Modern Autohaus brags with BMW X5

BMW Modern Autohaus Polokwane had its own launch of the all new BMW X5 at their showroom last Thursday. To add to the magic of this launch a Johannesburg based magician, Stan Sussman had a few tricks up his sleeve, entertaining guests for the evening.

The new BMW X5 is remarkably larger than its predecessor, yet the distinctive lines and shape of the new X5 remain intact.

The engineers also succeeded to subtly create a larger X5 than the old one and it can only be noticed when the new and old siblings are parked next to each other. The front of the new X5 looks more aggressive with the kidney grille now more upright.

The new front wheel-arch gills according to BMW reduce drag by curtaining air above the front tyres before exiting through the side panels.

Inside the cabin is where the most noticeable changes have taken place, the new X5 is more sophisticated, hi-tech and colourful. Inside is a new three-colour ambient lighting system, the instrument cluster gets a partial colour readout just as in the luxurious BMW 7 series and an improved console mounted Idrive controller which features an optional touch-pad is just a few of the new hi-tech gismos in the new X5.

BMW claims since the launch of its X5, this third generation Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) again surpassed its own benchmarks with outstanding luxury and unparalleled comfort in every regard and never failed to exceed expectations.

BMW engineers further updated the chassis with handling enhancers which include air-suspension, dynamic traction control (DTC), cornering brake control (CBC), dynamic brake control (DBC) and automatic differential brake (ADB-X). All these enhancements make the new BMW X5 handle more light weight than it really is as it weighs in over more than two tons.

BMW South Africa will launch the 35i and 40d models in April this year.

Here are the new X5 models, the prices, as well as the performance levels of its engines:

• X5 35i – R787 000, 225kW at 5 800 to 6 000rpm and 400Nm at 1 200 to 5 000rpm.

• X5 30d – R802 500, 190kW at 4 000rpm and 560Nm at 1 500 to 3 000rpm.

• X5 40d – R910 500, 230kW at 4 400 and 630Nm at 1 500 to 2 500rpm.

• X5 50i – R1 004 000, 330kW at 5 500 to 6 000 and 650Nm at 2 000 to 4 500rpm.

• X5 M50d – R1,060 000, 280kW at 4 000 to 4 400rpm and 740Nm at 2 000 to 3 000rpm.

The new BMW X5 can now be viewed at BMW Modern Autohaus, situated in 12 Iran Avenue on the N1 South road. Contact them at (015) 299 8500. BMW Modern Autohaus operates from Monday to Friday from 07:30 until 17:00 and on Saturdays from 08:30 until 12:30.