Turbo-petrol BMW X5 confirmed

BMW has announced the first of many additions to the new fourth-generation BMW X5 luxury SUV line-up, confirming the arrival of the xDrive40i turbo-petrol model for release in early 2019.

It will join the diesel duo that have just launched in Australia, the single-turbo xDrive30d and the current flagship of the range, the quad turbo M50d.

Priced at $115,990 plus on-road costs, the (from this point referred to as) 40i is $3000 more expensive than the $112,990 30d and almost $34,000 cheaper than the 50d.

Powered by a twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, the 40i produced 250kW and 450Nm, accelerates to 100km/h in 5.2sec and consumes an average 9.2L/100km.

Based on those figures it is the equal fastest X5 along with the M50d, but significantly thirstier than either diesel model.

Apart from drivetrain and performance differences, the 40i and the 30i spec up identically.

Both vehicles come with Level 2 autonomous capability courtesy of an upgraded battery of cameras, radars and sensors. They also enable a family of driver assist systems including autonomous emergency braking and active cruise control.

A 10-speaker hifi system, adaptive LED headlights with high beam assist, 2.5-zone climate control, leather upholstery and Apple CarPlay are all included.

But there’s no sign of Android Auto and the spare tyre is temporary. Standard alloy wheels are 20s, but you can drop to 19s or bling up to 21s and 22s.

There are many options; a $9500 indulgence package, a $5000 performance package, a $1900 comfort package and, for the first time, an off-road package that is priced at $7500 and includes dual-axle air suspension, specific driving mods, extended underbody protection and a mechanical diff lock.

But the most popular option is set to be the $4000 M Sport package, which up to 85 per cent of Aussie X5 buyers have traditionally paid for.

The 40i will arrive at an incredibly busy time for BMW Australia as in the March-April period it will also launch the new 3 Series, Z4 convertible, 8 Series coupe and convertible and the seven-seat X7 SUV.

More X5 derivatives are due over the next 18 months too, including the confirmed plug-in hybrid PHEV. Others expected to be on the list but yet to be either confirmed or announced are the petrol V8 50i, cheaper four-cylinder and rear-wheel drives and the storming M performance leader.

First launched in Australian in 2001, the X5 has amassed 55,000 sales locally through generations. It has led an SUV takeover of BMW’s sales in Australia, with the X cars now accounting for more than 60 per cent of dealer traffic.