All-New BMW X5: Worth it just for the cupholders

New Launches 

Luxury SUVs. They look good, can go anywhere, pack a powerful punch, and are crammed full of technology designed to make your life easier and the neighbours jealous. Everyone wants one but there are so many to choose from.

Where should you start?

How about the new BMW X5? This is the fourth generation of BMW's market-leading SUV and it went on sale in June so if you're looking at your next lease this could be the perfect time to grab a deal.

The latest X5 retains the hallmark features of the BMW range, but the simplified design with clean lines providing elegant poise and muscular authority is all new.

The new BMW X5 is also longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor so the imposing looks now come with a bit more interior space for passengers and luggage.





The xLine model adds kidney grille bars in aluminium matt, roof rails and side window surrounds in satin Aluminium, plus other accents in Pearl-effect Chrome.

M Sport specification sees the wheel arch trim, bumper trim, rear underguard and side skirts painted in body colour, plus extra-large air intakes at the front end, aluminium matt kidney grille bars. The roof rails, side window surrounds and other trim elements in high-gloss black highlight the dynamic appeal of the new BMW X5.

Under the bonnet you'll be offered a choice of two diesel or one petrol engine. The 3.0-litre petrol engine in the xDrive40i uses a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct petrol injection technology to generate a maximum output of 340hp without hammering the fuel consumption too badly. The new BMW X5 xDrive40i can sprint to 62mph in just 5.5 seconds with fuel consumption averaging 33.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 193g/km.

The new BMW X5 xDrive30d features a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine featuring a single turbocharger with variable inlet geometry. Maximum output is a mere 265hp but it is still capable of reaching the 62mph mark from rest in 6.5 seconds. The deciding factor is likely to be the reasonably low fuel consumption of just 47mpg and CO2 emissions of 158g/km. This will most probably be the popular choice amongst business users as it offers the same level of luxury with much lower running costs.





If running costs aren't something you particularly care about then opt for the M50d model. It features the same 3.0-litre diesel as the 30d but this one has been fitted with a clever multi-stage turbo-charging system that boosts maximum power to a healthy 400hp. Your fuel consumption will drop down to around 41mpg and emissions hit 179g/km but in return you get a 0-62mph time of 5.2 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph. Seems like a fair trade if you ask us.

New interior features on the BMW X5 include a four-zone air conditioning system and a panoramic glass roof that provides LED light spread evenly across the glass surface to illuminate more than 15,000 graphic patterns and generate a display reminiscent of a starlit sky. The new BMW X5 can also be specified with thermo-cupholders foremost in the centre console which can be kept cool or warm.

To be perfectly honest, any car that features cup holders that can maintain the temperature of your drink shouldn't need any other selling points. The fact that the new BMW is also brilliant is just the icing on the cake.

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