The 2014 X5 features updated, more fuel-efficient engines and new models. Photo courtesy BMW.

The 2014 X5 features updated, more fuel-efficient engines and new models. Photo courtesy BMW.

BMW has introduced its all-new third-generation X5 Sports Activity Vehicle for the 2014 model-year. The all-new X5 will feature a new rear-wheel drive model in its lineup, the X5 sDrive35i, and an updated diesel model, the X5 xDrive35d. The vehicle features completely new exterior and interior design, three exterior option packages, Luxury Line, xLine, and M Sport and two interior design packages, including Ivory White and Mocha.

Performance

The new 2014 X5 models will feature a range of powertrains. The X5 xDrive35i comes equipped with BMW’s 3.0L TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine. The x5 xDrive50i comes with a 4.4L TwinPower Turbo V-8, which BMW upgraded from the previous version of the engine. The automaker said the latest version of this engine can provide 445 hp between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm, an increase of 45 hp, and 480 lb. ft. of torque, which is a 30 lb. ft. increase. The automaker said the vehicle’s lighter weight and the addition of Valvetronic technology means the X5 model equipped with this engine will be more fuel-efficient than its predecessor. Both of these models are set to arrive during Q4 2013.

The next-generation diesel model, the X-5 xDrive35d, comes with a new 3.0L TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder diesel engine. This engine can produce 255 hp and has a maximum torque rating of 413 lb. ft. The automaker expects this engine to be more fuel-efficient than its predecessor as well. For emissions reduction, the vehicle uses a close-coupled NOX adsorber catalyst and an SCR catalyst with urea (AdBlue) injection.

All 2014 X5 model powertrains are matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 2014 BMW X5 features a number of selectable driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Eco Pro. On models with the Dynamic Handling Package, active roll stabilization and Dynamic Performance Control are adjustable.

For 2014, the Eco Pro mode features a coasting mode that decouples the engine from the powertrain temporarily, allowing the vehicle to coast without engine braking. Also, when used with the standard navigation system, a driver can select Eco Pro routes. Next, the Proactive Driving Assistant feature tells the driver when to ease off the accelerator when approaching corners or road sections with lower speed limits to reduce fuel use.

Other features on the vehicle designed to save fuel include regenerative braking, auto start/stop, electric power steering, on-demand operation of ancillary systems, and the use of lighter materials, from ultra-high-tensile steels in the body structure and thermoplastics in the front fenders to aluminum in the hood and magnesium in the instrument panel.

Exterior

The third-generation X5 features a short front overhang, a long wheelbase, upright A-pillars, BMW’s signature kidney grille, dual round headlights and front fog lamps, and X-shaped bumper contour lines. The rear lights are L-shaped and feature three-dimensional LED light strips. The 2014 BMW X5 is also the brand’s first model to feature air-channeling elements the automaker calls “Aero Blades.” They are contiguous with the vehicle’s roof and are designed to optimize the SUV’s aerodynamics.

Another aerodynamic feature on the X5 are BMW’s “Air Curtains.” They make their debut on an X model on the X5. Air Curtains are vertical apertures designed to channel air around the vehicle’s wheel arches, moving the air over the wheels and through “Air Breathers” in the side of the front fenders.

The 2014 X5 offers a choice of 11 exterior colors, with new options including Sparkling Brown Metallic and Mineral White Metallic. Black roof rails are standard.

The top section of the rear tailgate can open and close via button or remote control now. Photo courtesy BMW.

The top section of the rear tailgate can open and close via button or remote control now. Photo courtesy BMW.

Interior

Inside the 2014 BMW X5, the automaker said it selected materials designed to enhance the vehicle’s interior ambience. Poplar Wood Trim is standard and it sits on top of a high-gloss black surface bordered by a Pearl Gloss Chrome accent strip. Dakota leather is the standard seating surface material on the X5 iDrive50i model and is optional on the six-cylinder models in the lineup. A customer can specify Nappa leather in the Interior Design Packages for the vehicle. A total of eight upholstery color choices are available.

The 2014 X5 can seat seven. It features new driver and front passenger seat designs, with multi-contour seats standard on the X5 xDrive50i and sport seats optional on six-cylinder models. Comfort seats are available in the X5 for the rear seats. They feature bespoke upholstery and backrest adjustment through 10 degrees and 3.1 inches (80 mm) of fore/aft adjustment. A customer can specify the comfort seats as a standalone option or include them with the optional third row of seats.

The second-row seat features a folding backrest that can split 40:20:40, increasing load capacity from 23 cut. ft. to 66 cu. ft. This is a 7% increase in volume over the previous generation X5, according to BMW. The optional third seating row is accessible via an Easy Entry function and a grip plate by the C-pillar. The can be lowered separately into the load compartment floor. They feature inertia-reel seatbelts. For storage, door pockets can fit a 1.5-liter bottle up front and 1-liter bottles in the rear.

For the tailgate, the 2014 X5 features a split, two-section design. The lower tailgate section can fold down horizontally so it’s level with the load floor. Power operation for the upper tailgate section is now standard. Also, the tailgate can be closed and opened via remote control or with a button up front.

Inside, BMW offers updated interior materials and a range of interior package choices. Photo courtesy BMW.

Inside, BMW offers updated interior materials and a range of interior package choices. Photo courtesy BMW.

