BMW X5 (2014 – 2018) Review

May 2013

New X5 revealed

The third generation X5, on sale in the UK from 16 November 2013, offers advances in design, luxury, comfort, versatility, efficiency, driving pleasure, safety and connectivity. Available with five TwinPower Turbo engines – four diesel and one petrol – a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and the option of two or four-wheel drive (sDrive and xDrive). In the UK it will be offered in SE or M Sport specifications.

The third generation X5 offers significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as a result of a raft of EfficientDynamics technologies. All engines already meet the EU6 emissions standard. In the diesels this is due to a combination of a nitrogen oxide (NOx) absorber catalyst, Selective Catalytic Reduction and a urea (AdBlue) injection which turns the vast majority of NOx in the exhaust stream into harmless nitrogen and water.

The range will initially be made up of the xDrive30d, M50d and xDrive50i, available from November 2013. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder xDrive30d is 19 per cent more fuel efficient, with economy improved by 7.4mpg and CO2 reduced by 33g/km – despite power and torque increases of 13hp and 20Nm. The M50d, powered by a triple turbo version of the 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine first seen in the X6, is 12 per cent more efficient.

Consumption is reduced by 4.5mpg and CO2 emissions down by 22g/km, while maintaining its high power and torque outputs. The xDrive50i has a new-generation 4.4-litre V8 engine now incorporating VALVETRONIC variable valve timing as well as twin turbochargers. Power is improved by 10 per cent (41hp) and there has been a 50Nm increase in torque, but consumption falls by 20 per cent (4.6mpg) and CO2 emissions have been cut by 50g/km compared with the previous engine.

These three engines are joined at the end of 2013 by a four-cylinder diesel – taking advantage of the new X5’s considerably reduced weight, and a more powerful six-cylinder diesel.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine is new to the X5 and appears in the sole two-wheel drive model, the sDrive25d, and the xDrive25d, which provisionally achieve fuel economy of 50.4mpg and 47.9mpg respectively. The respective provisional CO2 figures are 149g/km and 155g/km.

The xDrive40d, with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, is expected to have average fuel consumption of 44.1mpg with CO2 emissions of 169g/km.

All versions come with an eight-speed automatic transmission which not only adds to driving enjoyment but also makes its own contribution to fuel-saving. The ECO PRO mode adapts the engine management, accelerator response and transmission characteristics to support a particularly fuel-efficient driving style, and even programmes the climate control and heated seats and mirrors for the most efficient use of energy.

The new BMW X5 is equipped with a raft of EfficientDynamics features which complement the new engine line-up and standard eight-speed automatic transmission to keep fuel consumption and emissions to a minimum. They are joined in the new model by extensive weight and drag-reduction measures, making the new X5 the lightest and most aerodynamic car in its class.

The new BMW X5 comes as standard with a Drive Dynamic Control switch, allowing the driver to fine-tune the balance between comfort and sportiness on and off-road.

The Driving Experience Control switch adjusts accelerator response, the characteristics of the power-assisted steering, automatic transmission shifting and – depending on the choice of suspension – damping qualities and roll stabilisation. It is mounted in the centre console. In addition, there is a choice of four suspension packages to provide the ultimate in personalisation: Adaptive Comfort suspension, Adaptive M suspension, Adaptive Dynamic suspension and Adaptive Professional suspension.

Adaptive Comfort suspension comprises Dynamic Damper Control and air springs with automatic self-levelling, and offers two damping modes selected via the Drive Dynamic Control switch. It is ideally suited to owners who will use the X5 on a variety of surfaces. Adaptive M Suspension is standard with the M Sport package and includes SPORT and SPORT+ modes for drivers who enjoy a more dynamic driving style. The Adaptive Dynamic suspension package provides significantly sportier cornering characteristics by optimising roll stabilisation and directional stability via Dynamic Performance Control and Dynamic Drive. The Adaptive Professional suspension delivers the best of all worlds by combining the qualities of the Comfort and Dynamic packages into an integrated system.

