRO mode also programs electrically powered functions like the climate control, heated seats and heated exterior mirrors for extra-efficient energy management. In ECO PRO mode, a coasting function periodically decouples the engine from the rest of the powertrain whenever the driver eases off the accelerator at speeds between 50 and 160 km/h (approx. 30 - 100 mph) and does not apply the brakes at the same time. This allows the new BMW X5 to coast without engine braking, for maximised fuel efficiency. In conjunction with the optional Navigation system Professional, highly fuel-efficient ECO PRO navigation routes can be selected. When the navigation system is activated, the Proactive Driving Assistant function also tells the driver exactly when to ease off the accelerator when approaching corners or a speed-restricted section of road, in order to save fuel.

Along with the additional ECO PRO mode functions, the new BMW X5 also comes with many other BMW EfficientDynamics features. These include Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start Stop function, on-demand operation of ancillary units, Electric Power Steering, low roll-resistance tyres and a variety of weight- and drag-reducing features. Along with other measures, use of ultra-high-tensile steels in the body structure, thermoplastics in the side panels, aluminium in the bonnet and magnesium in the instrument panel support make the new BMW X5 the lightest vehicle in its class. Intelligent lightweight design also means that the significantly increased standard specification compared with the previous model does not translate to increased vehicle weight. Indeed, depending on the model, the new BMW X5 actually tips the scales as much as 90 kg lighter than a comparably equipped corresponding model from the previous X5 generation.

The BMW X5 also offers best-in-class aerodynamic design. Active upper and lower front air flap control, Air Curtains, the Air Breather system, vertical aero blades at the rear window, air deflectors on the front wheel arches and a range of other detail improvements reduce the drag coefficient (Cd), depending on the model, to as low as 0.31 (BMW X5 xDrive30d).

Chassis: adjustable for customised driving enjoyment

Sports Activity Vehicles are a vehicle segment first defined by BMW. Their combination of confident, sure-footed off-road traction and sporty but comfortable on-road driving has made them a global success. The new BMW X5 represents a further evolution of these qualities, incorporating refinements to the all-wheel-drive system and chassis technology.

Using the standard-fitted Driving Experience Control switch on the centre console, the drive settings can be matched to the requirements of the moment or to different driving situations. The COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and ECO PRO modes, which can be selected at the press of a button, allow the driver to customise the accelerator response characteristics, the power steering characteristics, the characteristics of the automatic transmission and also, on vehicles fitted with the optional Comfort and Professional Adaptive Suspension packages, the characteristics of the Dynamic Damper Control. On vehicles with the optional Dynamic and Professional Adaptive Suspension packages, the characteristics of the active roll stabilisation system and the Dynamic Performance Control can also be customised.

The suspension packages available for the new BMW X5 cater to individual requirements in terms of comfortable or sporty driving styles. The Comfort Adaptive Suspension package comprises Dynamic Damper control and air suspension with automatic self-levelling rear suspension. The electronic control logic adapts the damping characteristics to changing road conditions and driving situations. Two different damping modes can be selected using the Driving Experience Control switch. The same functionality is also provided by the Adaptive M suspension, which is standard on the BMW X5 M50d and also part of the M Sport package for the other model versions. In this version, SPORT or SPORT+ modes offer extra-firm suspension and damping characteristics.

The various components of the Dynamic Adaptive Suspension package provide significantly sportier cornering dynamics. Dynamic Performance Control and the Dynamic Drive active roll stabilisation optimise directional stability and reduce body roll. Finally, the Professional Adaptive Suspension package maximises both comfort and dynamics. This option combines the components of the Comfort and Dynamic Suspension packages into an integrated system offering highest levels of driving enjoyment in all situations.

All versions of the new BMW X5 are equipped as standard with Electric Power Steering. For the BMW X5 xDrive50i and the BMW X5 xDrive30d, active steering is optionally available which, in addition to varying the power assist, also adjusts the steering input required to turn the wheels in relation to vehicle speed. This reduces the steering effort required when parking and provides precise response and feedback at high speed. The electromechanical parking brake with Auto Hold function is standard specification on the new BMW X5. The BMW X5 xDrive30d and BMW X5 xDrive50 are supplied with 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels respectively, while the BMW X5 M50d comes as standard with 19-inch "M" alloy wheels with mixed tyre sizes. Optionally, other 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels are available. Run-flat tyres are standard or optional, depending on the model. A Tyre Defect Indicator is standard on all versions of the new BMW X5.

