The first generation of BMW X5 was launched in 1999, and it has been nearly 20 years, in the past 20 years, a total of four generations of X5 have been developed, namely the first generation E53, the second generation E70, and the third generation F15, and the combined global sales of these three generations have reached 2.2 million units, which is already very good at this level. At the end of 2018, BMW released the fourth-generation BMW X5, codenamed G05.
 
The fourth-generation X5 has not formed a clear difference from the previous generation in terms of appearance, although the body size has increased, but the overall silhouette and design style have been retained, the most obvious difference should be that the size of the grille has increased, which is already an irreversible change in BMW models. The rear taillights are changed to a three-dimensional design, which has a delicate and convex feeling and is highly recognizable.
 
This generation of BMW X5 has many sets of powertrains, including diesel engines, straight six turbocharged engines and V8 twin-turbo engines, but at present, only one version of the 3.0T straight six turbocharged has been introduced in China, that is, 40i, and there should be a four-cylinder version in the future. The X5 engine is B58B30C, with a maximum horsepower of 340 horsepower, and the power tuning is the same as that of the 540i, and the measured 000 acceleration score can reach 5.4 seconds, as a 2.2-ton medium and large SUV, this acceleration score is one of the best in its class.
 
The gearbox that matches this straight-six engine is BMW's common ZF 8AT, which has been performing well on other BMW models, and has been optimized on the new X5, and the shift smoothness and speed are very satisfactory, and I can't fault anything. Other manufacturers will also use the ZF 8AT, but BMW is definitely the benchmark when it comes to tuning.
 
The chassis is BMW's GM CLAR platform, which is still standard with full-time four-wheel drive, and the suspension part is a front double wishbone rear multi-link, which can be equipped with optional air suspension, with a minimum to a maximum of 80mm lifting range. The air suspension version is superior to conventional spring dampers in terms of passability and ride quality, but it is also more expensive to maintain, so please consider it when selecting it.
 
In its class, the BMW X5 is a model that is excellent in both off-road and on-road aspects, retaining a certain degree of sportiness in road performance, comfortable and natural handling, but slightly inferior to the Porsche Cayenne, with a high center of gravity showing more obvious body roll in corners, which is not suitable for intense driving.
 
Now all manufacturers pay special attention to the quietness of the cabin, BMW is no exception, in the new generation of X5 this is particularly good, even if you use 21-inch wide tires, walking on rough roads will not feel obvious tire noise, the engine at low speed noise suppression is very good, stepping on the accelerator to pull the speed will have a sound coming in, but the sound of this straight six engine is good, and it will not be offensive.
 
The interior is the biggest improvement in this generation of X5, the previous BMW models, the sense of luxury is not as good as Mercedes-Benz, the sense of technology is not as good as Audi, to this generation of X5, both of these aspects have been greatly improved. As soon as you get into the car, you will see a lot of crystal-cut elements near the gear lever, including the gear lever, iDrive knob and ignition button, although it is only plastic, but it looks very high-end. The center console is much simpler, with neatly arranged physical buttons, and most of the functions are integrated into the screen, or the buttons near the gear lever, except for the climate control and volume adjustment.
 
The new generation of BMW X5 adopts the seventh-generation iDrive system, the central control screen can be touched, or iDrive knob remote control, can also be controlled with a multi-function steering wheel, although the official also vigorously promotes voice control and gesture control, but it is not more convenient to use than buttons, and the problem that can be solved with buttons does not need to be operated in other complicated ways.
 
The wheelbase of the new generation X5 is 40mm longer than the previous generation, and the rear space has not increased significantly, because the X5 is not a model that focuses on rear seat comfort, but there is no need to worry too much, and when it comes to the medium and large SUV class, there will rarely be a lack of space in the rear. The seat cushion of the BMW X5 is long enough, and the seat is not hard like other BMWs, the cushion padding is moderately soft and hard, the central platform is close to full flat, and it is also equipped with dual-zone constant temperature air conditioning, and the comfort is very good, but the angle of the backrest of the rear seat cannot be adjusted, which is a little regrettable.
 
This generation of X5 will have a five-seat version and a seven-seat version, but the seven-seat version is too chicken, and there are two more seats in the rear row that can only sit for children, so it is better to choose a larger trunk space. The tailgate of the X5 retains the design of the upper and lower sides, which can only open the upper section in a narrow space, and the lower end can be opened to carry heavy objects, which is convenient for handling, and the upper and lower doors of this generation support electric, and you can also fold down the rear seats with one key, which is very convenient.
 
BMW X5 reliability has been steadily rising, the second generation of the failure rate is high, engine, oil circuit, electronic systems are high failure components, to the third generation, basically air conditioning and suspension failures, the new generation of BMW X5 uses more electronic systems, for reliability is also a relatively large test, optional air suspension will increase maintenance costs.
 
The new-generation BMW X5 took part in both the E-NCAP and A-NCAP crash tests, both receiving a five-star score, with similar test scores from both organizations, with 89 points in both occupant protection categories, and the other three are slightly different, but they are not far apart, and safety can be trusted.
BMW X5 test report