Get A Load Of The Huge Kidney Grilles On The New BMW X5

BMW has revealed an all-new version of the X5, and it's not what you'd call subtle
Get A Load Of The Huge Kidney Grilles On The New BMW X5

There’s a new boy in the BMW stable to take the fight to the Mercedes GLE, Audi Q7 and Jaguar F-Pace. It’s the latest version of the X5, and to address the two very large elephants in the room, yes - those kidney grilles are flippin’ huge.

It’s a styling direction we’ve seen BMW heading towards for a while with its SUVs - previewed by cars like the X7 concept - and the result is a front end that’s as subtle as a Zack Snyder DC universe film. We look forward to seeing those huge gnashers ‘downsized’ via Photoshop.

Get A Load Of The Huge Kidney Grilles On The New BMW X5

So, with that dealt with, what else is new? For one thing, the platform - it uses parts of BMW’s CLAR (cluster architecture) system, which means it has quite a bit in common with the 5-series and 7-series. And that’s a very good thing.

It’s slightly wider and longer than the old one (although the overhangs are shorter), and under the skin, you’ll find a double wishbone front/five-link rear suspension setup. If you’re the rare sort of SUV buyer who actually wants to tackle the rough stuff, there’s an Off-Road Package which comes with a tweaked xDrive all-wheel drive system and gearbox, air suspension, underbody protection and an “off-road specific differential lock.”

Get A Load Of The Huge Kidney Grilles On The New BMW X5

Air suspension is available as an option on its own, allowing the ride height to be varied by up to 80mm. Also on the menu is an all-wheel steer system called Integral Active Steering, plus clever electronically-controlled anti-roll bars.

On the engine front, you’ll initially have a choice of three inline-sixes: two diesels, and one petrol. The xDrive30d oil burner produces a useful 261bhp and 457lb ft of torque, or if you’d prefer, there’s the M50d with 395bhp and a thumping 531lb ft. The sole petrol option at launch will be the xDrive 40i, making 335bhp and 369lb ft of twist.

Get A Load Of The Huge Kidney Grilles On The New BMW X5

On the inside, you’ll find BMW’s new ‘Live Cockpit Professional’ display, which integrates the class-leading iDrive system into a digital instrument cluster that replaces the dials. It’s fitted as standard, along with a 12.3-inch central display. It can be operated either by touch, gesture control, voice control or the usual rotary controller that sits by the gear selector.

Does this look like the big, imposing SUV for you? It’ll arrive in the UK later this year, with prices starting at £56,710. Expect a shouty M5-engined X5M to follow.

Comments

Freddie Skeates

Saw a picture of this on Twitter and I just glossed over it because I thought it was an X3. BMW is the new Audi

06/06/2018 - 09:02 |
26 | 0

Yeah, they all look pretty much the same, can’t say which is which. That’s why german cars died to me like 9 years ago.

06/06/2018 - 10:23 |
12 | 0
Anonymous

Its to big for me

06/06/2018 - 09:03 |
6 | 0
ESR69

“kidney’s”….
looks more like a “pig nose” to me

06/06/2018 - 09:04 |
20 | 0
lukalukic1

Even X5 looks huge and then there is X6

06/06/2018 - 09:09 |
0 | 0

The x6 is technically smaller. The x7 is bigger.

06/06/2018 - 13:47 |
4 | 0
5:19.55

Are memes the new black?

06/06/2018 - 09:14 |
0 | 0

Huge grilles are the new black!

06/07/2018 - 19:13 |
0 | 0
Anonymous
06/06/2018 - 09:16 |
132 | 2
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Ewwwww

06/07/2018 - 22:35 |
4 | 8
Noah Thorley Images

While everyone is amazed buy the kidney grilles, I;m amazed that it’s Off Road

06/06/2018 - 09:18 |
0 | 0

Well let’s say it’s an offroad car to BMW but I strongly doubt it will show any decent results compared to a Range Rover xD

06/06/2018 - 10:25 |
0 | 0
Cweagle7712

Note to BMW: the smaller kidney grilles you had on previous models were PERFECTLY FINE!

06/06/2018 - 09:20 |
14 | 0
Elliot James

The front looks waaaaay to much like an X3

06/06/2018 - 09:33 |
2 | 0
Anonymous
06/06/2018 - 10:03 |
20 | 2

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