Saar: Into its fourth-generation, the BMW X5 has more than just bigger dimensions to offer.

Has BMW chosen the right moment to unveil the all-new X5? For BMW fanatics, any moment is the right one. But for the rest of the automotive world, well, it certainly has taken the attention away from the Audi Q8, which broke cover in China yesterday. Anyway, let’s unravel on what the new BMW X5 will offer.

The very first thing that catches the eye is the bigger pair of nostrils at the front, or what others refer to as BMW’s iconic kidney grille. The next noticeable aspect is that in its fourth-generation, the BMW X5 is 36mm larger, 66mm wider and 19mm taller than its predecessor. Thanks to the CLAR platform underneath, the wheelbase has also been extended by 42mm. All those dimensions promise a roomier cabin for both the living and non-living things.

The design of the new BMW X5 is more evolutionary than revolutionary. Several sculpted pieces of bodywork, including protruding wheel arches, give the SUV, or what BMW calls the SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), a muscular stance. The sporty character is highlighted with precise creases on the bonnet, side skirts, a faux air breather design accompanying the front wheel arches, and up to 22-inch alloy wheels (a first with the X5 albeit as an optional extra). The rear end features a hands-free powered split tailgate, LED taillamp enclosures with a three-dimensional effect and sporty bumper that houses dual exhausts and a diffuser.

As far as trim levels for the BMW X5 go, only two will be introduced at the time of launch – xLine and M Sport. Speaking of which, BMW says that the X5 will first enter production at its plant in Spartanburg, USA, and the market launch is slated for November 2018.

On the outside, the xLine trim will be offered with 19-inch alloy wheels, front and rear safeguards on bumpers, shutter or air curtains at the front, roof rails and side window linings finished in aluminium. Inside the cabin, the sports seats will be draped in Vernasca leather, illuminated xLine door sills and the Sensatec instrument panel. As far as the M Sport trim is concerned, it will come with different front and rear bumpers and side skirts, alloy wheels with size ranging from 20- to 22-inches, roof rails and side window linings finished in glossy black and M Sport suspension and brakes. Inside, it comes with bespoke M Sport goodness with a leather steering wheel, leather seats with contrast stitching, illuminated door sills, floor mats and pedals.

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Huff! On to the features front. BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional display and control connect makes its debut with the new X5. Additionally, a fully digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch control display, voice control and gesture control are on offer too. For the driver, a large head-up display will make things easier and other gadgets such as powered seats with massage function, four-zone climate control, heated armrests and cooled/heated cupholders will keep everyone happy.

That’s not all. The Panoramic glass roof in the new BMW X5 is now 23 per cent larger than before. A few additional features are expected to make their way into the BMW X5 by December 2018. That list includes a 20-speaker, 1,500-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system, optional 3-row seating arrangement, automatic boot cover and rear-seat entertainment system with 10.2-inch displays.

On the safety and autonomous driving front, the new BMW X5 will come with features like Active Cruise Control, steering and lane control assistant, lane change and departure warning, side collision protection and crossing traffic warning. Additionally, emergency braking will be offered for the first time, along with a parking assistant. Needless to say, the new BMW X5 also comes with ConnectedDrive, Digital Key and integration of Microsoft Office 365 and Skype for Business.

At the time of launch, BMW will introduce four engine-transmission options. They are:

• xDrive40i:
  • Engine: 3.0-litre in-line 6-cylinder turbo-petrol
  • Power/Torque: 340PS/450Nm
  • Top speed: 243kmph
  • 0-100kmph: 5.5 seconds
  • Transmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic
• xDrive50i (won’t be sold in Europe)
  • Engine: 4.4-litre turbo-petrol V8
  • Power/Torque: 462PS/650Nm
  • Top speed: 250kmph (limited)
  • 0-100kmph: 4.7 seconds
  • Transmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic

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•  xDrive30d:
  • Engine: 3.0-litre in-line 6-cylinder turbo-diesel
  • Power/Torque: 265PS/620Nm
  • Top speed: 230kmph
  • 0-100kmph: 6.5 seconds
  • Transmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic
• xDriveM50d:
  • Engine: 3.0-litre in-line 6-cylinder turbo-diesel
  • Power/Torque: 400PS/760Nm
  • Top speed: 250kmph (limited)
  • 0-100kmph: 5.2 seconds
  • Transmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic

With all-wheel-drive and rear differential lock as standard, the new BMW X5 will become the first X model with an optional Off-Road package. With that, the SUV gets two-axle air suspension (can adjust the height by up to 80mm), underguards at the front and rear and specific feeds to the instrument cluster and Control Display. Based on which of the four driving modes is chosen, the SUV’s brain configures the all-wheel-drive system, DSC, transmission and accelerator accordingly. Dynamic Damper Control, on the other hand, is offered as standard.

The new BMW X5 will first go on sale in the USA and in the European markets. Before it comes to India, which is likely to happen during the first half of next year, the BMW X5 will head to China. For India, we expect BMW to introduce the xDrive30d and xDrive40i variants. We expect BMW to add electrified variants of the new X5 at a later stage.