The chassis code E53 was the start of what has now become part of the brand’s bread and butter models in terms of sales figures globally. Now in its fourth generation and having spawned both smaller versions in the form of X1, X2, X3, X4 as well as the larger X6 and X7, I had an opportunity to drive the new X5 range in the Western Cape recently.

The looks

Aside from the fact that BMW’s trademark kidney grille appears to be growing with each passing generation, the new X5, in my opinion at least, is BMW’s best interpretation of an SUV in this segment yet. LED headlamps are standard and feature x-shaped insignia to give the trademark twin-headlamp design a new dimension.

The lower end of the front bumper is shaped according to the specification chosen. The side profile of the new car is also a rather dramatic departure. Where the previous model had a relatively straight shoulder line, the new X5’s extends up towards the LED rear lights which are now more oval-shaped, while the lower rear bumper houses one large exhaust exit on either side.

Interior bliss

After years of employing a formulaic and mildly evolutionary approach to its interior design, it’s safe to say that BMW’s approach to its new interiors, particularly in the new 7-series, 5-series, upcoming 3-series, the new X3 and indeed the new X5 in question is revolutionary for the Bavarian automaker.

The new design certainly places its interiors in the same league as its rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Audi. When it comes to the new X5, there’s a beautifully crafted interior with options such as a crystal gear lever and a variety of trim and personalisation options that made each variant at the local media launch rather unique inside.

The newly-designed dashboard houses what, in my opinion, is the class-leading 12.3-inch iDrive infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster. What does rate as quite bizarre is the inclusion of Apple CarPlay, but the exclusion of Android Auto, while the brand’s upcoming digital key, which turns your smartphone into your BMW key, is only available for Android at the moment.

Simplified model range

BMW South Africa has adopted a new model introduction strategy by introducing far fewer variants than in previous generation models. Take the X5 for example, where only two engine derivatives will be available initially and rather surprisingly, neither model is petrol driven.

When it comes to the specification options, the top-spec M50d is only available in M Sport guise while there are three options when specifying your xDrive30d. The standard xLine, the M Sport and the new xOff-Road packages all transform the look of each respective model.

Driving diesel

At the entry point of the local line-up is the xDrive30d that makes 195kW/620Nm from its turbocharged 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine which is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and features four-wheel drive. Driving this model at launch it became easy to see why this makes up the bulk of X5 sales. The 30d provides a good blend of fuel consumption and respectable performance. It will get you to 100 km/h in around 6.5 seconds and consume a claimed 6.8-litres/100km, although, at the launch, a figure closer to 8.0-litres/100km was more realistic.

The current range-topping model is the M50d that features a scarcely believable four turbochargers attached to its 3.0-litre diesel motor which makes it good for 294kW/760Nm and a 0-100km/h time of 5.2 seconds. The acceleration of this model is so linear and the engine note, despite some sound synthesisers so characteristic of a inline-six petrol, that you forget that it’s a diesel most of the time.

The real beauty of this model is its ability to cover ground quickly without obliterating the diesel in its tank at an unreasonable rate of knots. BMW claims a figure of 7.2-litres/100km, but my heavy right foot resulted in 9.7-litres/100km along our launch route.

Verdict

The X5 also features a host of new technological features, most of which we’ll have to wait until our road test to examine and explain. After my brief encounter with the new model, I can state with confidence that this is the best X5 yet in terms of refinement, quality, off-road ability and luxury.

BMW South Africa’s simplification of the model line-up is also a breath of fresh air in an era where I feel that there are simply too many models on offer in the new car market.

Pricing

X5 xDrive30d xLine - R1 194 296

X5 xDrive30d M Sport - R1 253 196

X5 xDrive30d xOff-Road - R1 253 546

X5 M50d - R1 502 581