BMW unveils fifth-generation X5 with petrol, diesel, PHEV, and electric powertrains
Words: Andrew Sluys
BMW has finally taken the covers off the fifth-generation X5, which brings the popular Bavarian SUV inline with BMW’s current design language.
It has also been revealed with a variety of powertrain options, including petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and the electric iX5.
There’s also a hydrogen-powered version of the iX5, but we’re doubtful of seeing this model on our side of the world for a while.
As for the styling, BMW calls it a ‘Monolithic” exterior, but you probably know it better as the “Neue Klasse” language.
It’s arguably the biggest change the X5 has ever undergone on the design front, with its “double-X” headlights, and lack of door handles.
The language continues at the rear, with a radical light bar extending the width of the tailgate, and its high waistline.
The smallest wheels offered on this new X5 measure a hefty 21-inches, with the larger options extending to 23-inch.
While New Zealand specifications are yet to be confirmed, BMW Australia has confirmed all new X5s will come standard with the M-Sport package, so we can assume ours will do the same.
This package adds M wheels, M brakes, and exterior aero package, and an adaptive suspension system.
On the inside, the refresh continues with quite a futuristc-looking cabin, headlined by a unique four-spoke steering wheel.
There’s the usual digital cluster, and centre infotainment screen, but a passenger screen can also be optioned on the left side of the dash.
All petrol versions of the new X5 are powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six engine. Outputs range from 294kW/540Nm in the X5 40 xDrive to 360kW/700Nm in the X5 50e xDrive PHEV.
The diesel variant uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six, producing 210kW/670Nm with help from a 48-volt mild hybrid system.
These engines are paired with an eight-speed transmission, which sends power to all four wheels, no matter the spec.
As for the electric iX5 60 xDrive, it will either get a 141kWh or 144kWh battery, depending on whether we get the US-spec or Euro-spec SUV.
With either of these massive batteries, the iX5 is rated to cover over 800km (WLTP) on a single charge.
The outputs of 425kW/805Nm are nothing to sneeze at either, allowing for a 4.6-second 0-100km/h time that almost matches that of the X5 M.
