Extensive updates to the BMW X5 help to ensure its lead in the world of sports activity vehicles.

What do leaders do when they get to the top? They often strive to get better. That’s what BMW has done with their highly successful BMW X5 SAV (sport activity vehicle).

New driving assistance systems, automated parking, and a fully digital iDrive operating system are now available, along with a slew of updates that help to maintain their share of the worldwide market.

The new BMW X5 incorporates the standard M Sport design elements with a fresh interpretation of the front end, and kidney grille. Arrow-shaped daytime running lights now also serve as turn signal indicators. Other design updates include new air breathers in the front-side panels, vertical air curtains and lower air intake, and decorative trim detailed in black. Optic light guide elements for the rear and brake lights now have striking contouring as well.

As digital technology is the guiding force behind BMW’s automotive advances, the BMW X5 integrates BMW Operating System 8 with the latest generation of the iDrive control/operating system, and heralds the arrival of the BMW Curved Display. This is made up of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel, and a control display with a 14.9-inch diagonal screen with touch control functionality located behind a single glass surface.

A six-cylinder in-line petrol engine powers the new X5. The engine is now linked with a new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission complete with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.

When the need arises, the BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system allows confident driving through challenging road conditions.

The drive unit also features a 48V mild hybrid technology, with a motor that generates 9kW/12hp and 200Nm of torque. Together the new engine develops maximum output of 381hp, and peak torque of 520Nm. Off the mark, the BMW X5 can get to 100km/h in just 5.4 seconds.

The driving assistance package for the new car is arguably the most pertinent in this upgrade. This include enhanced capabilities for the standard front-collision warning systems, which can now also reduce the risk of collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming traffic when turning off a road. The standard system also offers Speed Limit Display with no-overtaking indicator, Lane Change Warning, Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, and Rear Collision Prevention.

Combining with the Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant, the standard Parking Assistant Professional enables automated parking into and out of spaces complete with manoeuvres over a distance of 200m to be controlled from outside the car using the BMW App on an Apple iPhone. Together with this, the BMW Live Cockpit Professional with its cloud-based navigation system, optimised smartphone integration, and personalised BMW ID, the new BMW X5 is an able-bodied upgrade that will take this popular SAV into the next era.