The first ever BMW X5 was based on the model E39 5 Series sedan and featured all wheel drive and a line of straight-6 and V8 engines. For non-US models there was also a 3.0 L diesel engine that we Malaysians had the pleasure of test driving.

The history of the X5 began in the late 1990s, when Chris Bangle drew the first sketches from his Designworks studio in California.

The takeover of the Land Rover brand in a short period proved to be very beneficial for BMW in the development of the X5. BMW engineers were able to look and use Range Rover technology and parts in the development of the X5-one such example would be hill descent control. In many respects the X5 was also influenced design wise by its British counterpart; in this case the X5 got the two-piece tailgate straight from the Range Rover. Many parts and electronics were also taken directly from the E39 5 series parts bin to save costs.

In contrast to the Range Rover models, however, the X5 was designed as a sporting car. BMW reportedly worked hard to ensure it was referred to as an SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) instead of an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle).

Even though the X5 was a four wheel drive vehicle, BMW chose from the start to route 60% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, making it feel as close as possible to the company’s rear-wheel drive sedans. Many reviewers commented on its road and track “feeling”, and as time passed many other manufactures have caught onto this breed of SUV.

Now here comes the new BMW X5 which adds another chapter to its story of success. The fifth generation of the BMW X5 impresses with technical innovations, a stunning new design and the integration of future-oriented technologies from the Neue Klasse. This underlines its exceptional status and reinforces its leading position in a segment that it originally established.

The new BMW iX5 which is the first battery-electric BMW X5 is launching with the sixth generation of BMW’s eDrive technology. This means longer ranges of up to 845 kilometres in the BMW iX5 60 xDrive, fast charging, 800V technology and practical bidirectional charging. This is thanks to new cylindrical cells with a height of 120 millimetres, installed in the high-voltage battery and in use for the first time in the new BMW iX5.

One glance at the redesigned interior immediately reveals the extremely high quality of the new BMW X5. The interior impresses with clear structures and uncluttered surfaces, producing a harmonious sense of space and calmly providing subtle support for classic BMW driver orientation.

The outstanding visual and haptic quality of the interior is also underlined by the new decorative surfaces constructed from materials such as slate and glass that generate an atmosphere of elemental sophistication. BMW is the first carmaker worldwide to offer slate as an optional decorative surface.

The BMW X5 incorporates core technologies from the Neue Klasse in the form of the new BMW Panoramic iDrive display and operating system, underpinned by BMW Operating System X. These include the Central Display in free-cut design, the BMW 3D Head-Up Display, the BMW Passenger Screen available as an optional extra in the BMW X5 for the first time, the BMW Panoramic Vision with a projection surface extending across the full width of the windscreen and the new multifunction steering wheel. This results in an all-encompassing digital user experience centred around both the driver and their passengers.