The locally-produced BMW X5 is one of the best selling models for the car-maker in the domestic market, and the latest version of the SUV will compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLE, Volvo XC90, Range Rover Velar, Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q7.
Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com and Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com, who were present at the gala event in Mumbai to announce its launch, bring photographs from the event, with text by Rajesh Karkera.
Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary cricketer, unveiled the all-new BMW X5 in India on Thursday.
The BMW X5 will be available in 3 variants:
The new X5 stresses on everything 'multiplied by X', as the company calls it. What it means is, more athletic, more luxurious, more functional, more spacious and more adventurous.
The term 'SAV', Sports Activity Vehicle, was coined by BMW for their luxury compact SUV's with the launch of BMW X5 in 1999.
Tendulkar recollects his experience of the all-new X5 in the video below:
The 2019 BMW X5, which is locally assembled at BMW India's plant in Chennai, will be available in petrol and diesel engine options -- the former comes only in the M Sport variant, while the latter will be offered in Sport and xLine trims.
While BMW dealerships will have the diesel X5 in stock from Thursday, the petrol models will be available later this year and it will be BS6 compliant.
Coming to the exterior of the car - the front the Kidney Grille of the BMW X5 stands out in the restyled bumper with new headlights and LED DRLs, all of which match with BMW’s new design language.
At the rear, the new X5 sports chunk LED tail-lights and a restyled rear bumper.
The M Sport's petrol model adds more aggressive design themes
In terms of size the X5 has grown in all dimensions compared to its predecessor, thus translating into more cabin space.
The interior boasts an exceptional level of comfort and functionality in an extremely sporty ambience.
Together with an elevated seat position and generously proportioned interior, the front and rear occupants enjoy ample room.
Although the seating in the rear feels quite low, the legroom makes up for it.
Folding down the 40:20:40 split rear seat backrest increases boot capacity from 650 litres to 1,870 litres, thus giving you massive storage space.
The biggest highlight in the interior is the new all glass gear lever panel with its unique feature termed by BMW as ‘Crafted Clarity’.
This glass panel sports a host of operational features crafted in exquisite glass, the iDrive control wheel, the audio control button and the start/stop button and many more features of the car are all controlled from here
The All New BMW X5 remotely detects the key in your pocket or hand… within a 1.5 metre radius and unlocks the doors and the two-section tailgate when needed with a gesture.
The Luggage-Compartment Package includes slide rails for easy loading and an electrical luggage compartment roller blind.
Soft close function for doors adds to the increased levels of comfort for the all-new BMW X5.
At the car's launch, Hans-Christian Baertels, president, BMW Group, India, said that the 3-litre 6-cylinder diesel engine of the BMW X5 xDrive30d produces an output of 195 kW / 265 hp and a maximum torque of 620 Nm at 1,500-2,500 rpm.
The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km in just 6.5 seconds.
With the petrol engine, which will come later, the BMW X5 xDrive40i will produce an output of 250 kW / 340 hp and maximum torque of 450 Nm at 1,500-5,200 rpm.
The petrol car accelerates from 0 to 100 km in just 5.5 seconds.
The all-new BMW X5 is available in three design schemes -- Sport, xLine and M and BMW will offer three metallic exterior finishes on the new X5 - Mineral White, Phytonic Blue and Black Sapphire.
The interior features fine upholstery leather 'Vernasca' as standard with the following 5 combinations -- Ivory White, Black and Coffee, Black and Cognac, Black and Black and Black.
Text and Video: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com
Photographs: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com
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