In all models there are newly designed front seats with the option of comfort or sport seats. Heated comfort seats are now available for the second row. An Easy Entry function and a grip on the C-pillar make access to the rear simpler. The third-row seats can be lowered into the floor individually. The folding backrest in the middle row is now split 40:20:40 as standard for greater versatility.

The BMW X5 offers a minimum of 650 litres of luggage space, and 1,870 litres – an increase of 30 litres with the seats up and 120 litres with them folded – in two-seat formation. There is increased storage space within the cabin, while the split tailgate includes automatic operation of the upper section as standard and, now, remote control closing as well as opening.

Innovations have been added to the BMW ConnectedDrive system to enhance the active safety, convenience and infotainment facilities of the new X5. The new Driving Assistant includes Lane Departure Warning and a pedestrian and collision warning system with braking function. This first alerts the driver to a potential accident, primes the brakes and then initiates moderate braking at speeds of up to 35mph.

The Driving Assistant Plus package adds Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go to maintain a safe distance to vehicles ahead from around 19mph through a combination of a front-end camera and full-range radar sensors. It can brake the X5 to a standstill if necessary and will later this year include Traffic Jam Assistant to maintain the X5’s position in its lane at up to 25mph.

Dynamic Safety adjusts the seat belts, front passenger seat, windows and sunroof (if fitted) to the optimum position to survive an accident, while Attention Assistant can sense possible driver fatigue and issue audible and visual alerts. There is also the standard BMW Emergency Call, which identifies the X5’s position after an accident and automatically advises the BMW Call Centre of the severity of the impact, the number of occupants and if any airbags were triggered.

The BMW Parking Assistant (planned from late 2013) will identify suitable parking spaces and not only steer the X5 into them but also operate the accelerator and brake, while Surround-view gives the driver a 360-degree view of the outside of the car. There is also a new version of the BMW Head-Up Display which is able to put additional information on the windscreen, such as telephone contact lists, entertainment programmes, speed limit information and overtaking restrictions. The X5 is also available with Concierge Services to make hotel reservations or search for telephone numbers and addresses, while Real Time Traffic Information can guide the driver away from hold-ups on the chosen route.

October 2014

X5 M announced

BMW has outlined its plans to launch an M version of the X5 in 2015. The high performance SUV will be powered by a 575PS 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 and be capable of covering 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds. The BMW X5 M and will reach UK dealerships on 11 April, 2015, and be priced at £90,170.

Capable of reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155mph, the BMW X5 M promises to be brutally quick, with 750Nm of torque available from just 2200rpm. To cope with the colossal grunt, the ~X5 uses an eight-speed M Steptronic ‘box, with a wider gap between the gear ratios to improve performance.

Fuel economy is a claimed 24.4mpg for both vehicles, while CO2 emissions is a hefty 258g/km, which puts the X5 Minto the highest VED bracket, which is fittingly Band M. As you'd expect from a 575PS SUV, the suspension is firmer and the damping can be customised with three driving modes - Comfort, Sport and Sport+ - which will stiffen the ride and improve the responsiveness of the electronically assisted rack and pinion M Servotronic steering system.

Styling upgrades are included as part of the M treatment, with larger air intakes at the front and a new diffuser at the rear. Both cars feature twin-stalk exterior door mirrors, with integral indicators, and a four-tailpipe exhaust.

March 2015

BMW X5 PHEV revealed

The BMW X5 xDrive40e is the first plug-in hybrid production car from the BMW core brand. It combines the versatility and luxurious ambience of the X5, along with the superb traction provided by the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, with BMW’s EfficientDynamics eDrive technology for outstanding efficiency.

The intelligently controlled interaction between the combustion engine and the electric drive, which together generate a total system output of 313hp, endows the BMW X5 xDrive40e with strong acceleration while simultaneously realising a substantial reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. It returns a combined fuel consumption of up to 85.6mpg, and a combined electricity consumption of 15.3kWh. CO2 emissions are just 77g/km.

