BMW’s top sports activity vehicle, the new BMW X5, has received an array of design and engine changes, offering even greater performance and lower emissions. And with an updated look, it is on sale in Ireland from €76,580 ex-works.
Three new engines are available, the xDrive30d, xDrive40d (replacing the xDrive35d ) as well as the xDrive50i (replacing the xDrive48i ). All of the new powerplants now meet EU 5 standards.
The entry level xDrive30d has been upgraded to provide increased performance, making this the first conventionally-powered luxury SAV to record a sub 200g/km CO2 reading. The engine consumes 7.4 l/100km on the combined cycle and emits 195g/km of CO2 - a 10 per cent improvement - yet produces 245hp, up 10hp on the previous xDrive30d. Acceleration to 100 km/h now takes only 7.6 seconds – a six per cent improvement over the previous model.
The BMW X5 will be mated to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission helps to lower the X5’s CO2 output and allows smoother shifting and greater driving dynamics.
The new BMW X5 includes a number of exterior changes, enhancing the athletic appearance of BMW’s original 4x4. Revised front bumpers with enlarged vents, to increase the air supply to the engine and brakes, and matt aluminium-look lower scuff plates and vent fins, now feature to underscore its performance credentials.
New xenon headlights, with bright white LED corona rings, modernise the face of the car whilst the more centralised front fog lights complete the new front end. At the rear is a revised red light cluster, enhancing the lines of the car with horizontal LED light bars. Enlarged tail pipes, within a redesigned rear bumper, finish off the look.
Completing the updates is a raft of additions to the standard equipment list. As well as the new eight-speed automatic transmission, for the first time leather upholstery comes as standard across the X5 range. Xenon headlights and Servotronic steering now come as standard. A wider range of high-tech options is available
Meanwhile, only a short while after the market launch of the new BMW 5 Series saloon, the volume selling two-litre engine variant 520d has arrived in the showrooms of Irish BMW dealerships.
The highly anticipated new, entry-level model is priced competitively at €41,750 ex-works and rounds off the BMW 5 Series engine line-up. Initially four powerful petrol engines, the 523i, 528i, 535i and 550i, as well as two diesel powerplants, the 525d and the 530d, had been available from the launch here in March.
