Turbo boost for new BMW X5 range

Building on its strong contingent of luxury SUVs, BMW Australia has confirmed that the X5 will come in for a mid-life update in June, with every single model now benefitting from turbocharged power.

The popular luxury SUV, or SAV (sports activity vehicle) as BMW would have you call it, will benefit from a range of improvements when it arrives here mid-year, including more powerful engines, new gearboxes, technological upgrades plus a range of EfficientDynamics features, which contribute to reductions in CO2 emissions while improving fuel economy.

On top of systems like brake energy regeneration, the addition of BMW's top-shelf eight-speed automatic transmission across the range delivers "reductions in fuel consumption of up to 15 per cent," claims the German car company.

Pairing with the new eight-speed transmission, which until now has been the sole reserve of the range-topping 760Li limousine, the new X5 line-up will be outfitted with upgraded engines, including a more efficient 3.0-litre turbodiesel - it's best-selling model.

The BMW X5 xDrive30d is the most popular model in the X5 range in Australia and now pumps out an extra 20 kilowatts of power -- peaking at 180kW – yet uses 15% less fuel. It sips an average of 7.4 litres of diesel per 100km, down from 8.7L/100km.

BMW Australia has decided to expand the X5 range, adding a triumvirate of new models: the X5 xDrive40d (replacing the 35d), with a twin turbo inline six-cylinder engine pumping out 225kW/600Nm; the X5 xDrive 35i powered by a twin turbo petrol inline six generating 225kW/400Nm; and the big daddy X5 xDrive50i (replacing the 48i), whose petrol TwinPower Turbo V8 belts out a hefty 600Nm, good enough for a rapid-fire 5.5 second zero to 100km/h sprint.

All models deliver gains in fuel economy and performance and gadget lovers will have plenty to talk about as well, with the new BMW X5 bringing features such as a reversing camera with 'Top View', a lane departure warning system with Side View, plus Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function.

The usual suspects will also return, including High-Beam Assistant, Head-up Display, Adaptive Cornering Headlights and Park Distance Control, and the iDrive control system has been updated, "allowing the convenient and intuitive operation of all standard and optional audio, navigation and telecommunication functions," says BMW.

Minor changes to the BMW X5's exterior design are also on the cards, with updated front and rear fascias delivering a more powerful look to match the turbocharged models.

The headlamps and brake lights have been redesigned as well. We'll bring you full details and specification upgrades in due course, with driving impressions of the all-turbo range mid-year.

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