Safety

To improve handling and make the vehicle able to adapt to a range of road conditions, BMW offers a number of suspension packages that cater to different driving styles. The automaker offers the Dynamic Handling Package, which adjusts the active roll stabilization system’s characteristics. Next, the Dynamic Handling Package combines a number of handling components that include Dynamic Damper Control, automatic rear self-leveling suspension, Dynamic Performance Control, and Active Roll Stabilization. The Dynamic Damper Control and automatic rear self-leveling suspension option helps adapt the vehicle’s damping characteristics to different road conditions.

The vehicle’s Dynamic Stability Control system incorporates a range of features, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control and the Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X). Other features in the system include Brake Assist, the Brake Standby feature, Start-Off Assistant, Fade Compensation, the Brake Drying function, trailer stability control and Hill Descent Control.

Another available safety package is Active Driving Assistant. It includes Lane Departure Warning, which alerts the driver when the vehicle drifts into another lane and a pedestrian and collision warning system. At speeds up to 37 mph, this system will apply the brakes in addition to alerting the driver to the potential collision.

Another system is ACC Stop & Go, which allows the vehicle to maintain a safe following distance at any speed up to 310 mph. The vehicle uses a front camera and full-range radar sensors to detect traffic up ahead or stationary vehicles. ACC Stop & Go and Active Driving Assistant can automatically brake the vehicle if necessary. Also, a new function, the Traffic Jam Assistant, will be incorporated into the Active Diving Assistant + ACC Stop & Go package starting in Dec. 2013. It keeps the vehicle in the center of the lane it’s in and controls following distance.

BMW Assist eCall is a standard and includes a 10-year subscription. It features Automatic Collision Notification, with automatic vehicle location and BMW’s Urgency Algorithm, which relays key information about a crash to a call center.

Another new feature on the 2014 X5 is the BMW Parking Assistant, which the automaker said helps the driver locate a parallel parking space and maneuver the vehicle into it. This system not only steers but also operates the accelerator, brake pedal, and selects the right gear in order to park. This feature is slated to become available for the 2014 X5 in December 2013.

Also for safe maneuvering, a rear-view camera is standard on the X5 xDrive50i and a Surround View system provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle. The Panorama View front and rear monitoring functions provide a view of cross-traffic.

Next, another feature in the BMW X5 is the Speed Limit Info system, which shows area speed limits and other driving rules (for example restrictions on passing vehicles) for a given road. An Active Blind Spot Detection system is optional.

For nighttime driving safety, adaptive xenon headlights with turning lights are standard, but adaptive LED headlights with automatic adjusting high beams are available. Also, the BMW Night Vision system is an option. It warns the driver if there is a pedestrian or animal in the road and shows a real-time video image and a warning if there is a risk of a collision.

Other Features

Beyond standard features, BMW offers a range of exterior, interior, and functional options.

To start, BMW offers its Assist Convenience Plan, which features Concierge Services that a vehicle occupant can use, via the ConnectedDrive system. The plan also includes “critical calling,” which allows the driver to get help placing a call if a cellular signal is not available. Another feature is dictation, which translates spoken words into text messages that can be forward as an SMS or email message. Advanced Real Time Traffic Information is a standard feature.

BMW offers its ConnectedDrive system as an option. It features ConnectedDrive Office functions, which can show emails, appointments, contact lists, calendar entries, and notes on the control display. Also, a hands-free system with USB port is standard.

BMW Apps is standard on the new X5, which can connect the vehicle’s infotainment system to an iPhone. Vehicle-compatible apps are available via the iTunes App Store.

For the optional styling packages available for the vehicle, the xLine features brushed stainless steel underbody protection elements, new air intake bar designs in matte silver, and a rear trim strip, also in matte silver. The xLine also features exterior mirror bases, B-pillar and C-pillar trim in high-gloss black, and Satin aluminum line exterior trim for the side windows. Roof rails in Satin Aluminum or high-gloss finish are available with this package, and a sport steering wheel, aluminum running boards, and 19-inch Orbit Grey Wheels are included as well. 20-inch Y-spoke wheels with mixed-sized performance tires are available as an upgrade, according to BMW.

The Luxury Line features underbody protection elements and wheel arch surrounds in the vehicle’s body color, black kidney grille bars with high-gloss chrome fronts, T-shaped bars for the outer air intakes and louvers for the lower aperture, plus a chrome trim strip for the rear apron and Chrome Line Exterior adornments for the side windows. The exterior mirror bases, B-pillars, and C-pillars feature high-gloss black trim. Roof rails come in a choice of Satin Aluminum or high-gloss finish. A sport steering wheel and 19-inch V-spoke wheels are included, too. 20-inch Y-spoke wheels with mixed-sized performance tires are available as an upgrade, as with the xLine package.

The M Sport package features an M-aerodynamic body kit, Shadowline trim, high-gloss roof rails and 19-inch M-Double Spoke light alloy wheels. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are an upgrade. The interior includes an 8-speed sport automatic transmission with shift-paddles, M-sport steering wheel, anthracite headliner, M foot rest and door sills, Aluminum Hexagonal trim and sport seats. Multi-contour seats are an alternative option. Lastly, an M Adaptive Suspension system is available as an upgrade.

For the two interior packages, the Ivory White Interior Design Package features Ivory White Nappa Leather upholstery, Atlas Grey Leather on the dashboard, and Fineline Oak Wood Trim. The Mocha Interior Design Package features Mocha Nappa Leather upholstery, Black Nappa leather on the dashboard, and Fineline Pure Wood Trim.

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