BMW X5

In 1999 at the dawn of a new millennium, BMW decided to dive headlong into the nascent SUV market. What was not a trend at the time, although it was expected to be, has ended up becoming the most successful family in the sporting Bavarian house. The BMW X5 was the first of the brand's SUVs to hit the market, and from the very beginning it has become a true sales success, supported mainly by the American, European and Chinese markets.

From 1999 to 2006 we had the first generation, the second spanned from 2006 to 2013, the third from 2013 to 2018 and since then we have the fourth generation of the BMW X5 on the market. Although at first it was BMW's largest SUV, it is no longer. The arrival of more units inside the house has made the X5 lose relevance in sales, but not in importance inside the house. It is still one of the flagships, although we must add other important units to it, such as the BMW X6 and BMW X7.

As we say, it is still a special model inside the house. Throughout these 20 years on the market, the X5 has reaped good sales figures with more than 5,4 million units sold worldwide. The fourth generation comes loaded with important innovations, much more than what may initially appear. At the beginning of 2023, it receives a range update with interesting changes in design, equipment and engines.

Technical characteristics of the BMW X5

The X5 is the spitting image of the evolution of the SUV. Over the years and generations the SUVs have moved further and further away from the land to get closer to the asphalt. As usual within BMW, the latest generation of the X5 has the CLAR modular and scalable platform. This architecture is designed for the largest models of the house and has ideal solutions for an electrified future as well as a composition of lightweight and latest-generation materials.

There is only one possible body for the X5, although we can modify the design slightly depending on the aesthetic package selected. There are different levels: Standard, X Line, M Sport and M. Depending on the selected level, the X5 will win in sporty or country look thanks to the inclusion of bumpers and modified elements for the occasion. If we are looking for a more coupé and sporty look, we will have to opt for its brother, the X6.

The new CLAR platform has once again made the volume and size of the BMW X5 grow. We touch the five meters long, 4,922 meters long, 2 meters wide and 1,74 high. Its wheelbase makes it one of the most spacious D-SUVs on the market, with a wheelbase of 2,97 metres. That leaves us with a bulky carrying capacity, 650 liters minimum capacity and 1.870 maximum capacity. The configuration is for five passengers.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the BMW X5

Over the years, the BMW X5 has been completing and updating the mechanical range of the X5, receiving new versions from the 2021 restyling. The offer is made up of a diesel version with an ECO label, two gasoline units with an ECO label and a plug-in hybrid variant with the DGT ZERO sticker.. All units come standard with an xDrive all-wheel drive system and an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

By power, the range starts with the x5 xDrive30d with turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine. develop a power of 286 horsepower and a torque of 650 Nm between 1.500 and 2.500 revolutions. Behind him is the X5 xDrive40i gasoline with turbocharged three-liter block. It achieves a performance of 381 horsepower and 520 Nm of torque. The gasoline family is completed with the M60i xDrive with a 8 liter V4,4 block that generates 530 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque.

Although they do not make much sense, the X5 also has versions developed by the M division. BMW M X5 ranks as one of the most powerful SUVs in the category with a 625 horsepower. On the other side of the scale is the new x5 xDrive50e with plug-in hybrid mechanics. The six-cylinder gasoline engine is associated with a front electric motor and a 25,7 kWh net capacity battery. Approves 489 horsepower, 700 Nm of torque and an electric range of 110 kilometers.

Equipment of the BMW X5

Inside the doors, the BMW X5 offers everything expected of a model from the Bavarian firm. Its cabin presents an excellent execution, both in finishes and in materials and presentation. The feeling of quality is very high, being able to consider it as one of the best of the brand and its category. Something that helps to print greater ride comfort for all occupants.

The available equipment levels: Series, M Sport and M not only modify the aesthetic appearance of the BMW X5, they also allow us to have access to a greater amount of equipment and technology. And since we are talking about technology, we must recognize that the X5 is a marvel in terms of gadgets and systems. It is one of the representative models of the house and as such it has the latest and most advanced technology. In 2023, it introduces a new presentation with the usual BMW double-panel system.

Entering its catalog of options we find state-of-the-art systems. Remote opening and starting, professional navigator, Head-Up Display, digital instrument panel with 12,3-inch screen, state-of-the-art multimedia system with 14,3-inch panel, connectivity for smartphones, induction charging, electric seats with massage function, air suspension, four-zone climate control, gesture control and many other elements, including a large team of driving assistants and safety elements.

Test of the BMW X5 on video

The BMW X5 according to Euro NCAP

Once again safety is put to the test with the European standards carried out by Euro NCAP. The European body has measured and evaluated the behavior of the BMW X5 in different types of collisions. After them they have cataloged it as one of the safest SUVs in its class with a possible five out of five stars rating. It offers an excellent score in protection for adult and child passengers with scores of 89 and 86 out of 100 respectively. In terms of active safety and driving assistants, it also shows off its chest with a result of 75 out of 100. These values ​​remain in force as of 2023 as no modifications are made to the structure of the car.

The BMW X5 of Km 0 and second hand

The X5 was BMW's first SUV. When it was launched on the market back in 1999, it became an immediate success. Over the years and generations, its sales volume has decreased, but it continues to attract a large audience. Its high sale price makes many opt for alternative sales channels, where the BMW X5 enjoys a very low depreciation value, around 28%, and that positions it as one of the best in the category.

If we take a look at the used or second-hand market, we see more than a thousand units available for sale. The cheapest correspond to the first generation models (1999 – 2006). Prices start in amounts close to 2.500 euros for units with more than 200 thousand accumulated kilometers. The Km 0 channel is smaller, barely a couple of dozen vehicles offered. In some cases the prices can be really interesting, with almost 10.000 euros discount compared to list prices.

Rivals of the BMW X5

Although at first, more than 20 years ago, the X5 was practically alone in the market, today it has a long list of rivals and opponents. Despite talking about the premium segment, the market is full of real alternatives to German. Among the most prominent names are his German rivals, the Listen Q7, Mercedes GLE, Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg. To them we can add other alternatives such as the Jaguar F-Pace, Volvo XC90 or Range Rover Velar. All of them are located in the same segment both for sale price and size.

Highlight

• mechanical versions
• Equipment
• Quality

To improve

• High price
• Excessive weight
• elevated driving position

BMW X5 Prices

The BMW X5 is intended for a very exclusive and wealthy market. Although the BMW X-Family suits all types of customers, the house's largest and most luxurious units are only suitable for the deepest pockets. The starting price of a BMW X5 stands at 86.800 euros for the 5 horsepower X30 xDrive 286d. The most expensive and exclusive unit is accompanied by the letter M. The 5-horsepower BMW X625 M has a starting price of 176.200 euros. All prices are without offers or promotions.

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