The Boss - times five

Stewart Motors gives peek at new BMW X5

Sheldon Williams, Gleaner Writer

Described as 'The Boss', the all-new 2014 BMW X5 was introduced to Automotives at a private viewing by Stewart Motors Ltd last week. Fourteen years after its debut, the Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV), now in its third generation, is a standout.

Kim Bernard, sales and marketing executive at Stewart Motors, revealed it is the first model to arrive in the region, ahead of even the United States. Other units are expected in the coming days, and test drives will be available then.

The X5's shape has changed a bit, making the new model much bigger than its predecessor. However, it is lighter and returns better gas mileage.

The front kidney grille has been designed to be pedestrian-friendly, and is much bigger and more robust to match the muscular bonnet. The headlights have also been expanded and can produce daytime and LED lights. The kidney and the headlamps have been formed into one unit. It is a feature that Diane Kerr, workshop supervisor, emphasised will save energy. The new 'boss' also comes equipped with night vision that makes it able to detect persons and animals, thus avoiding collisions.

In improving the aerodynamics of the vehicle, air curtains, the air breather system, vertical aero blades at the rear window, and air deflectors on the front wheel arches have been introduced to reduce dragging. The features also make the SAV more noticeable. Robert Mapplethorpe, workshop manager, said, "It's bigger and more pronounced. It's got more presence, but we haven't messed with the shape too much. We just freshened it up."

quiet diesel engine

The SAV is now lighter because of the single turbo. Mapplethorpe said the X5's diesel engine is even quieter than a petrol engine. With the recent introduction of ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD) to Jamaica, the engine should realise its full potential.

Three engine variants are available now, with others to be introduced in December. They are the BMW X5 xDrive50i with a new generation of the V8 petrol engine, BMW X5 xDrive30d with revised six-cylinder inline diesel unit, and the BMW X5 M50d M Performance Automobile with tri-turbo six-cylinder in-line diesel. In December 2013, the BMW X5 xDrive40d, BMW X5 xDrive35i, BMW X5 xDrive25d, and BMW X5 sDrive25d (with CO2 emissions of just 149 g/km) will follow.

The model on show sported 19-inch rims, but motorists can go as high as 21 inches if they want added height. However, Bernard advised that it would be smart not to exceed the recommended height because heavier rims will bring added weight that might affect the aerodynamics.

Seating

Inside the cabin, mode lighting has been introduced which can be adjusted to vary the ambience to match the driver's mood. The seats have also been dropped to create more headroom without making the vehicle bigger. Seat heating and comfort seats also make their debut for the rear compartment.

The new BMW X5 also features a separated two-section tailgate, the lower part of which can be folded down horizontally to form a single level with the load surface. Auto-matic tailgate operation for the upper section is a standard feature. For the first time, the tailgate can be closed and opened using the remote control and, at the touch of a button, from the driver's seat.

The all-new 2014 BMW X5 is available at $10.7 million and can cost up to $13.3 million, depending on features.