BMW confirms X5 launch pricing
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 10th Oct 2018
BMW Group Australia has confirmed pricing and specification for its fourth-generation X5 large SUV that will enter showrooms next month in the form of the volume-selling xDrive30d and the performance-focused M50d.
While the cost of the xDrive30d is unchanged, at $112,990 before on-road costs, the M50d has jumped by $4910, to $149,900.
As reported, the X5 line-up is expected to expand next year with the arrival of the plug-in hybrid xDrive45e, as well as other petrol variants that should lower the model’s entry-level price. The bahn-storming X5 M will eventually assume flagship responsibilities.
Until then, the range-opening xDrive30d will come loaded with standard equipment, including Ferric Grey 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, LED foglights, three-dimensional LED tail-lights, power-folding side mirrors with heating functionality, a power-operated split tailgate, double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension with adaptive dampers, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Inside, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen powered by BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional infotainment system, satellite navigation with live traffic, Apple CarPlay support, digital radio, a 10-speaker sound system, a head-up display, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable sports seats with memory functionality, Vernasca leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, four USB ports, keyless entry and start, ambient lighting and an auto-dimming rearview mirror will feature.
Advanced driver-assist systems will extend to adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, cross-traffic alert, lane-keep and steering assist, parking sensors, a reversing camera and high-beam assist.
The step up to the M50d will add Cerium Grey 22-inch alloy wheels and exterior trim, laser headlights, an M Sport differential, suspension and body kit; M Sport brakes with blue callipers, rear-axle steering, soft-close doors, a leather-trimmed instrument cluster, four-zone climate control, heated and cooled front cupholders, heated front seats with lumbar support and a 16-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system.
The $4000 M Sport Package will be exclusively available with the xDrive30d, with it picking up a sportier suspension tune, among other upgrades, while both variants can be specified with an adaptive air suspension that features five ride heights.
The latter also forms part of the xDrive30d’s optional xOffroad Package, which further includes aluminium underbody protection, an electronically controlled rear differential lock, and four off-road driving modes – xSand, xRocks, xGravel and xSnow – that adjust vehicle settings on the go.
The xDrive30d is motivated by a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine that produces 195kW of power and 620Nm of torque, while the M50d ups the ante with its quad-turbo unit that develops 294kW and 760Nm.
Both variants employ an eight-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission sourced from German automotive supplier ZF and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive set-up.
As a result, the xDrive30d can dash from standstill to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds, while the M50d completes the triple-digit sprint in 5.2s. Claimed fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions are yet to be confirmed.
According to BMW Group Australia chief executive officer Vikram Pawah, the X5 “has been a standard-setter for the large-SUV segment” since its first-generation model’s introduction in 1991.
“Now into its fourth generation, the X5 embodies the spirit of BMW in Sports Activity Vehicle form, with sophisticated looks, amazing technology, impressive performance and true off-road capability,” he said.
Sales of the X5 have taken a significant hit this year in the lead up to its new model’s release, with the 2121 examples sold to the end of September representing a 27.1 per cent decrease over the 2908 deliveries made during the same period in 2017.
Despite its sales downturn, the X5 remains the best-selling large SUV in the $70,000-plus segment, outpacing the Range Rover Sport (1838 units), Mercedes-Benz GLE (1599), Audi Q7 (1546), Lexus RX (1501) and Land Rover Discovery (1417), among others.
2018 BMW X5 pricing*
| xDrive30d (a) | $112,990 |
| M50d (a) | $149,900 |
*Excludes on-road costs
