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    BMW’s 2019 X5 Maintains Its Top Pedigree

    45.5017° N, 73.5673° W

    "Out of all the iterations of BMW’s most successful SUV it is the one that is the most well-proportioned"

    Out of all the iterations of BMW’s most successful SUV it is the one that is the most well-proportioned. While some would gawk at its massive front kidney grille, we on the other hand find that it when pulling up to your destination, the X5 makes an unforgettable introduction. Couple that with its Laser lights and the sleek lines that trail its sides, there’s no way that it can go unnoticed.

    The 2019 X5 xDrive40i comes standard with a 3.0-liter turbo I-6 that produces 335-horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque paired to a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. Should one want to trade up, a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 with 456-horsepower and 479 lb-ft is included on the X5 xDrive50i model.

    On the road, the X5 is completely engaged with its environment, which certainly imbued us with a sense of unparalleled safety but at times it seems too invested and can feel quite intrusive. Luckily, that can be managed within the system. Packaged within BMW’s Active Driving Assistant is blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and speed limit information.

    There is an option to upgrade to the Active Driving Assistant Professional for additional active safety tech like traffic jam assist, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and an evasion aid system that helps you avoid obstacles.

    The interior of the X5 is a touch more opulent. The updated dashboard is a refreshing break from BMW’s minimalistic tradition. We marvelled at the leather interior, the eye-catching moonroof, the knurled knobs, the modernized climate-control panel, and the large 12.3-inch display with their updated ConnectedDrive infotainment system.

    The menus are now stacked evenly across the screen and are fully customizable. When equipped with gesture control, you can easily assign the most commonly used features. For us, it was using the controlling music but it’s capable of more. The X5 has also been future-proofed with the addition of USB-C ports.

    In true BMW fashion, their new X5 combines their interpretations of luxury and sport masterfully. Not only is it prepared to perform, it is also ready to spoil.

    Words & Photography: Jon Carlo Tapia

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