ALL-NEW 2014 BMW X5 BREAKS COVER!

BMW has finally unveiled the brand new X5 for the world to see. The new model is heading to South Africa at the end of the year, and will be shown at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) in October. Looking like a buffed up X3, the new X5 is more evolutionary than revolutionary, while still maintaining its athleticism.

At launch there will be three engine derivatives in the form of the X5 xDrive30d, xDrive50i and M50d. All three use existing and familiar engines. The xDrive30d is a 3.0-litre straight six cylinder motor with 190kW and 560Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 – 100km/h in 6.9 seconds while returning an average of 6.2 litres per 100km, according to its maker. Then we have the xDrive50i with its 4.4-litre V8 twin turbo engine delivering 330kW and 650Nm of maximum torque. They reckon it will jump from standstill to 100km/h in 5 seconds flat and reach a top end of 250km/h.

Lastly the M50d with its 3.0-litre triple turbo diesel engine doing 280kW and an impressive 740Nm. It’s only 0.3 seconds slower to 100km/h than the V8, but rewards with 6.7 litres per 100km in fuel average. Achievable yes, but not so easily in real life. All models run the company 8-speed automatic gearbox with Eco Pro, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus modes to suit every driving condition and mood.

In December, Europe will get the X5 xDrive40d, xDrive35i, xDrive25d and sDrive25d (with CO2 emissions of just 149 g/km) added to the range. Traditionally the last two models don’t get sold in Mzansi. Of course we can expect the X5 M over the ensuing 18 months or so.

Some really neat interior features include the choice of either a Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen sound systems, iDrive with a 26.6cm colour display, different woods and leather veneers, some aluminium finishes, four-zone climate control (all four passengers have their own temperatures), auto Start/Stop, head-up display as an option and others. Two lovely tablet-like screen displays can also be ordered for the rear seats. The boot can now also be opened/ closed by remote control, while luggage space has been increased up to 1870 litres.