Geneva motor show 2010: BMW X5

BMW has given the X5 a mid-life facelift shortly before the model faces increased competition from the new VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, which will be revealed within three weeks.

The exterior changes are low-key; there’s a new front bumper with larger air ducts to cool the engine, altered headlamps and tail-lights, and a deeper rear bumper.

See the official BMW X5 pics

Inside, the X5 receives new trim, the latest iDrive and with a wider range of options, including park assistance systems.

But while the styling changes are subtle, BMW has done much to improve the performance and economy. So the X5 gets the latest engines and an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Of most interest to the UK will be the xDrive30d, with 245bhp and 398lb ft. BMW says the fuel consumption has been improved by 3.3mpg at 38.2mpg, and CO2 emissions are 195g/km.

Further up the range, the xDrive35d has been replaced by the xDrive40d, again with more power, torque and improved consumption.

The entry-level sDrive30i has been dropped, in light of the new, more upmarket X3 that will be launched in October.

The entry-level model is now the xDrive35i, while the range-topper gets the twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, replacing the naturally aspirated 4.8.

Unusually, this engine is actually less efficient than the one it replaces; C02 emissions are up by 6g/km.

Greg Kable

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