Volume 16 Issue 1 » 51
2019 BMW X5
»
After pioneering what BMW coined the “Sports Activity Vehicle”
segment two decades ago with the X5, and selling in excess of 2.2
million units during that period, the mid-size luxury SUV is as
popular as ever. Entering its fourth generation this year, there are
numerous upgrades including a bigger overall size, new exterior
design language and extra comfort and convenience options.
Growing in every direction including gaining a stretched-out
wheelbase 42 millimetres longer than the previous version, not only
does the X5 appear more athletic but occupants benefit from extra
head, shoulder and legroom.
Although not as exaggerated as on the new X7, an enlarged kidney
grille housed in a one-piece surround sits front and centre. Framed
by a pair of available LaserLight adaptive headlights sitting atop
gaping air ducts, the face of the X5 is familiar yet strikingly fresh.
Drivers will notice they sit slightly higher when getting into
the sport seats — which may be swathed in one of five colours
of premium Vernasca leather — giving a better view of their
surroundings. The instrument cluster is fully digitized and users
navigate the adjacent 12.3-inch high definition display via the rotary
controller knob. A stunning crystal transmission lever handles the
shifting duties.
Peer overhead to admire Sky Lounge, a panoramic glass roof 30
percent larger than the one on the outgoing model. It looks even
better at night, when LED light dances across the surface in 15,000
different patterns mimicking a starlit sky.
Electrically fore-and-aft adjustable rear seats are optional, as is a
third row to accommodate an additional two passengers. Sliding the
bench forwards and backwards can be done from a control panel
in the cargo area. Even the hands-free tailgate is innovative, now
featuring a two-piece build to ease loading and unloading.
Two grades are offered in Canada: an xDrive40i with a 3.0-litre
turbocharged inline-six engine making 340 horsepower and 332
lb-ft of torque, and a V8-equipped xDrive50i outputting 462
horsepower and 479 lb-ft.