BMW X5
First released in 1999, BMW's X5 has been the gold standard for luxury SUVs for a quarter of a century. The X5 is elegantly styled yet more than capable of handling harsh terrain thanks to its extensive range of off-road and safety features. It goes without saying that all of this comes with BMW's signature drive dynamics and sportiness. No matter where you're going, the X5 will take you there in comfort. Keep reading to find out more about the BMW X5.
Origin
The world got its first look at the BMW X5 luxury mid-sized SUV at the 1999 Detroit International Auto Show. Designed by Frank Stephenson, the X5 featured a combination of a powerful appearance and the elegance and sportiness characteristic of BMWs. It also introduced BMW's concept of the "Sports Activity Vehicle."
First Generation (E53; 1999-2006)
The first generation X5 came with unibody construction, unlike its competitors that used a body-on-frame. This made it safer and also helped to decrease its overall weight. On its exterior, flared fenders at both ends of the X5 helped to create its distinctive appearance. The inside of the first generation X5 was spacious, with two front bucket seats and a split-folding bench at the rear wide enough to comfortably seat three adults. A 2004 upgrade was introduced to the X5 BMW's intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the BMW xDrive.
For its engines, the first generation X5 received a gasoline 3.0L inline six-cylinder and 4.4L, 4.6L, and 4.8L V8 eight-cylinder. Its diesel engine was a 3.0L inline six-cylinder turbodiesel that made 218 hp.
Second Generation (E70; 2006-2013)
For its second generation, introduced in 2006, the X5 was built on a new platform and grew in length and width, allowing a third row of seats that could increase seating to seven to be offered. For the first time, the X5 came with BMW's iDrive communication and entertainment system. A mid-generation update brought along a new front bumper with larger air intakes, as well as an upgraded iDrive system that was more intuitive.
Gasoline engines of the second generation were a 3.0L inline six-cylinder, a 4.4L V8 eight-cylinder, and a 4.8L V8 eight-cylinder. The X5 also got a 3.0L inline six-cylinder diesel.
Third Generation (F15/F85; 2013-2018)
The interior and exterior dimensions of the third-generation BMW X5 were essentially unchanged, but it was more aerodynamically styled than its predecessors while also featuring a larger kidney grille that extended from one headlight to the other. Thanks to its better aerodynamics and new BMW EfficientDynamics functions, the third-generation X5 was able to achieve 17 percent better fuel efficiency than the outgoing model. Inside, the X5 came with the iDrive system with a 10.25-inch display.
Engines of the third generation were a gasoline 3.0L inline six-cylinder that produces 300 hp, a gasoline 4.4L V8 eight-cylinder capable of 450 hp, a diesel 2.0L inline four-cylinder and 3.0L inline six-cylinder, and a 2.0L inline four-cylinder gasoline hybrid.
Fourth Generation (G05/G18/F95; 2019-present)
BMW significantly revamped the fourth generation X5, giving it a new, larger grille and slimmer headlights. LEDs were used for the headlights, although BMW's Laserlight with Adaptive LED headlights was available as an option. Inside, the fourth generation X5 came with BMW's Live Cockpit Professional, which combines the multifunctional instrument display with the BMW Head-Up Display and the Control Display into a single display cluster. For its facelift in 2023, the X5 also got standard sports seats at the front.
Gasoline engines were 2.0L inline four-cylinder turbo, 3.0L inline six-cylinder turbo, and 4.4L V8 eight-cylinder twin-turbos. Diesel engines were a 2.0L inline four-cylinder turbo, a 3.0L inline six-cylinder turbo, and a 3.0L inline six-cylinder quad-turbo. The plug-in hybrid X5 came with a powertrain that uses a 3.0L inline six-cylinder turbo gasoline.
Engine Performance & Technology
The engines used in the BMW X5 deliver exceptional performance. While most car manufacturers have swapped to a V6 layout for the six-cylinder engines, BMW continues to use the inline-six layout, which it cut its teeth on for the 3 Series. These inline six-cylinder engines produce greater torque at lower speeds, are quieter, and produce fewer vibrations than V6 engines.
Several of the X5's gasoline and diesel engines from 2011 onwards utilize BMW's TwinPower Turbo technology, which allows for more variability within the engine range, improves fuel consumption, and reduces emissions.
Safety & Reliability
The X5 is reliable and boasts a good range of safety equipment. For starters, the X5 features a unibody construction that not only improves handling and drive dynamics but also offers more protection in the event of a crash. The X5 can get advanced safety technologies such as Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Brake Control, Cornering Brake Control, Frontal Collision Warning, Highway Assistant, Distance Control and Steering Assistant, Lane Change Assistant, Active Blind Spot Detection and more. The exact list of safety equipment will vary depending on the model year and trim.
Trim Configurations
The X5's trims largely vary by engine size, engine type (diesel, gasoline, hybrid), and presence of an all-wheel-drive system. In addition, as with most BMW models, the X5 is also offered in high-performance M versions that get performance upgrades such as more powerful engines. Most recently, the fourth generation's X5M receives a 4.4L V8 eight-cylinder twin-turbo that produces 592 hp and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. There's also a higher-tier X5M Competition, which produces 616 hp and features an upgraded exhaust, larger rear wheels and tires, Track mode, and upgraded standard leather upholstery.
Conclusion
The X5 is a luxurious SUV designed to offer an exceptional driving experience. With its safety features, plush interior, and impressive performance, this vehicle delivers comfort and power, providing a smooth ride and ample cargo space, accommodating all your needs.
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