All-New 2014 BMW X5 luxury SUV launched in India

BMW India has just launched the 3rd generation version of the X5 luxury SUV in India. The X5 will be assembled at BMW India’s Chennai factory by means of completely knocked down (CKD) kits imported from BMW’s American factory at Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Notably, BMW USA’s Spartanburg factory is the only facility in the world that builds and  exports the X3, X5 and X6 models. CKD assembly at Chennai has allowed BMW India to price the all-new 2014 X5 SUV at 70.9 lakh rupees, ex-showroom all-India.

The SUV will be sold as a seven seater in India and the addition of the third row of seats will give the X5 cred to take on the likes of the Mercedes Benz GL-Class and the Audi Q7. Bookings for the new X5 have been open for a while now and actual deliveries will begin from early June.

In terms of design, the new BMW X5 gets a slew of changes such as larger headlamps, a new grille, new front bumper, a revised rear end and curvier lines. However, the SUV manages to retain its heft and similarity to the outgoing X5, which had squarish lined bordering on the butch.

The 2014 BMW X5 SUV is powered by a 3 liter- inline 6 cylinder diesel engine with twin turbochargers. The engine outputs 255 Bhp of peak power and 560 Nm of peak torque. An all wheel drive layout is standard on the X5, whose torque transmission needs are handled by an 8 speed automatic gearbox.

The engine and gearbox combination give the BMW X5 impressive acceleration (0-100 Kph in under 6.9 seconds), allowing the SUV to show a clean pair of heels to most cars this side of the sportscar territory. Top speed is an electronically limited 240 Kph.

BMW cars, including ones from the German brand’s SUV range, are known as fantastic handlers. The new X5 is said to retain those traits. Air suspension comes standard, with comfort, sport and sport+ modes. If it is a self driven SUV you’re looking at, the X5 is said to score over the Mercedes Benz GL and the Audi Q7 in terms of sheer driving pleasure.

The third generation X5 SUV is larger than the outgoing model, with the latest version being 29 mm longer and 5 mm wider. Despite the larger dimensions, the usage of a new gauge of high tensile steel has resulted in the kerb weight reducing by 5 kilograms. The new X5 weighs 2,145 kilograms.

A revamped interior with wood inserts on the dashboard and door panels give the 2014 BMW X5 an air of quality. A new 10.5 inch standalone iDrive infotainment system with increased resolution is standard. Other features include Bluetooth connectivity, quad zone climate control, cruise control, panoramic sun roof and a Harman Kardon audio.

In terms of safety, BMW offers an array of features such as ABS, EBD, electronic stability program, hill hold control, hill descent control, cornering brake control and a full complement of driver and passenger airbags for frontal and side protection.