New BMW X5 revealed

Third-generation BMW X5 SUV places clear emphasis on efficiency with four-cylinder power and rear-wheel drive.

The new third-generation BMW X5
 will be sold with 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel power and optional rear-wheel drive in a move that endows the SUV with claimed fuel consumption of more than 50mpg and CO2 emissions of 149g/km.

The 2013 BMW X5 has its planned public debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The decision to expand the choice of engines to include a four-cylinder unit mirrors the move made by Mercedes-Benz with its latest M-class. However, BMW's decision to offer rear-wheel drive represents a first in the hotly contested luxury SUV ranks.  
Developed under the internal codename F15, the new X5 has been progressed in a typically evolutionary approach that sees it retain its upright profile and traditional features such as its two-piece tailgate. Distinguishing touches include a bolder front end with a more prominent kidney grille and LED-imbued headlamps that butt up against the chrome surround of the grille.

A heavily contoured bumper, which features so-called air curtain ducts on the lower outer edges, helps to channel air through the front wheel houses to an 'air blade' duct sited behind the front wheel arches. The design also features on the recently introduced 3-series GT.

Overall, the new SUV receives a more structured look than its predecessor, with greater contouring within the bonnet, a more pronounced shoulder line and an added feature line within the lower section of the doors to reduce visual bulk. A tall glasshouse remains a key design feature and follows on from the original E53 model launched in 1999 and the second-generation E70 model in 2008.      
At 4886mm in length, 1938mm in width and 1762mm in height, the new X5 is 32mm longer, 5mm wider and 14mm taller than its predecessor. It shares its 2933mm wheelbase with the second-generation X5 but the tracks have been shortened by 4mm both front and rear to 1640mm and 1646mm, endowing it with a slightly smaller footprint.

The new BMW X5 has been given a more luxurious interior with styling that follows the lineage of recent BMW models. Buyers will get the option of two rear seat configurations: a fixed 40/20/40 split bench arrangement and a newly developed 70/30 split bench that adjusts longitudinally to free up leg space for an optional third row of seats. Boot capacity is up by 30 litres at 650 litres, rising to 1870 litres when the second and third seat rows are folded away.

The Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz M-class and Range Rover-rivalling SUV comes with a long list of advanced optional extras. Included is a head up display, night vision with human and animal detection, lane departure warning and road sign information, a 360deg surround-view parking assistant and collision warning with an automatic braking function. As part of an improved range of multimedia features as part of its ConnectedDrive initiative, the new X5 will also offer full internet access, in-car use of Facebook, Twitter and other on-line services as well as a dictation function with speech recognition for e-mails and text messages.  

BMW’s new X5 SUV is based around a lightly modified version of the existing model’s monocoque steel platform. A series of lightweight construction initiatives, including the use of a greater percentage of hot formed high strength steel within the floorpan, has led to a reduction in weight over the old X5. In standard xDrive30d guise, BMW claims a kerb weight of 2070kg, or 80kg less than the outgoing model despite the slight increase in external dimensions and more flexible interior appointments.

The chassis is similarly a development of that used by the old model, with a combination of double wishbones up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Buyers will be able to choose between four different states of chassis tune: a basic steel-sprung set-up and three optional suspension set-ups – Comfort, Dynamic and Professional – with air springs.

The latter two come with adaptive damping and also receive BMW’s
Dynamic Performance Control system, as seen on the X6, with a mechanically operated torque vectoring system on the rear axle for added agility. A development of the reworked chassis is earmarked for the second-generation X6 set to be revealed at the Moscow motor show in mid-2014.

The new X5 will be sold with the choice of three engines from the start of UK sales. All come mated to an updated version of BMW’s eight-speed automatic gearbox with new stop-start and coasting functions, bringing about improved performance credentials along with reduced fuel consumption figures that meet upcoming EU6 emission regulations due to come into force in September 2014. All diesel units receive urea injection for reduced NOX emissions.

