The BMW X5 is one of the most important cars in that the German label manufactures. The X5 ushered in the whole ‘performance SUV’ craze and pretty much the genre, itself. It also became the very first SUV to ditch the regular body-on-frame setup in favor of a more car-like monocoque chassis. In the X5’s case, its underpinnings are straight borrowed from the 5-Series sedan, which vastly improves this large SUV’s on-road dynamics. In fact, BMW doesn’t actually refer to the X5 as a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), but a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).
The first generation X5 was launched in 1999, and it became instrumental in altering buyers’ perception about SUVs. Almost two decades later, the latest, fourth generation 2019 BMW X5 is here and is now better in every way when compared to its earlier iterations. However, the X5 faces tough competition now as the performance SUV market has skyrocketed in popularity. Its chief rivals in the region include the Audi Q7, Jaguar F-Pace, Porsche Cayenne, and Range Rover Sport.
Exterior
The revised front fascia of the 2019 BMW X5 looks far more modern and intimidating than its predecessor with its larger double-kidney grille with thick chrome bezels, sleeker and futuristic-looking LED headlamps, and a more aggressively-styled bumper with triple-channel air vents. The new X5’s poised and purposeful stance is evident when viewed from the side, along with its massive 20-inch alloys, flared wheel arches, dynamic body contours, and plentiful black plastic body cladding.
The almost vertical, substantial rear of the new X5 is adorned with a prominent roof-mounted spoiler, stylish wrap-around effect LED taillights, large, split-folding tail gate, and a sporty bumper with integrated air diffuser and dual-exhaust tips. The 2019 BMW X5 measures in at 4.886 meters in length, 1.938 meters in width, 1.762 meters in height, and possess a wheelbase of 2.933 meters. The X5’s commodious boot can hold up to 650 liters worth of luggage with all seats in place.
Interior
The cabin of the 2019 BMW X5 admittedly feels rich and sophisticated, making generous use of high quality materials and adopting a cutting-edge yet contemporary design. The premium quality build, fit and finish, stitched leather upholstery, real metal accents, high-resolution displays, and tactile controls all feel upscale and are user-friendly as well. The X5’s roomy and wide cabin can effortlessly accommodate five adults in splendid comfort, while adaptive suspension and acoustic windshield help make this a quiet place as well.
The 2019 BMW X5’s rolling list of features include radar cruise control, panoramic sunroof, automatic Laserlight LED headlamps, active- aero grille shutters, 22-inch M-sport wheels, adjustable air suspension, BMW Display key, adaptive ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch iDrive touch-infotainment display with a 1,500-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system. The safety inventory includes all of the usual supplemental restraint systems plus every electronic safety measures that BMW could find.
Engine and performance
The 2019 BMW X5 can be equipped with either a 3.0-liter six-cylinder or a 4.4-liter eight-cylinder turbocharged engine. While the former develops 305 HP and 400 Nm of torque, the turbo V8 in the xDrive50i unleashes 450 horses and 650 Nm of torque – both sending drive to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic tranny. The intelligent all-wheel drive system and quick-shifting gearbox ensures that the 2.2-ton, V8-powered X5 eclipses 100 km/h in five seconds or less. Not the most frugal of engines, the straight-six and turbo-eight return about 8.5L/100 km and 10.5L/100 km, respectively.
Verdict
The 2019 BMW X5 starts at AED 365,000 for the base xDrive35i, going up to AED 420,000 for the xDrive50i, while their insurance starts at AED 8,213 and AED 9,450, respectively.
