BY THATCAR.co.za
This car actually started the SUV craze — the idea that everything has to be an SUV, a crossover, or some small car with big wheels so manufacturers can gorge themselves on the SUV market that the world simply can’t seem to get enough of.
Before that, SUVs — basically station wagons that could go off-road — were Range Rovers.
Point one at a corner and you immediately got motion sickness.
Yes, they could go off-road and could pretty much go anywhere, but on the road?
Not so much.
Coupled with a tractor of an engine, these cars were very agricultural until…
THE X5
We will one day get into the influence of the BMW X5.
Basically, the fact that an SUV could drive like a car — and actually beat some cars — was largely because of this car.
Now there is a new one.
Us and the colleagues are split right down the middle.
One half, including me, is saying it’s about time BMW started designing cars rather than designing the grille first and then building a car around it.
The other half is turning green at the mere sight of this NEW X5.
So, please leave a comment and tell us what you think.
But first…
WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THIS CAR?
Firstly, you can go onto their website and spec yours.
We think you’ll only get it next year, though.
So, here is the 411.
ENGINES
There are three different powertrains at launch, including a diesel unit — the X5 40d — a petrol plug-in hybrid — the X5 50e PHEV — and a fully electric model, the iX5 60.
BMW X5 40d
The 40d is equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, generating 230 kW and 670 Nm.
That’s enough to propel this big SUV from 0–100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, with an electronically capped top speed of 230 km/h.
Hau?
I thought the gentleman’s agreement was 250 km/h.
What changed?
Anyway…
BMW claims fuel consumption of 6.7 L/100 km, which would theoretically give the X5 a range of around 1,119 km from its 75-litre tank.
Look, don’t hold your breath for those numbers.
BMW X5 50e xDrive PHEV
The 50e combines a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine with an electric motor and a 26.5 kWh battery pack.
Total system output is a rather healthy 360 kW and 700 Nm of torque.
BMW iX5 60 xDrive
Then there is the fully electric option.
The iX5 60 uses dual electric motors, one on each axle, with a 141 kWh net battery pack.
It produces 425 kW and 805 Nm of torque, with a claimed 0–100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds. We’ll wait for the drive before telling you more about the engines, real-world performance, range and everything else
FEATURES
We know this is what you’re more interested in.
It’s like people buying a R40,000 mobile phone just for the camera.
But hey, let’s not judge. Each to their own.
So, let’s tell you what this has.
THE OUTSIDE
Outside, the X5 has been painted with the NEUE brush — known as Neue Klasse.
We like it.
Well…
Half of us like it.
Although we all agree that the “Iconic Glow” kidney grille is unnecessary.
We do, however, like the 22-inch alloy wheels and the “BMW Winglet” door handles, which are recessed and require only a light touch to open.
INSIDE
Inside, the X5 gets Merino leather upholstery, an Alcantara headliner and BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive display, along with a 3D Head-Up Display.
There is also a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System, including parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, lane-keep assist, traffic-jam assist, automatic emergency braking and blind-spot detection.
WHAT WILL THIS COST?
The two BMW X5 models below have been confirmed, with others coming later.
- BMW X5 40d xDrive – R1,948,935
- BMW X5 40d xDrive M Sport – R2,008,935
All BMW models sold in South Africa carry a 2-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100,000 km maintenance plan.
VERDICT
Today, we have a lot of prima facie…
That’s where our legal data bundles end.
We like the look.
Okay, half of us do.
The interior?
We all like it.
We know the 3.0-litre diesel engine as an iconic, proven engine, so we expect great things from the drivetrain.
But let’s wait for the drive.
Then we can tell you what’s what.
