2014 BMW X5 unveiled

The new X5 has just been unveiled and we have to say, it's a significantly changed vehicle. Visually it looks nothing like the old X5. The massive kidney grille dominates the front end along with those imposing new air dams on either side of the bumper that have some, er, interesting design elements attached. The fog light position has been reworked and BMW has added new wraparound headlamps with their trademark corona rings. The side profile looks quite imposing with a strong shoulder line that adds to the visual appeal. The car still retains the trademark X5 characteristics like short overhangs, long wheelbase and upright A-pillars. The rear too has been completely reworked and gets a new set of tail lights that look similar to those that are used on the X1.

The designers at BMW worked extensively to make the new X5 as light and aerodynamically efficient as possible. Thanks to the extensive use of high tensile steel, aluminium, magnesium and thermoplastics, the X5 weighs in at roughly around two tonnes (xDrive30d). The X5 is also the first car to feature new tech such as Aero curtains and Air breathers to reduce disturbances that occur as air passes over the wheels. It also features Air Blades, which smoothen air flow around the car.

The X5 gets Dynamic Driving Control as standard that helps switch between a variety of suspension settings suited for everything from a comfortable ride to fast, sporty driving. Other driving assistance features like Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control and an Automatic Differential Brake, Brake Assist, Brake Standby, Hill-Start Assistant, Brake Fade compensation, Brake Drying and Hill Descent Control (on xDrive versions) are also standard.

Only three variants will be made available initially – the xDrive30d, M50d and XDrive50i, on sale in the UK around November 2013.  The new X5 will also get a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine and two-wheel drive option in the entry-level sDrive25d variant, followed by the xDrive25d and the xDrive40d. No details were available about the launch of these variants.

Here are the provisional prices on-road UK