2019 BMW X5 SUV officially revealed

KUALA LUMPUR: It’s only been a few weeks since BMW teased us with camouflaged images of the fourth-generation X5. Now, the German automaker has officially released a set of images featuring the latest crossover without the black and white clothing. Although the front fascia is pretty similar to the outgoing X5, the sides and the rear have received a new bold styling.

The overall design language of the all-new X5 is not very different from the tried and tested X5 blueprint, however, this latest model is much more than just a reworking of the previous gen model. Just like its younger sibling, the X3, the latest X5 also features large kidney grilles and angular headlights at the front. Adaptive headlights are offered as standard with laser light being available as an option. The M Sports model features large corner air intakes and a lower front apron while the xLine model gets unpainted plastic mouldings, some extra ground clearance and uniquely designed corner air intakes.

The sides have received a substantial amount of redesigning. A very strong emphasis has been laid on horizontal and vertical lines that run through the entire vehicle, providing it a stern look. The latest X5 is more edgy and aggressive than any of its predecessors. BMW's signature Hofmeister Kink can be spotted towards the rear of the upward sweeping window line. Moving towards the rear, it gets a split rear tailgate and it drops off the iconic L-shaped tail lights.

Inside the cabin, there’s a falling down dashboard fascia at the front. Be it the aircon vents or the door handles, the entire cabin of the all-new BMW X5 is dominated by polygonal shapes. It features a fully-digital instrument cluster, which will soon be introduced in the upcoming 8 Series range. The latest SUV also gets a 12.3-inch iDrive infotainment system with optional Gesture Control system. Just like any other BMW, the centre stack of the all-new X5 is also tilted towards the driver.

It may not be very evident from the first pictures, but the latest X5 is slightly larger than its predecessor. It now stretches to a length of 4921 mm, which is 35 mm more than the last-gen X5 and is 1970 mm wide, that’s also 32 mm more than the current model. Also, the height has been increased by 11 mm. That said, the new X5 still has the same trunk capacity of 645-litre which can go up to 1860-litre once the rear seats are folded.

 

The 2019 BMW X5 will be launched in four variants, namely the X5 40d, the X5 40i, the X5 50d and the X5 50i. The base variant will feature a 3.0-litre, inline-six turbo diesel engine that produces 265 PS of power, while the top variant will draw power from a 4.4-liter V8 turbocharged engine which produces 462 PS of power.