THE BMW X5 ARGUABLY created the large luxury SUV market in Australia and has remained hugely popular with well-heeled customers.
Now, BMW has announced it will expand its X model line-up with new engine variants and, importantly for those of you who want to hitch up a caravan and see Australia in comfort, also a new factory-fitted tow bar hitch option for BMW X5 and X7.
The BMW X5 has been bolstered with the addition of three new engine variants, beginning with a new entry model, the xDrive25d.
The xDrive25d includes a high level of specification and features a four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo diesel engine that develops 170kW of power and 450Nm of torque. This is driven through an eight-speed Sport Steptronic transmission. Irrelevantly, the xDrive25d gets from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
A hybrid X5
The xDrive45e model is the first hybrid variant available for the new generation BMW X5. It gets a six-cylinder petrol engine, replacing the four-cylinder power unit of the previous generation X5 xDrive40e. It combines this with a powerful electric motor for an impressive combined total output of 290kW. This helps the xDrive45e accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds. The hybrid battery also benefits from vast improvements, aiding in considerable gains to performance, fuel efficiency and driving range.
The X5 flagship, the M50i
The new BMW X5 M50i flagship, which matches the standard specification of the M50d, features the BMW Twin Turbo V8 that delivers 390kW of power and 750Nm. The result is a standard sprint time of 4.3 seconds (and that is seriously quick).
X7 gets Twin Turbo V8
BMW’s new X7 is also now available with the Twin Turbo V8, combining towering performance with that model’s established, commanding presence. The BMW X7 M50i is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds.
“We are delighted to enhance our X5 and X7 model offerings with dynamic new powertrains that provide excellent solutions for our customers including the highly capable xDrive25d at the entry point and the M50i at the flagship, high performance level,” said BMW Group Australia CEO, Vikram Pawah.
New model line-up with pricing and specifications
The BMW X5 xDrive25d is priced from $99,900 (plus on rod costs) and includes the following standard specification:
- 20″ light alloy wheels (Star-spoke style) with Runflat tyres
- Leatherette upholstery
- Comfort Access system
- Travel & Comfort system
- Fine-wood ‘Fineline Stripe’ brown high-gloss interior trim
- Ambient light
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Parking Assistant Plus, incl. Surround View Camera
- Connected Package Professional
- Live Cockpit Professional incl. natural voice control, iDrive controller, touch operation on the Control Display and smartphone connectivity
- Head-Up Display, HiFi Loudspeaker system & Wireless Smartphone Charging
- Adaptive Led Headlights
- Seat Heating, front
- Satinated Aluminium Roof Rails
The BMW X5 xDrive45e is priced from $129,900 (plus on road costs). The following table summarises the changes over the previous model:
| Element | BMW X5 xDrive45e (G05) | BMW X5 xDrive40e (F15) |
| Petrol Engine Size | 3.0l 6 cylinder | 2.0l 4 cylinder |
| Total System Output | 290kW/600Nm | 230kW/450Nm |
| Electric Motor | 83kW | 83kW |
| eRange | 60-65km | 31km |
| Battery Capacity | 24kWh | 9kWh |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.6 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
The new BMW X5 xDrive45e features the following standard specification highlights:
- M Sport Package
- Adaptive 2-axle air suspension
- 20″ M light alloy wheels (Star-spoke style in Bicolour Orbit Grey) with Runflat tyres
- Leather ‘Vernasca’ Upholstery
- Panorama Sunroof
- Comfort Access system & Travel & Comfort system
- Aluminium Tetragon interior trim finish
- Ambient light
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Parking Assistant Plus, incl. Surround View camera
- Connected Package Professional
- Live Cockpit Professional incl. natural voice control, iDrive controller, touch operation on the Control Display and smartphone connectivity
- Head-Up Display, HiFi Loudspeaker system & Wireless Smartphone Charging
- Adaptive Led Headlights
- Seat Heating, front
The BMW X5 M50i is priced from $151,900 (plus on road costs) and includes the following standard specification:
- M Performance 8-cylinder V8 engine with two BMW TwinPower Turbos
- 22″ M light alloy wheels (V-spoke style in M Bicolour)
- M Performance Exhaust
- M Sport Differential
- M Exterior Design with elements in Cerium Grey
- M Sport Brakes
- Metallic Paint
- Adaptive M Suspension Professional
- Integral Active Steering
- BMW LaserLight
- Leather ‘Vernasca’ Upholstery
- BMW Individual instrument panel finished in leather
- Soft Close function for doors
- Lumbar Support
- Automatic Air Conditioning with 4-zone Climate Control
- Panorama Glass Sunroof
- Comfort Access system
- Travel & Comfort system