Included in the launch line-up is a turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol unit that produces 444bhp in the xDrive50i and a turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder common rail diesel with 254bhp in the xDrive30d.BMW’s heavily lauded triple turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder common rail diesel kicks out 376bhp in the performance orientated xDrive M50d, in which it is claimed to hit 62mph in 5.3sec and reach a limited 155mph top speed while returning 42.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 177g/km.    

Traditionally the best seller in the UK, the xDrive30d gains 12bhp and 15lb ft of torque over the outgoing model. At the same time, its 0-62mph time has improved from 7.6sec to 6.9sec while combined cycle fuel economy increases from 38.2mpg to 45.6mpg and CO2 emissions are reduced from 195g/km to 164g/km.
A further three engine options will be added to the line-up shortly after launch, including the first ever four-cylinder to find its way into the X5, a turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel with 215bhp. The new base engine will be available in both the four-wheel-drive xDrive25d and, in a first for the X5, rear-wheel-drive sDrive25d, which is claimed to boast combined cycle fuel consumption of 50.4mpg and average CO2 emissions of 149g/km.

Also planned is a powered-up version of the turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel with 309bhp in the xDrive40d, and a 302bhp turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine in the xDrive35i, the latter of which will be sold in rear-wheel-drive sDrive35i form in the US.

BMW is yet to confirm a successor to today’s X5 M, although indications are that it will be added to the line-up in 2014 in combination with a follow-up to the existing X6M. Both are set to receive a reworked version of the 560bhp twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 used in the M5 and M6.

With a strong focus on the American, Chinese and Russian markets, BMW plans to offer the new X5 with a choice of petrol-electric or diesel-electric hybrid drive in the future. It's not likely that these, however, will be available until 2015.

The new X5 will continue to roll from BMW’s US production line in Spartanburg, South Carolina, which is now home to the X3, X6 and shortly a production version of the German car maker’s X4 Concept, planned to see UK sale by the third-quarter of 2014. 
Since its introduction to the German car maker’s line-up in 1999, the X5 has racked up over 1.3 million sales worldwide, almost 700,000 of which were the second-generation model sold in the UK since 2008.

The new BMW X5 will go on sale in the UK from 16 November 2013. It will be available in SE or M Sport specifications. MG

Porsche Macan price and release date.

Porsche Macan price expected to start at £36,000, release date spring 2014

The Porsche Macan SUV is about to burst the Range Rover Evoque bubble – and Auto Express has exclusive images and fresh details about how the sporty off-roader is shaping up.The Macan will debut at the 2013 LA Motor Show in November, before a spring 2014 release date, and will be produced at an enlarged factory in Leipzig, Germany.The Macan will be based on the same modular MLB platform that underpins the Audi Q5, but with greater use of aluminium components. This will mean a weight saving of 130kg over the Q5 – more than the reduction the Audi A3 and other compact VW Group models achieved by adopting the MQB platform.As with the Q5, the Macan will also be exclusively four-wheel drive from launch. Although the engine line-up has yet to be confirmed, Porsche is likely to use a range of six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with four-cylinder versions appearing later in the car’s life cycle.

Following the pattern set by other models in the line-up, sportier S and Hybrid versions are likely, but expect a morelimited engine range than with the larger and more expensive Cayenne.A Porsche insider confirmed that although the car would share some chassis parts with the Q5, the new engines, suspension tuning and interior architecture would all be unique to the Macan. That means a cabin layout similar to that in the latest 911 and Panamera, with a row of switches either side of the gearlever.Styling will reflect the Macan’s sporty intentions, with “all the usual Porsche design cues”, as our images show. Tapered rear lights are inspired by the latest 911, but the wide front grille, large bumpers and strong stance are retained from the Cayenne.

