BMW X5

BMW X5 Exterior

Even if it has grown in almost every aspect, the X5 looks smaller than its predecessor when viewed from a distance. That’s largely due to the sharper lines, emphasis on smaller details, and some tighter details. The BMW X5 new model also features an enormous kidney grille at the front, something that we’ve come to see with the new BMWs. Those kidney nostrils flank slim and angular LED headlamps, which now get Laser light high-beam system and C-shaped take on BMW’s LED corona ring DRL signature.

There’s a sharp line that flows right from the front fender to the rear taillamp, which is now also in line with BMW’s latest design language. The M Sport variant gets tacky dual-tone wheels, while the xLine variant makes do with elegant silver ones. It also has a wider track now, with Lamborghini-rivalling 305-section rear tyres.

BMW X5 Variants

The BMW X5 variants, namely, are xDrive30d xLine and xDrive40i M Sport. The M Sport variant gets a lot of kit for the money, including a head-up display, 360-degree camera, two 12.3-inch displays (one for the cluster and the other for the infotainment), wireless mobile charging, hands-free parking, four-zone climate control, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon hi-fi, soft-close doors, paddle-shifters, adaptive dampers, a powered tailgate with remote opening, auto stop-start, Apple CarPlay (but no Android Auto) and eight airbags. 

BMW X5 Interior

As it’s now emphasized more towards opulence, the cabin of the X5 feels miles ahead of the model it replaces. The first thing you’ll appreciate is the ‘Vernasca’ leather upholstery, available in cream colour, tan, brown, or black colour, and it’s wonderfully soft, and there’s even double-stitched leather on the dashboard. The dashboard also features a thick wood veneer on the centre, which can also be seen on the central console and doors.

The driver sits facing two 12.3-inch displays, of which the first is for the instrument cluster, which is the same unit as seen in other BMWs. The 12.3-inch iDrive system works flawlessly and is amongst the best system amongst the luxury crop of vehicles.

BMW X5 Engine Specifications & Performance

The X5 is available with a petrol and a diesel powertrain, of which the diesel is available in the entry-level trims. It is a 3.0-litre inline-six diesel engine, which is good for 262bhp and 620Nm of torque. It is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission as a standard fit.

For the extra BMW X5 on-road price, the sportier M Sport trim gets a 3.0-litre inline-six petrol, which churns out 335bhp and 450Nm of torque. It, too, comes mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.