FORTH GENERATION 2019 BMW X5 SPORTS ACTIVITY VEHICLE

June 5, 2018 BMW launched the  4th generation 2019 BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle with two variants, the X5 xDr40i and the X5 xDr50i. Since its introduction almost 20 years ago, the BMW X5 has been built exclusively in Spartanburg, SC. To date, more than 2.2 million X5’s have been sold worldwide, one third of those sales being in the U.S.

The BMW X5 will again be built at BMW Plant Spartanburg, SC. This center of competence for BMW X models also handles production of the BMW X3, BMW X4, BMW X6 and will soon add the BMW X7.

So many optional features make the driving safer for the driver and passengers. My question is the cost of each  option and how long will warranties last on these features. I love all the features standard and optional on the all-new BMW X5. Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and the Range Rover Sport are some of the competition that could equal features and driving abilities. Now with the all-new 2019 BMW X5 we expect that the BMW will be hard to beat.

It will take probably a month to learn how to use all the optional features. Once learned they will make your journey on and off the road better.

The exterior dimemsions have grown slightly. The appearance has not.This new X5 has  wheelbase that is 1.6 inches longer than its predecessor’s, a 1.1 inches increase in vehicle length, an extra 2.6 inches of width and a 1.0 inches increase in height give the all-new 2019 BMW X5 a great look and additional space for luggage. It still looks like the SAV we have loved.

A sculpted hood and a short front overhang,  hexagonal wheel arches and the dynamic sweep of the roofline give a sporty yet rugged character of the 2019 BMW X5.

“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,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “It defines a new X design language – robust, clear and precise.”

 

The most striking feature of the front end is the large BMW kidney grille with single-piece surrounds. The BMW X5 comes standard with Adaptive LED headlights, while BMW Laserlights are available as an option and feature blue x-shaped elements, which split up the hexagonal light sources inside the familiar BMW twin headlights.

The precise character line in the X5’s flanks, rise up at the rear door.  At the rear, all lights feature LED technology. A standard moon roof comes on the models and an optional panoramic one is available at a cost we have not yet received.

The standard xLine model uses exterior cues including kidney grill bars finished in matte aluminum, underbody protection, roof rails and side window surrounds in satin Aluminum, plus other accents in Pearl-effect Chrome, to accentuate the off-road character of the  BMW X5. M Sport specification has wheel arch trim, bumper trim, rear underbody protection and side skirts painted in body color and complimented by matte aluminum kidney grille bars, and roof rails and side window surrounds in high-gloss black.

Standard are the 19-inch light-alloy wheels, the M Sport has 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design. Wheels in 21-inch and 22-inch sizes are available as options.

Inside the  X5 the instrument panel is broken up by sweeping horizontal lines, which combine with electroplated trim elements to emphasize the width of the interior. And with its large trim finisher and surrounds likewise made up of electroplated elements, the center console – rising up to the instrument panel.

The raised seating position, driver-focused cockpit and new design and arrangement of the controls offer the person in the left seat the best possible view to enable him or her to maintain complete command over the task of driving. The fully-digital instrument cluster and the center display are connected visually by consistency of design and share the same graphics. The center console hosts the iDrive Controller, the newly designed transmission selector lever and all other driving-related controls. The Driving Experience Control switch, the start/stop button and the buttons to activate the air suspension settings and off-road modes (if equipped). A similarly new-look for the heating, air conditioning and lighting functions is in the X5.

Carefully selected materials in the interior include a new Vernasca variant for the leather upholstery. Like the optional BMW Individual extended Merino leather trim, it is available in five colors. The all-new BMW X5 is fitted with standard electrically adjustable and heated sports seats. Customers can also get optional multifunction seats with massage function and seat ventilation for the driver and front passenger. I have used similar seats and they make a long drive easier and help keep me awake.

