As BMW’s third best-selling vehicle in 2012 behind the 3 Series and 5 Series, the venerable X5 is a key model for the German automaker in North America and other markets. With the third-generation X5, BMW hopes to continue the success of the original while subtly updating styling and adding features.
2014 BMW X5 – Front 3/4
At first glance, it appears not much has changed, as the new X5 retains the old model’s silhouette. A closer look at the front and rear ends reveals the major exterior changes. In front, the headlights now meet with the large dual kidney grilles, similar to the current 3 Series. We continue to see those characteristic dual round lights feature LED accent rings, which are squared off at the bottom like those of the 3 Series, and standard Adaptive Xenon headlights (full LEDs are optional). Improving aerodynamics was a major focus of the X5′s redesign, as the new model features an Air Curtain intake in the front valance, which guides air around the wheel arches and through the Air Breather vents of the front fender to reduce drag.
2014 BMW X5 – Rear 3/4
Claimed to be aerodynamically slipperier and about 200 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, the new 2014 X5 launches with two gasoline engines: a 3.0-liter, single-turbocharged inline-six with 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque in the sDrive35i and xDrive35i, and a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 with 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque in the xDrive50i. BMW claims 0-to-60-mph times of 6.2 seconds for the six and 4.9 for the V-8, but they’ll likely be slightly quicker in our testing. In early 2014, a 3.0-liter diesel six will return to the lineup and again be badged as the xDrive35d. It will offer 255 horsepower, 413 lb-ft of torque.
2014 BMW X5 – Side Profile
Inside, the X5 gets BMW’s signature sweeping dash and instrument layout, with a 10.2-inch display rising out of the center stack. BMW Navigation is standard for the U.S. market, and includes a touchpad. BMW apps is also standard, allowing integration with smart phone apps like Facebook, Twitter, and Pandora streaming radio. leather upholstery is standard on xDrive50i models, and available on all others in eight possible interior colours. With the M Sport package, the interior receives an M-Sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, anthracite headliner, M footrest and door sills, and either sport or multi-contour seats.
2014 BMW X5 – Front HeadOn
The new X5, which BMW insists on calling a “Sports Activity Vehicle,” hits U.S. showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2013. The diesel version follows in early 2014, and there will be M Performance and M versions down the road. Pricing has not yet been announced, but we suspect it won’t stray far from the current X5’s.
2014 BMW X5 – Interior