The powerful braking system offers stable and consistent braking performance even under heavy braking, assisted by Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). Among other functions, the DSC system includes the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and the Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X). Further functions include Brake Assist, the Brake Standby feature, Start-Off Assistant, Fading Compensation, the Brake Drying function, trailer stability control and Hill Descent Control (HDC).

BMW xDrive in the new BMW X5: intelligent all-wheel drive, with optional Dynamic Performance Control

The new BMW X5 is also equipped with xDrive full-time intelligent all-wheel drive, which actively manages the drive power split between the front and rear wheels at all times. The latest version of the xDrive power divider boasts optimised efficiency and a 1.4 kg reduction in weight. xDrive's control logic uses information about road speed, wheel speeds, steering angle and accelerator position to accurately interpret both the driver's intentions and what the car is actually doing, and then adjusts the drive power split so as to apply as much power as possible to the road. In this way xDrive provides top-class traction and stability whatever the road and weather conditions, and also offers improved cornering dynamics, suppressing oversteer or understeer before the driver is even aware of the need.

If xDrive is combined with Dynamic Performance Control, the drive power split can be even more finely controlled. DPC, likewise electronically controlled, is integrated in the rear differential. In combination with xDrive it takes handling dynamics and directional stability to new levels. Dynamic Performance Control, which is available as part of the optional Dynamic or Professional Adaptive Suspension packages, seamlessly varies the drive power split between the rear wheels (torque vectoring), with significant benefits in terms of steering response and track-holding at all speeds. The stabilising action of Dynamic Performance Control is not affected if the driver lifts off the accelerator while cornering.

All-wheel-drive models come with a new xDrive status display in the control display boasting 3D graphics. This standard-fitted feature shows real-time information about body roll and pitch. Plus, on vehicles equipped with the optional Navigation system Professional, a compass display is also shown in the instrument cluster.

More innovations to assist the driver and underpin services: the BMW ConnectedDrive range for the new BMW X5

A large range of BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems and mobility services are available for the new BMW X5. They improve active safety, convenience and the infotainment experience and offer best-in-class standards of intelligent interaction between the driver, vehicle and external environment.

Safety: Driving Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus

The new Driving Assistant safety package includes Lane Departure Warning, which alerts drivers to an imminent unintended lane departure, and a pedestrian and collision warning system with braking function, which detects preceding vehicles and, at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph), also pedestrians who are on a potential collision course with the vehicle. Visual and audible warnings are given if a hazard is detected and at the same time the brake system is primed in order to reduce stopping distance. At speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph), moderate "hazard" braking is actuated to reduce vehicle speed and alert the driver to a critical situation.

The Driving Assistant Plus package provides even more support. Here the Driving Assistant functions are combined with the Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function, which enhances comfort and safety in slow-moving and stop-and-go traffic. This system maintains a safe following distance at any speed up to 210 km/h (130 mph). A combination of a front camera and full-range radar sensors registers preceding traffic or stationary vehicles. If the driver fails to react to a warning of an imminent frontal collision, Driving Assistant Plus automatically brakes the vehicle, if necessary to a standstill. A further Driving Assistant Plus function, the Traffic Jam Assistant, is due to be incorporated in this package from December 2013.

At speeds up to 40 km/h (25 mph), this function not only controls following distance but also keeps the vehicle on track. The Traffic Jam Assistant keeps the vehicle in the centre of its lane by providing active steering input.

The new BMW X5 will now be offered with the optional Active Protection system, with extended functionality. This safety package takes numerous steps in critical situations to minimise the consequences of a potential accident. It closes the side windows and the sunroof (if fitted), pulls the front seatbelts tight and adjusts the backrest of the front passenger seat to an upright position. Active Protection now also includes an Attention Assistant feature, which analyses driving behaviour and advises when it is time to take a break.

Fast and appropriate assistance in the event of a collision, with automatic vehicle location and accident severity detection, is provided by the Intelligent Emergency Call system, which is standard in many markets. The current generation of this system relays important information to the BMW Call Centre in the event of a crash, such as vehicle position (accurate within metres), chassis number, vehicle model, vehicle colour and data from the onboard sensors. The system also detects how many people are travelling in the vehicle, which airbags were activated and the intensity of the impact.