The standard xLine and optional M Sport models also come with specific design features that bring a distinctive flair to the interior. The interior appointments for the standard xLine model accentuate the car’s versatility and luxurious ambience, while the optional M Sport model enhances the on board driving experience. The two lines include illuminated door sill plates specific to each variant and an anthracite headliner. M Sport trim also includes an M sports steering wheel, M-specific pedals, driver’s footrest and piping on the seats, plus exclusive interior trim strips in Aluminium Tetragon.

 

New features designed to maximize the luxurious ambience of the  BMW X5 include the four-zone air conditioning system and a Panoramic glass roof with a 30 percent larger see through area than on the outgoing model. The standard ambient lighting includes the Welcome Light Carpet – which illuminates the entry area to the car when the doors are unlocked or opened – and Dynamic Interior Light, which emits pulsating light signals in pre-defined situations: such as flashing lighting in the door if a door is opened while the engine is running or flashing lighting in the instrument console to alert to an incoming phone call.

 

The optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with 20 speakers and 1,500-watt output. The optional Rear-seat entertainment Professional system (expected to be available from 12/2018) comprises a pair of 10.2-inch full-HD touchscreen displays, a Blu-ray-compatible DVD player, two USB ports, an HDMI socket and two headphone jacks. The system is part of the new display and control concept allowing those in the rear of the vehicle to select and operate entertainment functions. A navigation map and BMW ConnectedDrive services can be accessed from the rear seats.

The BMW X5 can now be specified with remote engine start and heated and cooled cup holders in the center console. Remote engine start can be operated through the Keyfob via a triple click on the lock button from the appropriate distance or via the BMW Connected App. The optional glass controls bring an all-new flourish to the interior of the BMW X5. This exclusive design feature has been developed for the transmission selector lever, the iDrive Controller, the start/stop button and the volume control button for the audio system.

 

As well as increased levels of comfort and exclusivity, the 2019 BMW X5 now offers enhanced functionality. It features a two-section tailgate for ease of loading. If the optional Comfort Access is specified, both sections can be opened and closed automatically and hands-free. If equipped with the optional Luggage Compartment package, (expected to be available from 12/2018), the cargo area cover will lower electrically into the load compartment floor.

 

If the optional third row seats is specified (expected to be available from 12/2018), customers will receive rear seats with electric fore-and-aft adjustment. Since room in third row has not grown those customers who want more space can wait until the BMW X7 arrives.

A control panel in the cargo area can be used to slide the second-row seats forwards or backwards and fold down the backrests of the second and third rows. The second-row seats can be tilted forward electrically to ease entry/exit into and out of the two third-row seats.

The  2019 BMW X5 launches with a choice of two new gasoline engines. Heading the range is the BMW X5 xDrive50i, whose extensively developed V8 unit is making its debut. A six-cylinder inline engine can also be found under the hood of the BMW X5 xDrive40i. All engines deliver their power through an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive is on hand to ensure that power is translated into secure progress – on or off road.

The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in the gasoline engines features turbochargers, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing.

Fundamentally upgraded from crankcase to engine management, the eight-cylinder engine in the BMW X5 xDrive50i serves up an intoxicating blend of prodigious power delivery and signature V8 soundtrack. The turbochargers’ positioning in the “V” between the banks of cylinders is just one of the standout features of the 4.4-liter unit. Newly designed heat plates ensure particularly effective thermal shielding for the crankcase and cylinder head. A new ignition system allows the engine to be restarted even more smoothly and swiftly when the Auto Start Stop function is activated.

The new engine’s peak torque of 479 lb-ft is available over a broad rev range from 1,500 to 4,750 rpm, while its maximum output of 456 hp (previously was 445) is on tap between 5,250 and 6,000 rpm. This formidable pulling power is available early and doesn’t let up, resulting in a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. BMW states a diesel will be available in 2020. At the same time a plug –in hybrid will join the fleet.

The power unit fitted in the new BMW X5 xDrive40i boasts the free-revving ability inherent in all six-cylinder inline engines from BMW. The 3.0-liter unit employs a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct petrol injection technology whose maximum pressure of 5,076 psi ensures the fuel is delivered in extremely precise doses. The straight-six generates its maximum output of 335 hp between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm, while the peak torque 330 lb-ft is waiting to be unleashed from 1,500 – 5,200 rpm.

