The one that started it all. The BMW X5 is the pioneer in the Sports Activity Vehicle segment. It spawned an entire family of BMW vehicles – the X1, X3 and X6. For 2014, BMW has completely re-done the patriarch of the X vehicles.
The new X5 blends a stylish modern interior with comfort and cutting edge cabin tech. Further, BMW managed to update the X5 while shedding weight and even increasing fuel economy. For the first time, BMW offers a rear-wheel drive variant.
BMW pioneered the Sports Activity Vehicle segment in 2000 with the introduction of the E53 X5 which lived from 2000-2006. The second generation X5, E70, lived from 2007-20013.. Though recognizable as X5 the entire vehicle is new from the ground up.
BMW launched the petrol engines first in the U.S. followed by the X5 xDrive35d which started availability this January. Interestingly, the X5 diesel is only $1500 more than the inline 3.0 liter 255 hp but has a whopping 413 torque way down low at 1500 rpm, though you do get a slight weight penalty at 4930 lbs vs 4790 for the xDrive35i.
MSRP starts at $52,800 for the X5 sDrive35i, $55,100 for the X5 xDrive35i, $56,600 for the X5 xDrive35d and $68,200 for the X5 xDrive50i.
For a comprehensive test drive from Andrew, one of our staff writers, click here.
