BMW gives X5 a facelift – due down under in June

BMW have just lifted the wraps off its facelifted X5 range. Australian customers will be able to get up close and personal with the changes in June.

A new line-up of engines, design tweaks and driver assistance systems headline the changes to the car that has topped the sales sheets of the luxury SUV segment in Australia for the past seven years.

Expect Australian specifications and equipment levels to increase over the current model. These details and pricing will be announced closer to local release.

A detailed press release from BMW Australia and enough pictures to keep you happy can be found after the jump. The international release can be downloaded in PDF format HERE (1.9mb). For more detailed coverage of the new X5, check out BimmerFile.

More Power, Efficiency and Luxury for BMW X5

Australia’s best-selling luxury Sports Activity Vehicle – for the past seven years running – will receive a mid-life makeover in June to further strengthen its supremacy.

The new BMW X5 will be more powerful, more efficient and more luxurious, raising the bar again in the luxury SUV segment and ensuring BMW remains the benchmark.

Local specifications, standard equipment levels and pricing are expected to increase over the current model and will be confirmed closer to the vehicle’s mid-year launch.

The changes are headlined by a completely new line-up of engines, design modifications and new driver assistance systems.

Thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, all versions of the new BMW X5 receive significant power and torque increases, improved acceleration, and reductions in fuel consumption of up to 15 per cent.

Brake Energy Regeneration, which is designed to reduce fuel consumption by generating electric power from energy otherwise wasted as lost hear in the brake system, together with on-demand control of ancillary functions, will be added to the X5.

In addition, BMW is fitting its new state of the art eight-speed automatic transmission, so far exclusive to the range-topping 760Li, across the entire X5 range.

The best seller in the range, the BMW X5 xDrive30d, received a 15 per cent improvement in fuel consumption thanks to its revised 3.0-litre straight-six turbo, common rail diesel engine. The new X5 xDrive30d consumes just 7.4 litres/100 km, which is a substantial 1.3 litres better than its predecessor (previously 8.7 litres/100 km).

Peak power has increased to 180 kW and the sprinting capabilities of the X5 xDrive30d improves by half a second to 7.6 second from 0 – 100 km/h.

The mid-life update also introduces three new nameplates to the X5. The new xDrive40d replaces the xDrive35d. It features an all-aluminium straight six-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo and Common Rail direct injection. It develops a maximum power output of 225 kW and 600 Nm of torque, an increase of 15 kW and 20 Nm respectively over its predecessor.

In spite of these gains, average fuel consumption for the X5 xDrive40d has improved by 15 per cent, sipping just 7.5 litres/100 km (compared to 8.8 litres/100 km). Highlighting its impressive sporting credentials, the X5 xDrive40d sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds compared to 7.0 seconds for its predecessor.

Additionally, two petrol variants are available, which like their diesel counterparts offer marked improvements in power, torque, acceleration and average fuel consumption.

The BMW X5 xDrive35i replaces the BMW X5 xDrive30i and will be powered by the straight six-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC.

Power output is up by an impressive 25 kW to 225 kW and torque has increased by 85Nm to 400 Nm. As a result, acceleration has been significantly improved, with the new engine propelling the X5 xDrive35i from 0-100 km in just 6.8 seconds compared to the BMW X5 xDrive30i taking 8.1 seconds.

Despite this considerable jump in performance, the new X5 xDrive35i actually uses an impressive 1.6 litres less fuel per 100km. It consumes just 10.1 litres per 100 km, compared to 11.7 for its predecessor.

The new BMW X5 xDrive50i brings to the table a new 300 kW V8 engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo and direct petrol injection (High Precision Injection), which last year debuted on BMW’s X6 xDrive50i. Replacing the BMW X5 xDrive48i, the new V8 receives a power increase of 39 kW and a massive boost in torque. It now develops 600 Nm (up from 355 Nm) at 1,750 – 4,500rpm.

Acceleration is lightening-quick, with the X5 xDrive50i covering 0-100 km in just 5.5 seconds, an improvement of 1.1 seconds over its predecessor.

All versions of the new BMW X5 are equipped with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, first seen in Australia on the recently launched range-topping BMW 760Li.

With its innovative gear set configuration as well as minimum converter slip, it offers a combination of outstanding shifting dynamics, optimised effectiveness and the highest degree of comfort. The new transmission, together with the new engine line-up, is a key contributor towards the enhanced road performance and efficiency.

To improve ease of parking manoeuvrability and steering effort at low speeds, BMW is also upgrading the electric power steering system of the X5 with Servotronic.

The exterior design of the new BMW X5 is characterised by redesigned front and rear aprons that clearly visualise a marked increase in driving dynamics and increase in power. The front apron receives larger side air intakes and central air dam, whilst modifications to the rear apron also express a powerful yet elegant presence.

Additionally, the dual round Xenon headlamps featured in the new BMW X5 are also fitted with new LED corona rings and serve as premium and effective daytime running lights. The L-shaped, redesigned taillights, each with two homogeneously illuminated LED light banks, reflect the brand-typical night-time design of the rear end.

Within the framework of BMW ConnectedDrive, the new BMW X5 offers a multitude of unique driver assistance systems and services for optimising comfort, safety and for the use of the infotainment functions. In addition to the Head-up Display, Adaptive Cornering Headlights, High-Beam Assistant, Park Distance Control and reversing camera with new Top View, the functions Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Departure Warning and Side View are all new to the BMW X5.

The interior of the new BMW X5 impresses with a high degree of variability and a luxurious ambience. The high seating position permits an optimum view of the current traffic situation with the latest generation of the iDrive control system allowing the convenient and intuitive operation of all standard and optional audio, navigation and telecommunication functions.

Luggage capacity remains the same as its predecessor, extending from 620 litres to a maximum of 1,750 litres. And for those wanting to accommodate seven people there is an optional third row of seats available.

The new BMW X5 is naturally complete with the BMW xDrive intelligent four-wheel drive system distributing drive torque between the front and rear axles via an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch. Coupled with DSC Dynamic Stability Control it ensures rapid, situation related response, enhancing both driving dynamics and traction. The new BMW X5 also includes the speed-dependent Servotronic steering assist system with Active Steering available as an option.

For those wanting the optimum road handling, Adaptive Drive is also be available providing drivers and passengers with minimal body roll as well as variable damping control.

In addition to the extremely robust body structure, the new BMW X5 incorporates front and side airbags, side head airbags for the front and second-row seats, three-point automatic safety belts for all seats, belt tensioners and belt force limiters for front seats as well as crash-active front headrests to optimise occupant protection. Furthermore, the new BMW X5 is equipped with adaptive brake lights, runflat safety tyres and a tyre defect indicator.