The new BMW X5 xDrive40i completes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 5.3 seconds.

All of the engines available for the new BMW X5 link up with a new, improved version of the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, whose wider ratio spread and new control electronics help to increase the powertrain’s overall efficiency. New torsion dampers reduce rotational irregularities and converter slip for superior shift comfort. And optimized hydraulic control enables even sportier gear shifts.

The traction, agility and directional stability in the X5 is thanks to the latest generation of the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which is now able to split drive torque between the front and rear wheels with even greater precision and speed, as the situation demands.

The xDrive system has a rear-biased set-up for those occasions when the driver adopts a particularly dynamic style at the wheel. The electronically controlled rear differential lock (available in both the Dynamic Handling Package and in the Off-Road package) gives the handling an even sportier edge. By limiting equalization of the rotational speeds of the inside and outside wheels through corners, it is able to optimize the transfer of power to the road in dynamic driving situations. As a result, the new BMW X5 can power out of bends with exceptional momentum. Governed by the Driving Stability Control (DSC) system, the locking function for the rear differential improves traction and power transmission when driving over loose ground or on road surfaces offering differing levels of grip for the left-rear and right-rear wheels. According to BMW the locking effect is produced by means of an electric motor and allows as much as 1,106 lb-ft of drive torque to be redirected from the faster-turning wheel to the slower-turning wheel.

The design principle of the new chassis – based on a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle – checks all the right boxes for supreme traction on rough terrain, coupled with excellent dynamic responses and ride comfort in road driving. The SAV now comes as standard with the Dynamic Damper Control system, whose electronically controlled dampers sharpen the X5’s handling dynamics at the same time as increasing ride and suspension comfort. Engineers state tha the  driver can select from two performance settings – for a more comfort-oriented or sportier driving style – using the Driving Experience Control switch.

An array of chassis systems available in a BMW X model for the first time make it possible to boost the off-road performance, sportiness or comfort of the new BMW X5 more effectively than ever before. Adaptive M suspension Professional with active roll stabilization and Integral Active Steering endows the car with exceptionally agility. The roll stabilization system employs electric swivel motors to enable remarkably swift and precise compensation of body roll under dynamic cornering. This increases agility and directional stability when turning into corners and helps optimize traction when accelerating out. The system has the additional effect of increasing straight-line driving comfort by actively countering the vibrations triggered by bumps on one side of the road. Integral Active Steering (available as an individual option) is also operated electromechanically. By turning the rear wheels in either the same direction as the front wheels or the opposite direction – depending on the vehicle speed – it optimizes cornering agility, ensures effortless lane changes and helps the vehicle to dart through city traffic. Integral Active Steering therefore makes light work of maneuvering into and out of tight parking spots, while also increasing stability when overtaking at highway speeds.

The two-axle air suspension system with automatic self-levelling will be welcomed by anyone seeking greater ride comfort. The suspension’s air supply is controlled individually for each wheel using an electrically driven compressor with pressure reservoir, enabling it to balance out an unevenly loaded vehicle. Since the air suspension works in tandem with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, the vehicle load registered by its sensors can be factored into braking calculations. When the SPORT driving mode is engaged or the vehicle’s speed exceeds 86 mph, its ride height is automatically lowered by 0.8 inches. The driver can also adjust the body’s ground clearance – for off-road driving, for example – by pushing a button in the cockpit. It can be raised in two stages to a maximum of 1.6 inches above the standard setting. Another button in the luggage compartment activates a loading mode that lowers the vehicle by 1.6 inches. The next time the engine is started, the system will automatically revert to the last mode selected. The desired vehicle ride height can even be set with the engine switched off.

