The second-generation of BMW's X5 off-roader has been unveiled, revealing a car that looks like a mild evolution of the original from a styling perspective.
Despite controversial and often challenging designs in recent times, the new X5 treads a safe path with a slightly smoother, more flowing appearance of the sporty light-duty four-wheel-drive that reset the benchmark luxury off-roaders.
But closer inspection of the all-new X5 - which is due in Australian dealerships in April 2007 - reveals a bigger body capable of seating seven.
The new X5 is 187mm longer and 61mm wider than the model it replaces.
And, as petrol prices continue to surge, BMW's latest off-roader could even be slightly heavier, although BMW is being coy about the overall mass, simply stating the new X5's weight will be "almost unchanged" compared with the old model (which weighed as much as 2.2 tonnes) thanks to the increased use of lightweight materials.
The overall design is dominated by the BMW gills up front, while more pronounced creases down each side and on the bonnet create a more modern appearance.
More shapely headlights are also part of the update, although the overall proportions and design flavour of the original X5 is retained.
The flagship of the new X5 line-up for now will be the 4.8i, with 261kW and 475Nm from its 4.8-litre V8. It can reach 100km/h in a sprightly 6.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 240km/h.
Despite the bigger body and output of the engine, BMW is also claiming fuel economy has been reduced by five per cent.
Volume-selling models will include a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel six-cylinder (170kW, 520Nm) and a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine (200kW, 315Nm). Each has more power and better fuel economy than the models they replace.
However, BMW claims it's a new transmission that shifts with "unparalleled precision and efficiency".
The gear selector is also new, bringing with it more than a hint of computer game joystick to its design.
Boasting an electronic (rather than mechanical) link to the gearbox, the new selector returns to the same central location after use and features a park brake button on the to
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