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BMW X5 is a higher segment luxury SUV developed especially to tackle both on and off road activities with ease. The model with two variants is available in both diesel and petrol engines. This eight speed automatic transmission vehicle has company's revolutionary all wheel drive system which is named as xDrive. Elaborate safety and security systems like Hill Decent Control, Dynamic Stability Control and Roll over Sensors are included in the SUV. It is one of the most attractive and power packed SUVs available on Indian roads.
BMW has shared the space with market leaders in automobile design and its X series of models give a strong competition to Land Rovers and Land Cruisers. Attractive Alloy Wheels, Metallic Paintwork and unique Kidney Shaped front radiator grille are the distinctive features of all X series models. The car has arrived at a right time in India and has performed well in the market. It has gathered market attention and positive reviews from Indian media.
Launch History of BMW X5
BMW in India with its extensive expansion plans had launched BMW X5 in September 2010. This launch came at a time when company had just started establishing its dominance in the Indian market with a sales figure of more than 3000 units in India. Earlier in 2009, Mercedes Benz India was left behind in sales when BMW became the market leader in luxury vehicles segment. With BMW X5 launch in India, the company also announced its entrance into the luxury SUV segment.
Its investment in India will increase from the present 1.1 billion to 1.8 billion by mid-2012. Currently, it has a single plant in Chennai which spreads across 40 acres and has a production capacity of 5400 units per year. The plant deals with installation of completely knocked down units of models, imported from BMW's overseas manufacturing facilities. BMW X5 cars can be availed from any of the 20 dealers spread across the nation.
Variants of BMW X5
BMW X5 in India is available in two variants and viz. xDrive50i and xDrive30d. The 3-litre, 6 cylinder diesel engine of xDrive30d variant creates a maximum power of 245 hp at 4000 rpm. The peak torque of 540 Nm is produced between 1750 rpm and 3000 rpm. On the other hand, xDrive50i seems to have a more capable 4395 cc 8 cylinder petrol engine, which generates 407 hp at 5500 rpm to 6400 rpm. A peak torque of 600 Nm between 1750 and 4500 rpm could be generated with this engine.
Apart from major difference in technology, the variants differ slightly in the styling and comfort features. For instance, the Chrome Line Exterior feature is available as a standard in xDrive50i while the same has been kept optional in xDrive30d. Similarly, there are some visible differences in the interior trims which look more refined in the petrol engine variant. The petrol engine variant comes with larger 19 inch alloy wheels as compared to 18 inch alloy wheels of the diesel engine variant.
Xenon highlights for high and low beams, 2 zone automatic air conditioning and fully functional electric seat adjustment are other major improvements in xDrive50i. These are available in xDrive30d as optional features.
Pricing of BMW X5
New BMW X5 car price might differ a little as per the state levied tax across India. The car variants have been priced between Rs. 55 lacs and Rs. 75 lacs. These cars are imported in India as completely knocked down units which are then installed at company's Chennai plant.
Review and Awards of BMW X5
BMW X5 car has received positive response from all segments of Indian media. The luxury car has been reviewed among the most promising SUVs of the year and has been on the front covers of major automotive magazines. It is expected to break the monotony of SUVs otherwise seen on Indian roads and might add to the worries of other car makers in India. The only major concern remains is its pricing which seems a class apart from most of the luxury SUVs available till date. However, it is also speculated that this will give rise to influx of more vehicles in the same range.
Used Car Market of BMW X5
BMW is among the recent entrants in the Indian automotive market. The company has not yet ventured in pre-owned car sales or exchange processes and one has to wait before it makes any formal announcements in the domain. Only option to avail a pre-owned BMW car model is through automobile websites and local dealers.
Specifications of BMW X5
New BMW X5 car is offered in petrol and diesel engine variants which provide excellent performance in demanding conditions. These engines have acceptable fuel economy and conform to latest emission norms. Given below is a classification of new X5 car variants on the basis of their engine specifications:
|
Criteria |
Remarks |
|
|
xDrive 30d |
xDrive 50i |
|
|
Engine Type |
BMW in-line diesel engine with exhaust turbocharger |
BMW TwinPower Turbo V8 petrol engine |
|
Engine Capacity (cc) |
2993 |
4395 |
|
Cylinders/ Valves |
6/4 |
8/4 |
|
Maximum Output Power |
407 hp between 5500 & 6400 rpm |
245 hp at 4000 rpm |
|
Maximum Torque |
600 Nm at 1740-4500 rpm |
540 Nm at 1750-3000 rpm |
|
Drive |
xDrive (All-wheel drive with variable torque distribution) |
|
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic transmission Steptronic, electric gear selector switch, Adaptive Transmission Management |
|
Exteriors
Available in six eye-catching colours, new BMW X5 is one of the most visually appealing crossovers on Indian roads. It comes with a range of features that are unique to the BMW tradition and give a family feel to all BMW cars.
Exterior Appearance
The car has a distinct aerodynamic design which incorporates characteristic BMW features from every perspective. The LED daytime running lights with Xenon headlamps are present near the kidney shaped front radiator grille. Six metallic paints in which the SUV is offered complement its sporty design very well. Chrome line exterior, body coloured bumpers and mirrors are other major highlights of its design. The BMW X5 car could be further enhanced with the inclusion of roof rails and spoilers which are available as an optional design feature.
Exterior Dimensions
The car looks perfectly balanced from its design, which includes limited front and rear overhangs. Given below are the exterior dimensions of the SUV:
|
Criteria |
Dimensions |
|
Overall Length (mm) |
4857 |
|
Overall Width (mm) |
1933 |
|
Overall Height (mm) |
1776 |
|
Front Overhang (mm) |
864 |
|
Rear Overhang (mm) |
1060 |
|
Wheelbase (mm) |
2933 |
Interiors
The interiors of both variants of BMW X5 in India are more or less similar and include high class comfort and convenience features. Modern elements of designing with efficient use of space mark the underlying concept of interiors of these cars.
