The Boss is back: BMW launches all-new X5

MANILA, Philippines - The usual quiet midsummer weekday night at the Manila Polo Club was lively with a lights and sounds show that marked the arrival of BMW Philippines’s latest offering. Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, officially launched the 3rd-generation of the world’s most successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)—the one that started it all—the all-new 2014 BMW X5. Entering the latest chapter in its successful history, the all-new X5 is set to raise the benchmark in terms of design, interior spaciousness, luxury, versatility, driving dynamics, efficiency, and innovative equipment features.

“This year, the Boss of all SAVs is back to assert BMW’s superiority when it comes to executing unmatched joy, whether you’re on or off the road. The all-new BMW X5 is an all-around package designed to meet even the most exacting and varied demands,” said Maricar Parco, ACC President. “The reintroduction of the BMW X5 to the Philippine market further showcases our commitment to continue innovations to provide the sheer driving pleasure that is unmistakably BMW. It is for this very reason that BMW remains number one in the segment not only in the Philippines, but in the world as well.”

The all-new X5 carries the signature BMW design that gives it undeniable presence and distinctiveness. The overall proportions of the X5 are defined by a short overhang, long wheelbase, upright A-pillars, and the short distance between the front axle and instrument panel.

The 2014 X5 features a muscular interpretation of the BMW kidney grille set within the triangle of the twin circular headlights with standard xenon lighting and front LED fog lamps. The X5’s X-shaped bumper contour also marks it as an integral member of the BMW X family while the front aprons with side air intakes positioned far to its outer edges draw attention to the vehicle’s wide track and planted stance.

Innovative drag-reducing Air Curtains make their debut on the X5. These vertical apertures guide inflowing air around the wheel arches creating a curtain of air over the wheels before making a controlled escape through Air Breathers in the side panels.

Continuing the legacy of the BMW X5 as a benchmark of opulence, the interior is elegant and cavernous. For 2014, BMW is offering the X5 with third-row jump seats which are now more easily accessible via the Easy Entry function and a grip plate on the C-pillar. These seats fold down into the floor in a 50-50 split and can accommodate passengers up to 1.50-meters in height. Meanwhile, the second row seats fold down in a 40-20-40 split. The X5 boasts of a luggage capacity maxing out at 1,870 liters.

At the front, the horizontal structure creates an impressive amount of space while the interplay of surfaces generates vibrant contrasts. The ambient lighting included with the lighting package illuminates the interior in one of three colors (Blue, White, Orange), all customizable in the iDrive system. The new iDrive system features a 10.2-inch control display and a 20GB hard drive memory to store media files.

The high seating position creates a commanding view of the road ahead while the standard BMW Navigation system ensures a smoother, worry-free journey. For weekend warriors, the all-new X5 has a split two-section tailgate. The lower element can be folded down to form a single level with the load surface while the upper section has an automatic operation function.

Enhancements to the BMW X5 continue under the hood with a combination of power and efficiency with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The inline-6 engine in the X5 xDrive30d produces a peak 258hp at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 560Nm at 1,500-3,000 rpm. This means the X5 can rocket from 0-100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 230 km/h. And yet, with this engine, the X5 can return up to 16.12 km/L thanks to a close-ratio eight-speed automatic transmission.

Aside from the standard model, the new X5 is available in two distinct individualization packages called Design Pure Experience and Design Pure Excellence. These two packages are offered as an alternative features astute levels of personalization. Design Pure Experience has underbody protection elements in brushed stainless steel, newly designed air intake bars, and a rear trim strip finished in matte silver. The exterior mirror bases, B- and C-pillar are finished in high-gloss black while the tailpipe finishers have a matte chrome finish. Inside, it uses a dark color scheme.

Meanwhile, Design Pure Excellence offer painted underbody protection elements and wheel arch surrounds. The kidney grille features high-gloss chrome fronts and T-shaped bars for the outer air intakes and louvers with a chrome strip for the rear apron. The exterior mirror bases, B- and C-pillars are also finished in high-gloss black. Inside, the color scheme is much brighter. Both individualization packages come with Driving Experience control.

“The third generation of the iconic BMW X5 features the marriage between the ruggedness and functionality of an SUV, and the dynamism and luxuriousness of a typical BMW vehicle,” said Glen Dasig, ACC Executive Director for Sales and Marketing. “The all-new BMW X5 showcases the most premium comfort for both driver and passenger, with an interior finish made of the highest quality materials, an exclusive and relaxing ambiance and other innovative comfort-enhancing functions. The vehicle also exudes an even more commanding road presence with sharper body lines, a wider rear and an overall more muscular design, turning heads and catching eyes wherever it goes.”

The all-new BMW X5 xDrive30d is now available for P6,490,000 while the Design Pure Experience and Design Pure Excellence are both priced at P6,990,000.