The biggest 4x4 BMW plays continuity rather than rupture. This does not prevent the loss of two cylinders and two-wheel drive for the new access level version.
Design wise, the new X5 does not mediocrity its predecessor.
So far, the distribution of roles between X3 and X5 was clear: the first relied primarily on four-cylinder. To fit the limited budget, the X3 has even declined in single propulsion. While its big brother, imperturbable, swore by its mechanical with six or eight cylinders, necessarily associated with xDrive. With the 2014 vintage, downsizing forces, things get complicated. Indeed, as early as December, the third named X5 adopts two-liter diesel xDrive25d appointed or a variant that lacks an X chromosome: this will sDrive25d provided only two wheels. A trick to reduce its access rate, but also its consumption: according to the approval cycle, these two are content to issue 155 and 149 g of CO2 per km, respectively, which is always a conviction for tax penalty . But arguing mitigating circumstances, the punishment amounts to only 400 and 1000 Euros (in 2013).
The format is almost identical: the X5 wins only three centimeters in length (or 4.89 m in total).
This decline in consumption is due to the care given to the aerodynamics of the beast, whose dimensions and weight virtually no change. Active components regulating the opening of air intakes, "air curtain" to the wheel arches, side vents and blades on the tailgate can lower the coefficient of air resistance (Cx) until 'to 0.31 for the xDrive30d versions. So that all engines renewed (but optimized) show a reduced thirst. These mechanical, there are the six-cylinder available in the X3 (X5 xDrive35i/306 ch, ch xDrive30d/258 X5 and X5 xDrive40d/313 hp), but also more powerful engines yet. In essence, this is the V8 X5 xDrive50i (4.4/450 hp) temporarily marks the top of the pyramid, pending a more virulent X5M, while diesel fans Dante can fall back on the X5 M50d and 381 hp. The X5 also marked difference in size. His 4.89m long allow him to cram two jump seats in the trunk, a trunk whose volume varies, moreover, between 650 and 1 870 dm3.
The owners of the old X5 will feel at home against the dashboard. Something new: the iDrive knob gets a tactile surface for jotting down numbers or letters with your finger.
Side options, the X5 also offers the package, including the chassis. Where X3 is just basically a damping control, the newcomer can also disengage its anti-roll or filter inequalities of the road with air suspension on the rear axle bar. Similarly, there is a variable steering ratio in the list of options, and a host of assistants and alarms. Thus, the X5 recognizes speed limits and shows (in color please!) With its head-up display. The Driving Assistant Plus adjusts the speed of the traffic and can even give a brake in case of danger. And Stop & Go function of the adaptive controller looks very comfortable in traffic. As for the night vision system, it has been refined and can affect the lighting, to lead a coup lighthouse on a possible obstacle or pedestrian approaching dangerously. The entertainment is not to be outdone absorb 1200 watts of high quality sound signed Bang & Olufsen is more convenient when you're sprawled on the back of a comfort seat tilt and slide, eyes on (!) screen integrated in the headrest. It goes without saying that, with options, you can also twitter or Facebooker at will.