New BMW X5 launched in India at Rs 72.90 lakhs

- The fourth generation BMW X5 is bigger and better equipped than the model it replaces.

- It gets new and updated infotainment system along with a newly designed gear lever.

- Available with one diesel engine option for now with a petrol motor set to arrive at a later date.

BMW India has launched the new-generation X5 in the country at a price of Rs 72.9 lakhs for the Sport variant, while the xDrive 30d xLine trim costs Rs 82.40 lakhs (ex-showroom India). Codenamed G05, the new X5 has grown in size and comes with new and added equipment compared to the outgoing model. However, at the moment, there’s only a diesel engine on offer across two trim levels - Sport and xLine.

Based on the new CLAR platform, the SUV is now longer by 36mm measuring 4,922mm in length, width is up by 66mm to 2,004 mm and height by 19mm to 1,745mm. The wheelbase has been extended by 42mm to 2,975mm. Styling wise, BMW’s iconic Kidney grille on the new X5 is larger than before, lending it an imposing character. The sleek LED headlamps are newly designed and have the BMW Laser light with adaptive LED signature. The front bumper gets large air vents surrounded by black inserts. The taillights are sleek and have a 3D lighting signature.

On the inside, the cabin has been furnished along the lines of all new generation BMWs. There’s a 12.3-inch floating infotainment touchscreen, horizontal centre console and now a fully-digital instrument cluster called the BMW Live Cockpit Professional display. The updated iDrive now supports a customisable display, touchscreen panel and gesture/voice commands. The cabin comes with standard leather upholstery, multifunction seats, four-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, dynamic ambient lighting, passenger screens and wireless charging. The X5 also debuts the newly designed gear-selector lever.

Under the hood, the new-gen X5 is only available with a diesel engine at the moment, which will later be joined by a petrol motor as well. The xDrive30d has the same old 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six diesel producing 261.5bhp and 620Nm, but now this motor is compliant with the BS-VI emission norms. The X5 xDrive40i will be introduced with a 335bhp/450Nm of peak torque. The eight-speed Steptronic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive come as standard.

The new-gen BMW X5 continues to lock horns with the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 besides the Range Rover Velar.