- Aluminium Tetragon interior trim finish
- Ambient light
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Parking Assistant Plus, incl. Surround View Camera
- Connected Package Professional
- Live Cockpit Professional incl. natural voice control, iDrive controller, touch operation on the Control Display and smartphone connectivity
- Head-Up Display
- harman / kardon surround sound audio system, 16 speakers
- Wireless Smartphone Charging
- Seat Heating, front
The BMW X7 M50i is priced from $171,900 (plus on road costs) and has the following standard equipment:
- M Performance 8-cylinder V8 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo
- 22″ M light alloy wheels (V-spoke style in M Bicolour Cerium Grey) w/mixed tyres
- M Performance Exhaust
- M Sport Differential
- Adaptive 2-Axle Air Suspension
- Executive Drive Pro
- Integral Active Steering
- Metallic Paint
- Integral Active Steering
- BMW LaserLight
- Leather ‘Merino’ Upholstery
- BMW Individual instrument panel finished in leather
- Soft Close function for doors
- Heated Cup Holders
- Lumbar Support
- Automatic Air Conditioning with 5-zone Climate Control
- Panorama Glass Sunroof
- Comfort Access system
- Travel & Comfort system
- BMW Individual fine-wood trim Ash Grain Silver Grey high-gloss interior trim finish
- Ambient light
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Parking Assistant Plus, incl. Surround View Camera
- Connected Package Professional
- Live Cockpit Professional incl. natural voice control, iDrive controller, touch operation on the Control Display and smartphone connectivity
- Head-Up Display, harman / kardon & Wireless Smartphone Charging
- harman / kardon surround sound audio system, 16 speakers
- Seat Heating, front
- Third Row Seats
Factory towing solution
The new BMW factory-designed and installed towing system is available for 9 models across the BMW X5 and X7 lines, and can be ordered now with deliveries commencing in Q3 this year.
Rated at between 2,700kg to 3,500kg (braked) depending on the model, the solution comes with an integrated hitch receiver, bespoke control unit and specific vehicle wiring harness.
“Availability of this new BMW towing hitch is a significant development in further broadening the capability of our X models,” BMW Group Australia CEO Vikram Pawah added.
“Our Sports Activity Vehicles were born for active lifestyles. From towing a caravan, a boat or a jet ski, to a horse float or camper trailer, this towing solution allows owners to enjoy more of Australia.
“Our owners also have the peace-of-mind that comes from a factory-fitted solution and the BMW aftersales dealer support our network provides.”
The new towing hitch requires no removal of parts, ensuring hassle-free vehicle integration.
The specific control unit is multi-functional and assists driver safety. Surround View offers an additional zoom function for the rear camera, while a trailer stabilisation system is also included.
Towing capacity per model
| Model | MRLP | Braked towing capacity | Maximum downball load |
| X5 xDrive25d+ | $2,500 | 2,700kg | 270kg |
| X5 xDrive30d | $2,500 | 3,500kg | 280kg |
| X5 xDrive40i | $2,500 | 3,500kg | 280kg |
| X5 xDrive45e | $2,500 | 2,700kg | 180kg |
| X5 M50d | $2,500 | 3,500kg | 280kg |
| X5 M50i | $2,500 | 3,500kg | 280kg |
| X7 xDrive30d# | $2,500 | 3,500kg | 280kg |
| X7 M50d | $2,500 | 3,500kg | 280kg |
| X7 M50i | $2,500 | 3,500kg | 280kg |
+ Only available on X5 xDrive25d with M Sport Package
# Only available on X7 xDrive30d with M Sport Package or Design Pure Excellence
Additional towing data for X5 xDrive30d & X7 xDrive30d:
X5 xDrive30d
NOTE: With up to 280kg allowed on the Tow Ball, at least 470kg payload is permissible when towing 3,500kg.
| Element | Capacity |
| Kerb Weight | 2,110kg (Excluding Driver) |
| Payload | 750kg |
| Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) | 2,860kg |
| Braked Towing Capacity | 3,500kg |
| Max Tow Ball Weight | 280kg |
| Remaining Payload | 470kg |
| Gross Combined Mass (GCM) | 6,360kg |
NOTE: With up to 280kg allowed on the Tow Ball, at least 470kg payload is permissible when towing 3,500kg.
X7 xDrive30d
| Element | Capacity |
| Kerb Weight | 2,370kg (Excluding Driver) |
| Payload | 850kg |
| Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) | 3,220kg |
| Braked Towing Capacity | 3,500kg |
| Max Tow Ball Weight | 280kg |
| Remaining Payload | 570kg |
| Gross Combined Mass (GCM) | 6,720kg |
NOTE: With up to 280kg allowed on the Tow Ball, at least 570kg payload is permissible when towing 3,500kg.
Accessories to complete the package
To maximise the tow hitch installation’s capability, BMW Australia dealers can supply and fit an approved Tongue Kit and adapter Wiring Harness.
The Tongue Kit includes a tongue, ball, appropriate bracket and ‘D’ shackles, stickers and a specific BMW bag.
The Wiring Harness includes a 12 pin ‘flat’ plug and a wiring loom from the vehicle to the adapter.
Local fitment, including the tongue kit and wiring harness, is $700 including GST.