Customers can also specify an Off-Road Package, which is being offered in a BMW X model for the first time. Available for all model variants, the package’s specification includes rugged underbody protection at the front and rear of the vehicle, along with the two-axle air suspension and electronically controlled rear differential lock. The Off-Road package features its own special graphics in the instrument cluster and center display, and an extra button on the center console for selecting the four driving modes. The driver can therefore activate the ideal settings for the vehicle’s ride height, the xDrive system, the accelerator response, the transmission control, and the DSC system’s corrective inputs in preparation for driving on a range of surfaces, such as sand, rock, gravel or snow.

Offering a significantly expanded array of driver assistance systems compared with its immediate predecessor, the new BMW X5 clearly demonstrates its commitment to taking comfort and safety to new heights. By processing camera images and data acquired by radar sensors, the new systems enable even more comprehensive support for the driver in a variety of situations. As components of the BMW Personal CoPilot, they represent new milestones on the road to automated driving.

The standard Active Driving Assistant on the new BMW X5 includes Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Frontal Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation (which now also alerts the driver if cyclists are detected) Cross Traffic Alert Rear, and Speed Limit Information.

Available as an option, the Driving Assistant Professional package is comprised of the Traffic Jam Assist with extended hands-off time (expected to be available from 12/2018) as well as the Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection. The Automatic Lane Change feature can be used on highways when the Lane Keeping Assistant is active. Holding the direction indicator in the required direction is all it takes to initiate a lane change. If the sensors detect that there is space in the adjacent lane and that no other vehicle is approaching at high speed, the driver benefits from helpful steering assistance during the lane change. Another component of the system is the evasion aid, which can help avoid collisions with vehicles or pedestrians suddenly appearing in the driver’s path. As soon as an evasive maneuver corresponding to such a scenario is detected, the system assists the driver with steering inputs to direct the vehicle into a clear adjacent lane.

The array of assistance systems contained in this wide-ranging suite of safety and comfort features is composed of the Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go and Cross Traffic Alert Front which reduces the risk of a collision when maneuvering forwards towards crossing traffic where visibility is restricted. Also, changing speed limits identified by the Speed Limit Info system can be used by the automatic cruise control system to match the vehicle’s cruise control speed to the road’s posted speed limit.

A new development in the field of safety systems is the Emergency Stop Assistant, which is a component of the Driving Assistant Professional package. Intended to be used in situations where the driver is suddenly incapacitated because of a medical emergency, it is activated by pulling the electric parking brake switch. Depending on the driving situation and the vehicle’s surroundings, the Emergency Stop Assistant will bring the vehicle to a standstill either in the current lane, at the edge of the road or on the hard shoulder. At the same time, the hazard warning lights are activated and the Intelligent Emergency Call function automatically notifies the BMW Assist call center so the emergency services can be alerted.

The function of many other assistance systems that make life easier for the driver when maneuvering into parking spaces has been further enhanced. The new BMW X5 is equipped with standard Park Distance Control (PDC), which brings sensors at the front and rear of the vehicle.

The Parking Assistant Plus in the new BMW X5 enables automatic selection and use of parallel parking spaces. These parking spaces are detected by ultrasonic sensors as the vehicle passes them. The Parking Assistant function is activated at the touch of a button on the center console. The system then takes care of the acceleration, braking, steering and gear changes necessary to maneuver into the space.

A further illustration of BMW’s ongoing progress towards automated driving is provided by the Back-up Assistant. This function offers a level of assistance – for leaving a parking space or maneuvering in a confined area – as yet unmatched by other vehicles. The Back-up Assistant takes over steering to maneuver the vehicle mirroring the path most recently used in the forward direction. This system makes reversing for a distance of up to 55 yards a particularly effortless task in the 2019 BMW X5. All the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and brakes and monitor the surrounding area. The system is initiated by pressing a button when the vehicle is stationary and the gear selector is in the “P” position. The steering movements made during the vehicle’s last forward maneuver are stored by the system and retained. This means the Back-up Assistant can be used to maneuver the 2019 BMW X5 backwards out of a parking position that it drove into forwards the previous day.