Interior Appearance
The New BMW X5 car comes with twill cloth and has a wide range of leather upholstery options. Three spoke leather wrapped steering wheel looks attractive and is also comfortable to grip and control. The instrument cluster looks futuristic and is especially designed to provide myriad details about various systems of the car. This includes a circular speedometer and rev counter, plus tank level and fuel consumption gauges. Interior trims in xDrive 30d include Satin Silver matt finish while xDrive 50i has Fine-wood Burr Walnut finish.
Interior Comfort
BMW X5 cars have a very long list of comfort features which justify its class. The car comes with dual zone automatic air conditioning including AAR, outlets near the rear seats, condensation and solar sensors, and residual heat button. Driver’s seat in petrol engine variant has electrical adjustment capability with memory function, while the diesel engine variant has partial electrical controls. The car also features a start-stop button, split tailgate, power windows and electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors. BMW X5 can be availed with a panorama roof, which is kept as an optional feature by the company.
Cup holders and storage facilities with anti-slip lining in the doors and in the centre console add to the convenience while driving. A lockable storage box in luggage compartment is also a unique feature adding to convenience of car owners. A 6.5 inch control display which provides important information related with car's performance is also included.
Interior Dimensions
The five seater SUV has asymmetrically foldable (60:40) rear seats and can also be availed with third row of seating with two additional seats. This optional feature provides two front facing seats that can be separately folded down. There is sufficient head room inside the vehicle for even taller people and at no position one feels constricted due to limited leg room.
Fuel Economy of BMW X5
The fuel economy of BMW X5 cars has been tested without use of AC. The fuel emission of the car conforms to latest norms and a large fuel tank capacity ensures long drives possible with limited stops for refuelling.
|
Fuel Consumption Criteria |
xDrive 30d |
xDrive 50i |
|
Urban (km / l) |
11.49 |
5.71 |
|
Extra-urban (km / l) |
14.92 |
10.41 |
|
Combined (km / l) |
13.51 |
8.00 |
|
CO2 emissions (g/km) |
195 |
292 |
|
Tank capacity (approx.) |
85 |
85 |
On Road Drive of BMW X5
Nothing beats the experience of driving a BMW and that too a SUV. BMW X5 cars can be considered as a perfect mix of technology with exquisite designs. The interiors have ergonomically placed electrical controls so that a driver can use these to enhance the seating position. Systems like Hill Decent Control and Dynamic Stability Control have been especially developed to provide stability to the car.
With little to complain in the power and torque department, car is fun to handle and manoeuvre around. Its acclaimed xDrive system is what provides ease in driving while keeping a perfect hold on the ground. Small and large holes on the road are effectively tackled by the suspensions that have been designed for rough terrains.
Power of BMW X5
xDrive 30d is powered with a 3-litre, 6 cylinder in-line diesel engine, which churns out 245 hp at 4000 rpm. The torque ratings for this turbocharged engine stand at 540 Nm between 1750 rpm and 3000 rpm. On the other hand, TwinPower Turbo V8 petrol engine of xDrive 50i produces 407 hp between 5500 rpm and 6400 rpm. This petrol variant can reach heart racing speeds within seconds as a result of 600 Nm of torque produced at low 1740 to 4500 rpm. One can easily drive at 120 to 160 kmph range without any discomfort in terms of engine noise and vibrations, on Indian roads.
Acceleration of BMW X5
The acceleration if not directly proportional is largely determined by the size and torque ratings of the engine. New BMW X5 cars are amongst the swiftest SUVs on road. The diesel engine variant can reach 100 kmph mark from standstill within 7.5 seconds while the corresponding figure for petrol engine variant is just 5.5 seconds. Top speeds for petrol and diesel engine variants of new BMW X5 are 240 and 210 kmph respectively.
Safety & Security of BMW X5
The safety and security features in all BMW X5 cars are kept same. These include seatbelts, head restraints, air bags, central locking with immobiliser and crash sensor. Apart from these essential safety systems, it is also available with Hill Decent Control and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems. DSC includes ABS with brake assist, CBC and traction control with additional functions. Electromechanical parking brake with auto-hold function and inner vented disc type brakes are provided at both front and rear. At the very outset the vehicle design incorporates a unique shell with crumple zones that prevents and diverts most of the impact at the time of collision.
Comfort & Convenience of BMW X5
Comfort and convenience is seldom compromised in any SUV and the fact that the car is from the house of BMW removes any doubts about its comfort and convenience features. A lot of driving assistance features, including a standard cruise control with braking function, improve the overall comfort while driving BMW X5. Start/Stop button, automatic air conditioning, power windows, power steering, electrically adjustable seats and outside rear view mirrors are also included for convenience of the driver. Leather wrapped three spoke steering wheel provides a good grip and feel while driving. The steering wheel of BMW X5 in India also includes multifunctional controls.
Rain sensor automatically activates the headlights increasing the range and intensity, when required. Interior mirror with automatic anti-glare function improves night driving experience. Lights package includes vicinity lights integrated in exterior door handles, door compartment lights, rear reading lights and rear footwell illumination. The cabin has all modern conveniences, including cup holders, storage spaces and vanity mirrors. One does not feel lack of space at any position inside BMW X5, as it has specially designed cabins ensuring maximum head and leg rooms. BMW X5 can be further enhanced on the luxury quotient with inclusion of a panorama roof.
Wheels of BMW X5
There is slight difference in the type of wheels that come as a standard in the BMW X5 in India. These cars have specially designed suspensions that provide comfortable drive even in rough terrains. The alloy wheels can further be replaced with other attractive options offered by the company.
