BMW has launched its third-generation X5 SUV in India at Rs 70.9 lakh (ex-showroom, India). It is powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine good for 255bhp and 57.1kgm of torque.
The new SUV gets a host of cosmetic updates on the outside and in. Up front, the grille has grown in size and the headlights are bigger as well. On the inside, although the new dash is an improvement over the older car, it is still quite similar to those in other Bimmers. There are un-lacquered wood strips across the face of the dash, the door pads and around the gearlever. A 10.5-inch iDrive screen takes pride of place on the dash and the higher resolution provides a crystal clear reversing camera display. The seats are based on the 7-series sedan's and the carmaker claims they help reduce vibrations in the cabin.
The new BMW X5 will be locally assembled in India. Kit like air suspension, self-levelling rear suspension and electronic damper control will come standard. Additionally, it will get a Harman Kardon sound system, four-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control with braking function.
This third-generation BMW X5 is 29mm longer and 5mm wider than its predecessor. Also, it is 5kg lighter than the previous model owing to the adoption of lightweighting techniques.
In May, BMW dealers had started accepting bookings for the new X5 for an amount of Rs 5 lakh. As of now, the deliveries are expected to begin by the first or second week of June.
The carmaker has also confirmed that its i8 plug-in hybrid sportscar will arrive in our showrooms by the end of the year, along with the 2014 Mini.
Read our new BMW X5 SUV India review