New BMW X5 arrives

BMW's third-generation X5 launches in Australia this week, looking to cement its position as the most popular vehicle in the large luxury SUV segment with the introduction of a price-leading sub-$83,000 two-wheel drive four-cylinder turbo-diesel model for the first time.

Bolstered with more powerful engines, better fuel economy, more boot space, a subtle new look and several new tech toys, the new X5 (codenamed F15) represents one of BMW Australia's most important vehicle launches of 2013.

The rear-drive BMW X5 sDrive25d will be powered by a new 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine generating 160kW/450Nm. It also sets a new economy benchmark in the range, claiming small-car fuel consumption of just 5.8L/100km.

BMW's frugal new X5 matches the entry-level four-cylinder turbo-diesel Mercedes-Benz ML 250's price point dollar for dollar at $82,900 plus on-road costs.

It will be fitted with standard features like Dakota leather seat trim, a large 10.2-inch screen with satellite-navigation, Bluetooth everything, internet functionality, voice control, xenon headlights, LED foglights, dual-zone climate-control, a power-operated tailgate, engine stop-start, parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

The bad news is that it won't be available until March 2014 along with the six-cylinder X5 35i ($106,900) and 40d ($115,900) variants.

The new entry-level X5 25d undercuts the previous price-leader, the X5 30d (previously $92,245), by more than $9000. But the replacement for the 30d -- the best-selling X5 variant for years -- is now more expensive at $99,900.

BMW's General Manager of Marketing, Tony Andreevski, said the introduction of a new four-cylinder rear-drive model and the price increase of the popular six-cylinder turbo-diesel 30d model is unlikely to upset the status quo, with customers still expected to flock to the near-$100,000 X5 30d.

The marketing GM reckons that when the new X5 25d model arrives in March 2014, he "wouldn't expect it to be the volume model", instead accounting for around 15 to 20 per cent of overall sales.

"We're obviously very hopeful it will appeal to people after a sharp entry price. But if you have a look at some of the competitor offerings such as Mercedes with its ML 250, it's also sharply priced and that's not their volume leader. In fact, the ML 350 CDI is the volume model for Mercedes."

The X5 sDrive25d will be joined by a 4WD version, the xDrive25d, which commands a $5000 premium for all-paw traction, at $87,900, but Andreevski noted that "towards the end of the models lifecycle, the 30d was accounting for upwards of 70 per cent of sales".

BMW's X5 xDrive30d gets all of the stuff from the entry-level models and more kit than its predecessor, upgrading to larger 19-inch alloy wheels and benefitting from standard technology features like high-beam assist, a head-up display and a 360-degree surround-view monitor, plus lane departure, forward collision and pedestrian warning systems with auto-braking.

Step up to the twin-turbo V8-powered X5 50i ($133,900) and 20-inch alloys are standard, as is standard metallic paint and a leather instrument panel with harman/kardon digital stereo system. 'Professional' adaptive suspension, rear air suspension and adaptive LED headlights are also standard.

For now, the range-topping triple-turbo diesel six-cylinder M50d ($147,900) sits at the top of the X5 tree, which powers to 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds while claiming fuel consumption of 6.7L/100km.

All models come as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmissions.

2014 BMW X5 pricing:
sDrive25d -- $82,900 (due March)
xDrive25d -- $87,900 (due March)
xDrive30d -- $99,900
xDrive35i -- $106,900 (due March)
xDrive40d -- $115,900 (due March)
xDrive50i -- $133,900
M50d -- $147,900

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...

Don't forget to register to comment on this article.