BMW ConnectedDrive technologies also enhance safety at night. In addition to Adaptive Headlights with turning lights, Adaptive LED Headlights and the dynamically controlled anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant, which automatically blocks a portion of the headlight beam, nocturnal safety can be further assisted by BMW Night Vision. This system now detects not only pedestrians but also animals, and also includes the Dynamic Light Spot. The system relays a real-time video image to the control display which shows people, sizeable animals and other heat-radiating objects even if they are outside the headlight beam, and provides a warning if there is a collision risk. The Dynamic Light Spot is generated by a special light function which "spotlights" any persons or animals detected by the system, thereby guiding the driver's attention in the right direction in good time.

Comfort: innovative driving assistance systems and unique services

In the new BMW X5, the BMW Head-Up Display, which projects important information in full colour onto the windscreen, now includes additional content. When required, telephone contact lists and entertainment programmes can also be projected into the driver's direct field of view.

Also new, and due to become available for this Sports Activity Vehicle by December 2013, is the latest generation of the BMW Parking Assistant.

This helps the driver look for suitable parallel parking spaces and precisely manoeuvres the vehicle into a parking space, not only by steering but also by operating the accelerator and brake pedal and selecting the appropriate gear. When the system has been activated at the press of a button, the new BMW X5 can therefore park itself automatically in a selected parking space. Ease of manoeuvring is further enhanced by the rear-view camera and the Surround View system, which now provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle and its surroundings on the control display. The Panorama View front and rear monitoring function, meanwhile, provides a better view of cross-traffic when emerging from an exit with poor visibility.

The new BMW X5, too, can now be supplied with the Speed Limit Info system, which shows any speed limits or overtaking restrictions for a particular road in the instrument cluster. The likewise optional Lane Change Warning system assesses the traffic situation on multi-lane roads in order to prevent critical situations when pulling out to overtake. When performing an intentional lane change at any speed upwards of 20 km/h (12 mph), the driver is warned by a visual signal and a steering wheel vibration if another vehicle is hidden in the critical area behind or alongside the BMW X5.

The world-leading Concierge Services are a personal information service, which the BMW ConnectedDrive customer can use to make hotel reservations, search for addresses and telephone numbers or check opening times, to name just a few examples. On vehicles with the optional Navigation system Professional, the Real Time Traffic Information system is also available as an option, supplying drivers with extremely precise real-time traffic information and congestion reports.

Infotainment: perfect connectivity for office, entertainment and social media applications

Based either on a comprehensively integrated smartphone or on a built-in SIM card, BMW ConnectedDrive offers access to a wide range of mobility services and web-based services for office, travel and infotainment applications. A hands-free system with USB port is standard specification on the new BMW X5. Also available are the Remote Functions, in-car Internet access and the Online Entertainment option, offering access to approximately 12 million tracks. The BMW ConnectedDrive Office functions allow emails, appointments, contact lists, calendar entries and notes to be shown on the control display. It also includes a dictating function that converts spoken notes into text, which can then be forwarded as an SMS or email message.

The BMW Apps option includes a web radio function and offers a customised music programme compiled by the Aupeo! service, as well as in-car Facebook and Twitter access. New apps are being added to this service all the time.

Extensive standard specification and high-end optional equipment for more driving enjoyment

The exclusive driving experience in the new BMW X5 is reflected not only in the luxurious interior but also in the extensive standard specification and wide range of high-end optional extras. The standard equipment list now also includes a two-zone automatic climate control system, a Bluetooth hands-free system, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror and cruise control with braking function. The standard-fitted iDrive operating system can be ordered - in conjunction with the optional Navigation system Professional -with a Touch Controller, whose touch-sensitive surface allows the use of characters to program a destination into the navigation system, for example.

The Professional radio is also standard specification. Alternatively, a customised listening experience can be provided by a HiFi loudspeaker system, the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System or the Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System with a 1,200-watt amplifier and 16 speakers. Digital radio (DAB) reception, a TV module and a newly developed rear-seat entertainment system with DVD drive and two tablet-style monitors are also available. Further customisation can be provided with the sports leather steering wheel, heated steering wheel, four-zone automatic climate control, automatically dimming exterior mirrors, doors with Soft Close Automatic function, Comfort Access, the panoramic glass roof, aluminium footplates in the side skirts, the storage compartments package and the ski and snowboard bag.

Production and marketing

The new BMW X5 will be built at BMW's Spartanburg plant in the USA. This production plant in South Carolina is the competence centre for BMW X models and also produces the BMW X6 and BMW X3 - to be joined by the future BMW X4 - for supply to markets throughout the world. The market launch of the new BMW X5 in Germany is scheduled for November 2013.