 

The driver enjoys ideal all-round visibility, thanks to both the rearview camera and the Top View, Panorama View and 3D View functions of Parking Assistant Plus, which create a 360-degree image of the vehicle and its surroundings in the Center Display. In addition, drivers can use the Remote 3D View feature to access a three-dimensional live image of their vehicle and surroundings on a smartphone.

The BMW Live Cockpit Professional in the 2019 BMW X5 combines a new display and control concept and the ultimate in connectivity to create a superb all-round package. The latest-generation of the iDrive comprises a high-resolution digital 12.3” instrument cluster display behind the steering wheel and a 12.3” center display diagonally across. The system offers many hardware upgrades including new haptic controls on the iDrive controller, an advanced tablet-like touch interface, stunning visualizations, and the largest displays in a BMW yet. This latest system perfectly blends the strengths of previous iDrive concepts with the modern ways in which people expect to interface with their popular electronic devices. The multi-modal approach of the iDrive touch controller, large touchscreen center display, cloud based voice control, and gesture control allow users to interact in the way of their choosing.

The seventh incarnation of iDrive, which runs the latest BMW Operating System, has a cutting-edge, fully digital design and is geared even more closely to the driver’s needs by allowing him or her to customize the system to his or her own preference with customizable widgets of information. This new level of personalization is then stored in the BMW cloud and can follow the customer to other BMW vehicles. Various information from categories such as driving, entertainment, navigation, connectivity, and the vehicle info itself, can be selected in nearly any combination in any of four layouts on the Center Display. Multiple pages can be created and easily accessed with a simple swipe across the screen with your finger.

To maximize the capabilities of the large 12.3” digital instrument cluster, the traditional circular gauges have been finessed into an all-new design pushing the speedometer and tachometer gauges to the outer edges of the display as geometric bands. This new design opens space in the middle for routing and navigation. Information from the center display can also be shown within the tachometer. Additionally, your driving mode will determine your visual display style.

Other elements of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional are the Navigation Professional system, a hard-drive-based multimedia system with 20 GB of memory and two USB ports, plus Bluetooth interfaces. The driver can be automatically detected and personal settings activated either using the traditional vehicle key or by downloading the driver’s personal settings the BMW Cloud.

Drivers can enjoy the full benefits of the car’s intelligent connectivity capabilities through vehicle apps such as news, weather, office and online search. Other capabilities include Intelligent Emergency Call – which automatically summons swift assistance in an emergency – and regular updates for the navigation system’s maps.

 

For the first time, a selection of digital services will be bundled together and offered for the new BMW X5 under the guise of the Connected Package Professional. The Connected Package Professional includes Remote Services, Concierge Services, On-street Parking Information, and Real Time Traffic Information and is standard on the all-new X5 for a duration of 4 years. Having this package on the vehicle will allow for easy integration and adaptation of new technology over time. Customers can continue to download various new digital services individually as they become available or renew existing services via the ConnectedDrive Store.

BMW Connected is the companion app for BMW drivers. Intelligent connectivity helps users to reach their destination easily and with minimal stress – and not only when in their car; BMW Connected is an all-embracing concept designed to seamlessly connect the driver and their smart phone with their vehicle.

At the heart of it all is the Open Mobility Cloud, which allows the app to connect the car with the customer’s digital devices. These could include the iPhone and Apple Watch, smart phones and smart watches running the Android operating system, Alexa-compatible smart devices and Google Home. For instance, the BMW Connected app can import appointments and addresses from the customer’s calendar entries straight into the navigation system to begin route guidance. The system calculates the optimum departure time based on real-time traffic information and notifies the driver with a message on their smart phone when it is time to leave. As the vehicle is linked up via the Open Mobility Cloud, it is able to access the calculated route directly when the navigation system starts up.

The Remote Software Upgrade feature keeps the vehicle up to date with the latest software. All updates can be loaded over the air, similar to smart phones. The upgrades can be loaded onto a smart phone via the BMW Connected app when connected to a domestic Wi-Fi network or imported directly via the BMW’s built-in SIM card, which happens automatically for important vehicle upgrades.