The drive system of the BMW X5 xDrive40e comprises a four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, and a synchronous electric motor integrated with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. The lithium-ion high-voltage battery pack can be topped up with mains electricity from any standard domestic power socket, or more quickly from the BMW i Wallbox, as well as at public charging stations. With a capacity of 500 – 1,720-litres, the luggage area is barely compromised compared with other X5s. The standard charging cable can also be stored in a hinged compartment under the luggage area floor.

Short, everyday journeys in urban areas can easily be completed with zero tailpipe emissions, while actual fuel consumption is reduced substantially when driving for distances of up to approximately 15 miles in urban traffic. Driving in this way equates to an equivalent 94.2mpg.

On longer journeys, when both engine and motor need to be deployed, the powertrain keeps the fuel consumption and emissions figures far lower than in comparable models with similar power outputs. Assuming the high-voltage battery is fully charged, daily commutes of up to 37 miles can therefore be completed with a fuel consumption of no more than 43.5mpg, depending on driving style. What’s more, when the fuel tank is filled to its 85-litre capacity and the high-voltage battery pack is charged, the BMW X5 xDrive40e also boasts the X5’s customary long-distance capabilities for travelling on holiday, for example, when it still succeeds in keeping fuel consumption above 25.7mpg.

The 2.0-litre internal combustion petrol engine fitted in the BMW X5 xDrive40e features a TwinScroll turbocharger and generates a maximum power of 245PS and 350Nm of peak torque.

The electric motor has an output of 113PS, while its maximum torque of 250Nm is available instantly in typical electric drive fashion. This boosts the engine’s output for increased responsiveness with absolutely no delay when accelerating from stationary, as well as providing strong performance whenever a quick burst of speed is required. The BMW X5 xDrive40e completes the 0 to 62mph sprint in just 6.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 130mph. In all-electric drive mode, the vehicle is capable of a top speed of 75mph, again, electronically limited.

Bespoke design touches on the exterior clearly identify the BMW X5 xDrive40e. The most noticeable feature is the charging connection for the high-voltage battery located in the left front wing. Blue light effects also appear here at the start of the charging process to indicate the flow of energy, while the exhaust system has a twin-tailpipe design with trapezoidal tips. Besides the model badge at the front of the vehicle’s flanks, the “eDrive” logo already familiar from the BMW i models graces the tailgate, roof rails, the doorsill strips with their blue background colour, and the centre console.

May 2016

BMW X5 xDrive40e now part of iPerformance range Externally, iPerformance cars are identifiable only by eDrive badges on the C-pillars, the charging point flap on the nearside front wing and, in some cases, i badges on the front wings. Customers can, however, specify iPerformance exterior styling at no additional cost. This consists of blue slats on the BMW kidney grille and blue alloy wheel hubs. Internally, iPerformance models have eDrive menus in the black panel display and, in most cases, eDrive designation on the door sills.

May 2016

BMW X5 now benefits from latest iDrive interface

Incorporated into the BMW Professional media system, the latest iDrive interface and enhanced connectivity provides a simpler menu navigation requiring fewer clicks to move between key sections such as map view, messages, entertainment and media and an increase in RAM to improve performance. This new system also allows the wireless integration of selected third party applications from a compatible mobile device.

In addition to the already standard Bluetooth connectivity this can be further enhanced by opting for the new Enhanced Bluetooth which alongside the upgraded BMW Professional Navigation system now includes Wireless Charging, WiFi Hotspot preparation and an additional USB socket. The new Enhanced Bluetooth with Wireless Charging is offered as standard on all BMW 6 Series and 7 Series models as well as the M3, M4, X5M and X6M.

Accessing a library of over 30 million tracks available to stream at any time as part of BMW Online Entertainment is now even easier thanks to the new Connected Music feature. This introduces the additional option, when listening to the radio, of recognising the track, artist or album. The listener can then search for and stream other music by that artist or music of the same genre.