New BMW X5 launched in India at Rs 70.9 lakh

BMW has launched its new for 2014 X5 in India at Rs 70.9 lakh ex-showroom in Pune. The SUV which will compete against the likes of the Mercedes ML-Class can seat seven and only comes with one diesel engine option mated to an automatic gearbox. The new X5 joins BMW's range of SUVs comprising of the X1, the X3 and the X6.

BMW has had the X5 in its Indian line-up for years but with this new update it promises to move the game to a new level. Besides fresh styling on the outside, the new X5 has also been thoroughly revised on the inside and under the skin. It gets the latest generation iDrive system which can be used to access the various car's systems from the trip computer, to the stereo, to Bluetooth telephony and the reversing camera. It also gets a 4-zone climate control system, front seats and steering with electric adjust and a plethora of safety features as well.

Moreover, BMW has introduced what it calls the Design Pure Experience package on the new X5. The German car maker says this new package gives the new X5 the perfect blend of sportiness, looks and adventure. Included in this package on the outside is the brushed steel highlight at the front, side and rear of the SUV, new air inlet design, and the tail pipe and the grille which are finished in matte silver. Inside, it gets a luxurious blend of wood, metal and leather, ambient lighting and a new scribble pad of sorts as part of the iDrive controller.

As we mentioned, the X5 only comes with one engine option. It is a 3-litre inline six cylinder diesel engine mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The engine develops 258PS of max power and an equally healthy peak torque of 560Nm. The automatic 'box, meanwhile, is one of the best in its class and the engine scores high on refinement as well. The engine powers all four wheels to give the X5 better traction in slippery conditions. The new xDrive system is a sensor based system that can send up to 100 per cent of the torque to either the front or the rear axle for better road holding in the most demanding conditions. As far as performance is concerned, the new BMW X5 can compete the 0-100kmph run in. 6.9 seconds and is limited to a top speed of 250kmph.

The X5 also gets three different driving modes - Comfort, Sport, Sport+ - to improve the driver experience further. Moreover, because the new X5 is also lighter than before, handling as well as fuel economy has improved over the previous model. BMW's official fuel efficiency claim for the new X5 under test controls is 15.3kmpl.

For more details on the new X5 and how it drives and performs, read our 2014 BMW X5 India review here.