BMW has reduced the CO2 emissions of its 2010 X5 range and claims it is now the greenest non-hybrid posh SUV you can buy.
Both new diesel variants, the xDrive30d and xDrive40d, emit less than 200g/km CO2. The 245hp xDrive30d can also average 38.2mpg.
While the xDrive40d averages a little less, at 37.7mpg, it combines this with a high 306hp power output. This means it accelerates to 60mph in just 6.6 seconds.
A new 8-speed automatic transmission is also standard on all models, joining the new engines. There is a 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol xDrive50i too, but BMW will sell few of these.
It is the xDrive30d that will take 4 in 5 of all sales.
Prices are higher; the range now starts at £43,980 for the xDrive30d SE. This is between £1700-£2200 more than before. BMW claims it is even better value though, because leather seats and xenon headlights are now standard. Front and rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloys and dual climate control are included too.
There will also be an M Sport trim, with larger alloy wheels and racier styling. BMW says this will be the better-selling of the two trims, despite its £4500 premium.
In terms of looks, BMW has kept the 2010 X5 very similar in appearance to the older vehicle. This is to protect retained values of those cars already on the road.
The new range will be launched in BMW car dealers on 5 June. In the meantime, get all the info – and see first images – of the new model in the Motoring Research BMW X5 dataset.
We have also included the old car so you can make direct comparisons of the two machines, to see where improvements have been made.
Make sure you also read the Motoring Research car review on the 2010 BMW X5! RA
