BMW’s new X5 SUV throws a challenge to Mercedes-Benz and Lexus
The fourth generation of the Bavarian carmaker’s flagship SUV targets a spot in the market dominated by its most aggressive competitors
BMW unveiled the all-new 2019 X5 SUV on Tuesday. This is the fourth generation of BMW’s flagship SUV since its debut in back in 1999.
The X5 has been a major success for the Bavarian automaker with more than 2.2 million vehicles sold worldwide during its production run.
The new X5 jumps right into the middle of an ultra competitive mid-size luxury SUV market dominated by heavyweights like the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Lexus RX.
The new X5’s design remains classic BMW complete with the brand’s signature kidney front grille.
“The BMW X5 embodies the origins of the BMW X family and, in its fourth generation, sends out its most powerful message yet in terms of presence and modernity,” BMW Group Design senior vice-president Adrian van Hooydonk said in a statement. “It defines a new X design language – robust, clear and precise.”
The new X5 will debut with two engine options. The xDrive40i is powered 335 horsepower, 3 litre, twin-scroll turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine. While the xDrive50i gets a more powerful 456 horsepower, 4.4 litre, twin-turbocharged V8.
Both engines are hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system.