Without the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) incentives, BMW Malaysia is now having to launch the top version of their sports activity vehicle and not the PHEV version of the X5 at a price that brings it out of reach for many Malaysians. The older PHEV X5 sold for RM390,000 giving it runaway success in the large luxury SUV segment, but this success comes to a slow crawl now with the new X5 pricing hitting a lofty RM640,000 as the 2019 national automotive policy is not being released and brands like BMW who have invested heavily in product assembly, after sales and parts warehousing sit and wonder what next for the Malaysian auto sector.
The The All-New BMW X5 has grown in all dimensions compared to its predecessor while staying true to its iconic character and proportions. The exterior design language now packs a more athletic punch and is complemented by clean precise lines and clearly defined surfaces.
The sculpted bonnet of the All-New BMW X5 conveys a muscular appearance, and the front overhang is now shorter than before. Taking centre stage is a large kidney grille that is sophisticatedly framed by a single surround, giving the vehicle a stronger frontal appearance. The new Adaptive LED headlights are slim and wrap around into the front wings of the vehicle. With the M Sport package, the All-New BMW X5 also features 20-inch light alloy wheels and M Sport brakes with fixed callipers in a dark blue paint finish with the BMW M logo.
At the rear, the All-New BMW X5 features stunning new three-dimensional wrap-around LED taillights. The large, rectangular tailpipes affixed also project an image of formidable power familiar to the BMW X Series.
The All-New BMW X5 also features an all-round growth in dimensions, lending to its excellent manoeuvrability and maximised comfort. The length of the All-New BMW X5 has now increased by 36mm to 4,922mm with an increase in width by 66mm to 2,004mm. It now features a higher roofline as well at 1,745mm, a 19mm step up from its predecessor. The wheelbase also increased by 42mm and now measures 2,975mm. It also provides a more spacious luggage compartment from 650 litres up to 1,870 litres.
A powerful, fuel-efficient three-litre six-cylinder petrol engine powers the All-New BMW X5. It can generate a top speed of 243km/h with a maximum output of 250kW/340hp and a peak torque of 450Nm. The All-New BMW X5 can go from 0-100km/h in only 5.5 seconds. Its fuel-efficiency is demonstrated by its significantly lowered fuel-consumption of 9.2 l/100km of travel with carbon emission of 211/km.
The formidable engine is complemented by a revised eight-speed Steptronic transmission with enhanced shift dynamics. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via xDrive. Equipped with a double-wishbone front suspension, five-link rear suspension and Adaptive M Suspension, the chassis of the All-New BMW X5 can be specifically configured to maximise its dynamic ability or comfort. As expected from BMW, the All-New BMW X5’s suspension is tuned to provide Sheer Driving Pleasure with maximum agility provided by the Sports mode and performance personalisation by the Driving Experience Control.
The interior of the All-New BMW X5 bears the M Sport DNA. It features the exclusive M leather steering wheel with shift paddles and the M stainless steel pedals. The door sill finishers with the M logo exudes a sporty yet elegant appeal. Another striking characteristic of the All-New BMW X5’s design language is the special electroplated finishing that adds an electrifying touch of luxury to the interior. It also combines comprehensive standard equipment such as the electrically adjustable sport seats with Vernasca Leather upholstery and the ambient lighting complete with the Welcome Carpet.
The all-new SAV also conveys a great sense of luxury and comfort with four-zone air conditioning, Rear Seat Entertainment Professional and the Panorama glass roof which makes for a brighter interior. The transparent area of the glass roof has been increased by 30%. The cargo cover can now be electrically retracted into the luggage compartment floor, and with the Comfort Access, both parts of the two-piece tailgate can also be opened and closed electrically at the convenient touch of a button.
A stand-out feature of the All-New BMW X5’s interior is the now-standard new BMW Live Cockpit Professional with Navigation Professional powered by the new BMW Operating System 7.0. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional combines the 12.3-inch Information Display with an equally large central Control Display featuring touchscreen function and an advanced user interface. The Info Display projects navigational content, the vehicle’s position and any relevant traffic information ahead. Together with the New BMW Head-up Display, now with a 70% larger display area compared to the predecessor, all important information can be viewed comfortably at eye-level. The intelligent integration of navigational data into the Info Display allows the Control Display to focus on more infotainment and vehicle functions. The BMW Operating System 7.0 in the Control Display also prioritises intuitive touch control for the first time.
An expanded range of driver assistance systems is ever ready to further the direction of automated driving for the all-new SAV. The latest BMW Personal CoPilot includes a cruise control system with braking function, Lane Departure Warning with steering intervention, Frontal Collision Warning with braking intervention that also now responds to cyclists on the road, rear cross traffic warning and rear collision prevention.
Furthermore, the All-New BMW X5 is equipped with the intelligent Park Assist that is capable of manoeuvring in and out of parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. The new Reversing Assist also provides an unmatched form of support when manoeuvring out of a parking spot and operating in tight spaces. The system also keeps a record of the last 50 metres of the drive to the parking space and will assist with exiting the space by taking over the steering.
The BMW ConnectedDrive service is extended to include the BMW Digital Key for the All-New BMW X5, making it easier to unlock and start the vehicle without the use of a conventional key. All it requires is an Android smartphone, with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, held close to the driver’s door handle to easily unlock the vehicle. The engine can also be started by placing the smartphone in the centre console’s charging tray. The BMW Digital Key can be used for up to five additional smartphones to make sharing the All-New BMW X5 more convenient than ever.
Colour offerings for the All-New BMW X5 include Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Artic Grey and Phytonic Blue. The Vernasca Leather upholstery is available in the classic Black with Aluminium Tetragon for Mineral White and Black Sapphire. The option of Vernaca Leather Coffee with Fineline Stripe Wood is available for both the Artic Grey and Phytonic Blue, while the Vernasca Leather Cognac with Fineline Stripe Wood is exclusively available for Mineral White only.
