With the introduction of BMW X5 back in 1999, BMW had not just launched an entirely new vehicle in the automobile world, but a segment which was followed later by others. Following its tradition of updating the vehicle as and when required, BMW X5 never lost its charm, and that's what brought them millions of buyers globally. Now after two generations and some 1.3 million vehicles later, the BMW X5 is set to enter its third generation.
And like its predecessors, the all new BMW X5 too will set new standards for luxury, dynamics and versatility. The all-new BMW X5 will offer a new model and a first for the original Sports Activity Vehicle, the X5 sDrive35i, which marks the first time that an X5 model has been offered with rear-wheel drive. Along with the X5 xDrive35i, it will be powered by BMW’s multi-award winning 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six engine.
The V8-powered X5 xDrive50i will use BMW’s latest 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8. It offers improvements in horsepower and torque, while at the same time improving efficiency. These models will arrive in US showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2013. Also a new BMW Advanced Diesel model will join the line-up a few months later. All models will be equipped with BMW’s latest 8-speed automatic transmission. As was true of its predecessors, the all-new BMW X5 will be produced exclusively at BMW’s production facility in Spartanburg, SC.
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Taking the interior and comfort level a level ahead, BMW X5 has received an entirely new design, inside and out, making it sportier, plusher and more elegant. For customers looking to add an additional element of individuality to their new X5, the Luxury Line, xLine or M Sport will be available, as will two Interior Design Packages – Ivory White and Mocha.
Class-leading driving dynamics have been a hallmark for the BMW Sports Activity Vehicle from the very beginning and the new X5 is no different. BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive can be complemented by Dynamic Performance Control as part of the optional Dynamic Handling Package. The Dynamic Handling Package also includes Active Roll Stabilization providing an additional edge to the X5’s sporty handling attributes as well as Dynamic Damper Control and a rear-axle air suspension. Adaptive M suspension, available as part of M Sport, also includes Dynamic Damper Control and rear air suspension with more sports-oriented suspension tuning.
Changes that you would see in the front fascia of the car is a broad-set kidney grille that extends all the way to the headlight clusters, which extend from the kidney grille all the way into the front fenders. The hallmark four round headlights are trimmed by LED accent rings. To provide a new look, the light rings are flattened along the bottom edge and overlapped at their top edge. Sweeping chrome inserts and the prominently three-dimensional design of the lights underline the car’s sophisticated character.
There are enough changes inside the cabin as well, the new BMW X5 now get four round gauges on the instrument panel and freestanding 10.2-inch Control Display Monitor. The displays for the climate control and ventilation systems feature black panel technology.
Dimension wise too, the all new BMW X5 has received some positive changes. It is now 29mm longer, 5mm wider and 14mm lower than the outgoing model, however the wheelbase remains the same. Despite being a little bigger than the outgoing X5, BMW claims the new model to be 90kg lighter.
Source : CarDekho - BMW X5 - Third Generation BMW X5 Unveiled Officially