BMW X5

BMW X5’s magnificent 7

Does seven go into five? It does when it's BMW's all-new X5 and seven is the number of seats!

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Mike Askew

10th August 2006

The completely redesigned off-roader will hit the UK next spring with its sights firmly set on the best-selling Land Rover Discovery.

BMW bosses have left the basic design of the X5 alone - aside from a new-look front bumper - but don't get the impression that the firm's engineers have had their feet up over the past three years. Inside, there's revised accommodation and a stylish new gearlever, which creates more space on the centre console.

The biggest news is the increased seating capacity. Thanks to an extra 190mm of length, the X5 will be the first BMW ever to come with seven seats. Although the new layout will be an option when the car arrives in the UK, the design is more than just an afterthought. The rear end has been given a thorough revamp, and even with the extra seats in position, there's still 200 litres of luggage space.

Under the skin, there will also be a revised engine and transmission line-up. The popular 3.0-litre diesel is tweaked to produce 231bhp - up 13bhp - while fuel consumption has been improved by seven per cent. The 4.2-litre petrol powerplant will be dropped from the line-up, but the entry-level 3.0-litre has been uprated to produce more power, while the range-topping 355bhp 4.8-litre unit will be carried over.

Completing the X5's drivetrain package is an all-new six-speed auto which BMW claims has a shift time slashed by 50 per cent. Prices and final specifications of the new line-up will be announced early next year.