The cost for this service was never discussed.

BRUCE HUBBARD

BONNIE LYNCH

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

WHEN WE GET A PRODUCTION MODEL TO TEST FOR A WEEK WE WILL UPDATE THE REVIEW.

		X5 xDr40i	X5 xDr50i
Seats	--	5	5
Number of Doors	--	5	5
Drive type	--	AWD	AWD
Length	inches	194.3	194.3
Width	inches	78.9	78.9
Height	inches	69.0	69.0
Width including mirrors	inches	87.3	87.3
Wheelbase	inches	117.1	117.1
Ground clearance	inches	8.7	8.7
Turning radius	feet	20.7	20.7
Shoulder width front	inches	60.0	60.0
Shoulder room rear	inches	58.1	58.1
Legroom front	inches	39.8	39.8
Legroom rear	inches	37.4	37.4
Headroom front	inches	40.8	40.8
Headroom rear	inches	38.7	38.7
Trunk volume (SAE)	ft³	31.7	31.7
Fuel Tank capacity	gallons	21.9	21.9
Curb weight	lbs.	4,813	5,17
Gross vehicle weight	lbs.	6,162	6,46
Payload	lbs.	849	871
Tow capacity, 12% braked	lbs.	6,603	6,603
Tow capacity with factory hitch	lbs.	7,209	7,209
Engine type		B58B30M1	N63B44M3
		X5 xDr40i	X5 xDr50i
Cylinders	--	6	8
Valves per cylinder	--	4	4
Stroke	mm	94.6	88.3
Bore	mm	82.0	89.0
Displacement	cm³	2,998	4,395
Compression rate	:1	11	10.5
Engine power	hp	335	456
at rpm	1/min	5,500 - 6,500	5,250 - 6,000
Engine torque	ft. lbs.	330	479
at rpm	1/min	1,500-5,200	1,500-4,750
Fuel type	--	gasoline	gasoline
Recommended Fuel	--	AKI 93	AKI 93
Engine oil capacity	quarts	6.5	10.5
Output per liter	hp/liter	110.0	109.0
Transmission type	--	8HP	8HP
Transmission type	--	automatic	automatic
Gear ratios 1st gear	--	5.25	5.00
2nd	--	3.36	3.52
3rd	--	2.17	2.20
4th	--	1.72	1.72
5th	--	1.32	1.32
6th	--	1.00	1.00
7th	--	0.82	0.82
8th	--	0.64	0.64
Reverse gear	--	-3.71	-3.99
Final drive ratio	--	3.39	3.15
Power-steering type	--	EPS	EPS
Steering ratio	:1	18.7	18.7
Tires 19” standard front & rear	--	265/50R19 110H XL	265/50R19 110H XL
Wheels 19” standard front & rear	inches	9.0J x 19 LM	9.0J x 19 LM
Tires 20” optional front & rear		275/45R20 110H XL	275/45R20 110H XL
Wheels 20” optional front & rear	inches	9.0J x 20 LM	9.0J x 20LM
Tires 21” optional front		275/40R21 107Y XL	275/40R21 107Y XL
Tires 21” optional rear		315/35R21 111Y XL	315/35R21 111Y XL
Wheels 21” optional front & rear	inches	9.5J x 21 / 10.5J x 21	9.5J x 21 / 10.5J x 21
Tires 22” optional front		275/35R22 104Y XL	275/35R22 104Y XL
Tires 22” optional rear		315/30R22 107Y XL	315/30R22 107Y XL
Wheels 22” optional front & rear		9.5J x 22 / 10.5J x 22	22 / 10.5J x 22
Track, front	inches	66.1	66.1
Rear, track	inches	66.9	66.9
Cx	--	0.36	0.38
		X5 xDr40i	X5 xDr50i
0-60 mph	seconds	5.3	4.6
Top speed (optional)	mph	130 (150)	130 (155)
EPA Fuel Economy, city / hwy	mpg	TBD	TBD

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