Since the start of production on 1 September 1999 at the BMW factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the BMW has not only presented four versions of the BMW X5 but also connected generations of drivers (➜ Read also: BMW X5 generations: Age doesn’t matter). Just like today, the first BMW X5 offered drivers an unprecedented combination of typical BMW dynamics and sportiness as well as the features of an all-wheel-drive off-roader, thereby creating a completely new vehicle segment. To mark its 25th anniversary, we look back at the development of the BMW X5 and its special status, present the evolution of all generations, and follow its path into the future.
BMW X5
Generations
In 1999, the BMW X5 made its début at the Detroit International Auto Show. It was the first BMW to not only offer the latest advances in engineering, design, production, and technology – including all-wheel drive – but also introduce the concept of the “Sports Activity Vehicle“ (SAV), which was later extended to other members of the SAV family with the BMW X3, the BMW X6, and the BMW X7.
Frank Stephenson’s design masterfully combined the athletic yet elegant identity of a BMW with the characteristics of greater height and a powerful appearance. The BMW X5 was also the first mass-produced vehicle to be assembled at the BMW Group plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina (➜ Read also: Oh Carolina!).
With the model upgrade in 2004, a new intelligent all-wheel drive system – the BMW xDrive – was installed in the BMW X5. This had made its début shortly before in the BMW X3. The athletic potential of the BMW X5 was demonstrated by the competition version of the BMW X-raid team, which won the 2004 Paris-Dakar Rally in the diesel vehicle category as well as the spectacular concept of the BMW X5 Le Mans in which a 700 hp V12 engine was used.
When we presented our first BMW X5, the whole automotive industry was one more time astonished about BMW’s step towards something completely new.
BMW Group Design
The second-generation BMW X5 from 2006 featured the BMW iDrive system for the first time and offered an optional third row of seats. The model upgrade saw the introduction of a new generation of BMW TwinPower Turbo engines (➜ Read also: Technical marvels 12 standout examples of a BMW engines) with in-line six-cylinder and V8, which were offered together with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. As part of this evolution, the first BMW X5 M made its début. It featured a V8 M Twin Power Turbo engine developed by BMW M, M suspension and steering, structural reinforcements, and a rear axle differential with Dynamic Performance Control (DPC). This not only locked the differential but was also able to vary the power to the individual wheels in order to improve agility when cornering.
The second generation of the BMW X5 built on the virtues of its popular predecessor and developed them further. It grew moderately in all dimensions, increased in performance and agility, consumed less fuel, and offered space for up to seven people if required. It also offered its drivers and passengers even more comfort, a luxurious ambience, and a range of high-tech features.
In 25 years, the BMW X5 has shown in every generation that it not only fulfils the demands of its fans but also sets new standards.
Product Management
Fourteen years after its début, aerodynamic elements have been integrated into the design of the third generation of the BMW X5 in order to increase efficiency. The interior offered more space for passengers and incorporated the innovations of BMW ConnectedDrive. With the third generation, the BMW X5 xDrive40e, a plug-in hybrid variant was available for the first time. Starting in 2015, this offered an electric range of up to 31 kilometres in order to considerably increase its efficiency in city traffic. In the third-generation M variant, an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic made its début (the predecessor model of the BMW X5 M had a six-speed M Steptronic transmission). This also enabled the use of the Launch Control function in addition to programmes geared towards comfort, economy, and dynamic driving.
Compared with its predecessor, this BMW X5 has remained virtually unchanged in terms of its exterior dimensions and spaciousness. New to the product range were the Pure Excellence and Pure Experience design styles as well as a host of pioneering BMW ConnectedDrive features. Thanks to visible aerodynamic measures and other new BMW EfficientDynamics functions, fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 17 percent compared with the previous model.
The fourth generation of the BMW X5, which was launched in 2018, had numerous innovations accompanied by a design (➜ Read also: Car design: the DNA of BMW) that remained true to the origins of the BMW X family. The front of the vehicle is characterised by the reinterpretation of the headlights and the hallmark BMW kidney grille. Innovations included the new generation of six-cylinder in-line and V8 engines as well as the availability of plug-in hybrid variants that can be driven up to 110 kilometres in electric mode. With the latest 2023 model upgrade, the BMW X5 has been updated with the BMW Operating System 8.5, which uses the BMW Curved Display as a medium for information, training, and connectivity functions.
The BMW X5 features a completely new operating concept and enhanced driver assistance systems. The intuitive BMW Live Cockpit Professional is particularly innovative. For the first time, it merges the multifunctional instrument display with the BMW Head-Up Display and the Control Display into a single display cluster and offers a completely new information experience. The strong character is emphasised by the luxurious interior design, which is well defined and has been completely redeveloped.
Even more than its predecessors, the new BMW X5 is characterised by its athletic character. With the model upgrade, the BMW kidney grille Iconic Glow (➜ Read also: Hallmark: 17 designs of the signature BMW kidney grille) was offered for the first time as an additional standard feature for the six-cylinder models of the new BMW X5. Its waterfall lighting ensures a particularly present and brand-typical appearance.
The BMW X5 is not only a guarantee of safety (➜ Read also: Armored and bulletproof vehicles) but also a platform for sustainable mobility. The BMW commitment to sustainability also extends to the future of the BMW X5. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen, which was developed on the basis of the current model, was thus presented as a concept idea at IAA Mobility 2019. The first hydrogen prototypes were then experienced as shuttle vehicles for passengers at IAA Mobility 2021. Only two years later, the hydrogen pilot series (➜ Read also: Hydrogen fuel cell cars: everything you need to know) went into operation. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen combines the advantages of locally emission-free electric drive with the driving pleasure typical of BMW. The drive system of the vehicle developed on the basis of the BMW X5 achieves a system output of 295 kW (401 hp) by combining a fuel cell, an electric motor from the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology, and a special high-voltage battery.
It is therefore only logical that the next model series of the BMW X5 will also innovatively combine safety and superior handling on any terrain.
25 years ago, the BMW X5 founded the Sports Activity Vehicle segment and has been the segment leader in every generation since.
Product Management
Author: Markus Löblein; Art: Lucas Lemuth, Verena Aichinger; Photos: BMW
