BMW's all-new 4th-generation X5 has launched in South Africawitha host of new technologies.Take a look at what you can expect from the new X5 below…

The X5, in BMW parlance, is a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) that has served the brand well for almost 20 years, racking up in excess of 2.2 million sales worldwide. Now, BMW has launched the next chapter in the X5’s success story with the introduction of the 4th-generation X5.

Engine power

The initialX5 lineup in South Africa will comprise the X5 M50d and the X5 xDrive30d when it arrives in Q4 2018.

A spokesperson from BMW SA has confirmed that only the X5 xDrive30d and X5 M50dwill be offered in South Africa.

The base diesel engine offering (in the X5 xDrive30d) is a 6-cylinder, 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 195 kW and 620 Nm which will be capable of 6.5 seconds in the sprint from zero to 100 kph with a top speed of 230 kph. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.0 L/100km.

The mighty X5 M50d will be powered by a 6-cylinder, 3.0-litre quad-turbodiesel engine with no less than 294 kW and 760 Nm of torque on tap. The X5 M50d will achieve 0to 100 kph in 5.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 kph. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.2 L/100km for this derivative.

All X5 derivatives will be paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. A plug-in hybrid version and the high-performance X5 M can be expected at a later stage.

An Off-Road Package will be offered asan option for the first time, allowing the X5 to tacklesand, rock and snow.

Power distribution is achieved in conjunction with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system, which can split torque between the front and rear axles as needed, but further provide a rear-biased setup for a sportier driving experience.

Ride settings can be enhanced with the standard dynamic damper control system. Adaptive M Suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation and integral active steering will be offered as an option, as well as a 2-axle air suspension system for optimum ride comfort. An optional off-road package will also be offered on the X5 for the first time, which includes rugged underbody protection, 2-axle air suspension and an electronic rear differential lock to tackle surfaces such as sand, rock and snow.

Exterior design

Built at BMW’s Plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the new X5, whichwill be offered in either xLine or M Sport trim, has grown in all directions and its front-end look is dominated by a large kidney grille and standard-fit adaptive LED headlights (BMW Laserlights will be offered as an extra-cost option). At the rear, LED tail lights are standard too. The new X5 xDrive30d rides on standard 19-inch light alloy wheels as standard, but up to 20-,21- and 22-inch options will be available as an option. The X5 M50d rides on 21-inch M light alloy wheels as standard with 22-inch wheels to be offered as an option.

Interior design

The X5's interior has been enhanced with two 12.3-inch screens.

The major change inside the new X5 is the inclusion of two 12.3-inch screens known as BMW Live Cockpit Professional. The first serves as a digital instrument cluster, while the second screen houses the infotainment system and vehicle functions. Gesture control will also be standard. Rear passenger entertainment in the form of two 10.2-inch screens will be offered as an option.

Other notable standard features include cruise control with braking function, leather sports steering wheel with mounted controls and front and rear park distance control with a rearview camera. A third row of seats will also be offered as an option.

The front sports seats are electrically adjustable and heated for added comfort and climate control air conditioning is standard. A larger panorama glass roof is also fitted to the X5 M50d to enhance outward visibility, while also letting more light into the cabin.

An interesting feature on the new X5 is a 2-section tailgate, which can be operated automatically and hands-free.Load space is claimed at 645 litres, expanding to 1 860 litres with the 40:20:40 split rear seats folded down.

Furthermore, the X5 M50d will feature additional equipment, some of which include M Sports Brakes with blue painted callipers, BMW Individual roof rails, 4-way climate control, adaptive LED headlights with high beam assist, head-up display, an M Sports steering wheel, M aerodynamic kit and anthracite roof lining inside the cabin. As can be expected, a wide range of optional features can be specified to personalise your new X5.

Driver assist and safety features

The new X5 is equipped with an array of driver assistance systems to improve safety.

The new X5 is equipped with a variety of driver assist features to improve safety and these include the standard Active Driving Assistant with Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Frontal Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation (which now also alerts the driver if cyclists are detected),Cross Traffic Alert (rear) and Speed Limit Information. Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Cross Traffic Alert will also be available.

An optional Driving Assistant Professional package will also be offered which will include Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keeping Assistant and Automatic Lane Change Assistant. Furthermore, Parking Assistant Plus will take care of acceleration, braking and steering to manoeuvre into a parallel parking bay.

BMW X5 – Price in SA

BMW X5 xDrive30d – R1 194 296

BMW X5 M50d – R1 502 582

Watch the new X5 in action

Buy a new or used BMW X5 on Cars.co.za

Related Content

New BMW X5 (2018) International Launch Review

7 Rivals New BMW X5 Needs to Beat

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE and 2019 BMW X5: What can we expect from these SUVs?

New Mercedes-Benz GLE Revealed

BMW X5 xDrive25d (2016) Review

BMW X5 M (2015) Review

2014 BMW X5 40d (2014) Review