3rd Generation BMW X5 lavished with innovations

By Theodore Opara

When BMW decided to go into the production of sports utility vehicle segment, they came up with a unique car, the X5. And rather  than call it sports utility vehicle (SUV) they tagged it Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and this marked a new era for this car segment. The X5 changed the rules in the sports utility vehicle segment with its array of innovations. It became the standard for which premium SUVs were judged. The X5 was an instant hit, which later led to the introduction of X3 and X6.

Ever since then, BMW has not stopped making the X5 better, after all, it was the X5 that launched the brand into the all-wheel driver  vehicle segment.

Banking on the successes of its previous models, BMW unveiled an all-new X5 to maintain its lead on the segment. The third generation X5 introduced into the market recently has set new standards in powerful design, luxury, spaciousness, cutting-edge versatility and efficient driving pleasure.

It is more fuel efficient, faster with unparalleled comfort and refinement.

Speaking to Vanguard Motoring recently, Mr. Sola Adigun, General Manager in charge of the BMW brand in Coscharis Motors said ''the all new X5 is a masterpiece of engineering from BMW that has no equals in its segment. According to him, BMW has proved that it is ahead in this segment with the all new BMW which offer far more than competition.

He said that only three engine variant were unveiled  for now, while four other engines would be added to the lineup by the end of the year to give customers a wide range of choices.

The three engine variants available for now include the Xdrive 5.0i with new generation V8 petrol engine as well as two other diesel engines.

The V8 petrol engine version with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology delivers 330 kw/450 horse-power @ 5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 650 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm. It takes it just 5.0 seconds to accelerate from 0-100 km/h and average fuel consumption of 10.4-10.5 litre to cover 100 kilometres. The X5 fuel consumption reduction has been made possible through its weight reduction, optimised air guidance, engine technology and standard-fitted and extremely efficient eight speed automatic gearbox with additional BMW Efficient Dynamic technology; Auto stop function, ECO PRO mode including coasting function and proactive Driving Assistant.

BMW customers are at liberty to specify their interior and exterior packages for their individual tastes. Also, Driving Experience control switch fitted as standard include Comfort, Dynamic and professional adaptive suspension and Adaptive packages suspension can be specified to enhance the car’s sporty handling properties and ride comfort, electric power steering for all model variants.

Spacious interior with luxurious ambiance in the interior, raised seating position, low-set instrument panel with horizontal lines extending into the door trim and additional trim surface, enhanced interior variability 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat backrest are hallmarks of the all new BMW X5.

The X5 now has optional third row seat while the tailgate can now be opened and closed by remote control.