BMW unveils revamped X5

BMW has revealed the first official pics of its all-new X5 -- a vehicle that has big shoes to fill as its predecessor has been universally acknowledged as the benchmark setter among luxury SUVs for the past six years.

The existing X5 debuted locally in November 2000 and has consistently topped the sales charts, even as newer, fresher opposition waded into the fray. The second-gen model is due here next April, and BMW boasts the newcomer offers more grunt, lower fuel consumption and superior all-around dynamics.

The images reveal the stylists haven't deviated too far from the formula that's made the outgoing model such a smash hit with buyers -- it seems the boffins decided "if it aint' broke..."

There are some clearly identifiable cues pilfered from the smaller X3, most notably in the tail-lights and tapered roofline, but thankfully the new X5 doesn't share the former's slightly awkward proportions.

It's stretched 190mm in length and 60mm in width over its forebear, which has yielded additional cabin space -- enough, in fact, to slot in an optional third row of seats. The newfound seven-seater status will enable it to compete on level terms with the Mercedes GL, Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90.

BMW claims boot space measures 200 litres in seven-seat configuration and 620 litres with just five occupants on board. The latter figure eclipses the outgoing model's cargo hold by 155 litres.

The model line-up will be underpinned by the X5 3.0si, which scores a 200kW/315Nm 3.0-litre in-line six -- a variant of the excellent new R6 engine that debuted last year in the BMW range. BMW claims a 0-100km/h split of 8.1 seconds and fuel consumption of 10.9 litres/100km for this variant.

The X5 3.0d turbodiesel model also boasts improved specs. Power is up to 170kW, while torque swells to 520Nm. This is said to provide a 0-100km/h dash of 8.3 seconds and fuel consumption of 8.7 litres/100km -- not too shabby for a heavy SUV (BMW is yet to reveal exact weights for the new line-up).

Further upscale is the V8-powered X5 4.8i, which ekes out 261kW and 475Nm -- enough for a 6.5-second 0-100km/h sprint.

All engines are backed by a new six-speed automatic that's said to deliver better shifts than the already accomplished ZF tranny in the current model. In addition, there's a new console-mounted electronic gearshifter and electronic park brake. Gimmicky? Perhaps.

Other new gizmos inside include a Head-up Display to provide speed, navigation and check control messages in the driver's line of sight.

However, not everyone will be pleased to hear that BMW's controversial iDrive has found its way into the new X5. A new 'wave' style of dashboard houses the colour display while the iDrive controller sits on the centre console adjacent to the gear selector.

Even more controversial is the German marque's decision to equip the revamped SUV with run-flat tyres (Safety Tyres in BMW-speak). These enable the vehicle to limp at 80km/h for up a distance of up to 150km in the event of puncture. There's also a space-saver spare offered as an option in five-seat versions of the X5.

It remains to be seen whether the run-flats tarnish the X5's ride quality, as has been the case with the E90 3 Series. The new sedan isn't quite as compliant in the ride department as its E46 predecessor (which rode on conventional tyres).

It wouldn't be a BMW without a raft of acronyms denoting electronic driver aids, and the X5 doesn't disappoint in this respect. It comes with ABS anti-lock brakes, ASC Automatic Stability Control, DSC Dynamic Stability Control, TSC Trailer Stability Control, HDC Hill Descent Control, DBD Dynamic Brake Control, CBC Cornering Brake Control and ADB Automatic Differential Brake.

The new xDrive system supposedly does a better job of distributing power to all four wheels, and there's an Adaptive Drive system that uses active hydraulic anti-roll bars to keep the vehicle flat in heavy cornering. Also new to the X5 is Active Steering, which makes for less wheel twirling at parking speeds.