With the Macan’s rivals already well established, and new cars like the low-slung BMW X4 just round the corner, Porsche is also keen to “make a conscious effort to avoid it becoming a fashion item”. So the Macan will be more exclusive, with “a significantly lower sales volume” than the big-selling Evoque.Once the Leipzig plant is up to speed, there will be no extra capacity for other model lines, so cars such as the much-rumoured Pajun saloon are still several years away. But Porsche claims it’ll be keeping a close eye on the progress of the Maserati Ghibli to assess the potential of this BMW 5 Series-sized model.Finally, our source added that the Macan will cost significantly less than the Cayenne, which starts at £45,000. This points to a price of around £36,000 once the car reaches dealers, which would be a similar percentage increase over the Q5 to the premium the Cayenne commands over the mechanically similar Audi Q7. MG

Source: AutoExpress

CAR REVIEW: Audi Q7 TDI 245 S-Line.

The Audi Q7 was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motorshow in 2005 and arrived here in the UK in 2006. It is a full size luxury SUV and shares its platform with the Volkswagen Touareg and the Porsche Cayenne. Only a few other SUVs are as big as the Q7, its large body measures over 5 metres in length and it accomodates 7 people in 3 rows of seats. It also has a reasonable size boot with all 7 seats in use. The Q7 has been through a mild facelift in 2009 which has brought optional LED headlights, an automatic ZF 8-speed transmission, start/stop fuel-saving technology and also the optional 21-inch titanium-effect wheels as featured in our test car. The engine in our car is the 3-litre TDI with 245 bhp.

EXTERIOR: As we already mentioned the Q7 is a rather large SUV, the front is typically Audi with 14 LED daytime running lights, Xenon headlights, an 11 LED turn signal lights and fog lights. Along with the long bonnet, the huge grille with vertical chrome slats makes the Q7 look rather imposing. The back also has LED lights which come up with the tailgate to allow a wide and practical access to the luggage area. There are also some auxiliary rear lights incorporated in the bumper for when the tailgate is open. The rear window is large but the 2 rows of headrests behind the driver restrict the rear visibility. The bumper houses an exhaust pipe on either side making the car symmetric and elegant.

INTERIOR: The driving position is lofty and forward visibility is excellent. The interior has a typical Teutonic quality and the finishing standard is impeccable. The controls are shared with other Audis and include an MMI Multimedia System with a screen which incorporates Sat-Nav, Park Assist and other vehicle information such as suspensions setting. The climate control switches are set in the lower part of the centre console but the functions are displayed on the MMI screen to avoid taking your eyes off the road. The electrical seats are very comfortable and the half-leather/suede along with the aluminium inserts on the dashboard create a very smart interior.

DRIVING: Many people would be put off by the sheer size of the Audi Q7 but I must admit that it doesn't feel that big once it gets going. I would certainly recommend making good use of the parking sensors because the Q7 doesn't squeeze in the smallest of spots. The 3-litre engine is very well subdued and the 8 speed automatic gearbox makes good use of the 406 lb/ft torque. The 6 cylinder engine goes through the gears in a seamless way and it has a very efficient engine brake which assists your braking action making the car very easy to use. In Comfort mode the car rides slightly higher and it soaks up rough roads with minimal effort never rolling too much on bends. On the other hand, if you set the suspension on Dynamic and the gearbox on Sport, you will be surprised how agile this car is with the steering mounted paddle-shifts giving you full control and providing quite a lot of fun.

PRICES: The Q7 TDI 245 S-Line can be yours for £46,485 and that's a few grand cheaper than a BMW X5 30d M-Sport or a Mercedes ML 350 CDI. This car has loads of road presence and Audis have good residuals which makes the Q7 a brilliant choice. The S-line trim is loaded with kit including a power tailgate, cruise control, heated seats and the optional 21-inch titanium-effect alloy wheels complete the car's profile without looking vulgar as some of the black alloy wheels currently in fashion.

VERDICT: We give this car thumbs up, it returns 32mpg on a real-world combined cycle and will retain 46% of its original value after 3 years. Some of the eco-friendly people would condemn this car without realising that it only throws 195g/km of CO2 which is the same as a 1.6-litre Grand Vitara or 100g/km less CO2 than a Land Rover Defender 110. When you put it in this prospective, the Q7 comes out as a winner. Let's also remember that our test car costs 30 grand less than a full size Range Rover with the big advantage of not breaking down every fortnight. MG

Motorsguru would like to thank Lease4Wheels for providing our test car.