BMW unveils a new version of its first-ever SUV, the X5. The 2014 model gets a fresh new look and lots of new tech, including a new entry-level model with rear-wheel-drive. Why would you need less traction and grip in a utility car, we don’t know. But the company says that’s because BMWs must first and foremost excel at driving dynamics.
The new BMW X5 also boasts a heavily revised design over the previous generation, which gives it a rear-end similar to that of the much cheaper X1, and an ungainly front-end with massive headlights and a humongous grille. We don’t know why car makers are making the headlights bigger and bigger these days, but we do know that it’s not good for aesthetics. The X5 used to be a ery handsome car. Now look at it. It looks like Jake LaMotta after his retirement.
The new X5 sDrive35i rear-drive version and the X5 xDrive35i AWD both get the 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six. The V8-powered version is the X5 xDrive50i which gets the latest iteration of the firm’s 4.4 liter bi-turbo V8. And you get a X5 xDrive35d diesel model too featuring a new 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder diesel engine. All models come with BMW’s latest 8-speed automatic transmission.
Maybe BMW realized the almost no X5 buyer will ever take this car off-road, or that if they did it’ll be useless. So they focused their energy on making the car a better performer on the road, hence the introduction of the rear-drive version and the Dynamic Handling Package. The package includes Dynamic Damper Control and a rear-axle air suspension and Adaptive M suspension. In theory at least, the new X5 should handle brilliantly. Again, that sounds kind of pointless in a SUV, but here we are.
The interior of the BMW X5 has always been one of the most bland ones in its class. Don’t expect it to be any better in the new model, but the materials are improved, according to BMW, and it is loaded with high-tech features. There are also endless personalization options available.
The new BMW X5 is undoubtedly a brilliant car. We just wish it looked a little better. Let’s hope they don’t do the same thing to the next X6.
