It may resemble last year’s model at first glance, but it’s not. The all-new 2019 BMW X5, which the marque likes to call a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) instead of an SUV, gets two new engine options, a bigger grille, and new technology. Under the hood, the BMW X5 xDrive50i packs a twin turbo 4.4-liter V-8 with 456 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque versus 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque from last year’s V-8 mill. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and an optional top speed of 155 mph. The X5 xDrive40i offers a twin turbo 3.0-liter I-6 that delivers 335 hp 330 lb-ft of torque. It replaces the previous model’s 2.0-liter I-4 that offers 308 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. BMW claims it can zip from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and has a top speed limited to 130 mph. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive and an electronically controlled locking rear differential.
The X5 gets a standard Dynamic Damper Control system and two performance settings—Comfort or Sport. Up front, the 2019 X5 gets a bigger kidney grille flanked by adaptive LED headlights. Hexagonal BMW Laserlights are optional along with xLine and M Sport model variants. Standard xLine models get matte aluminum grille bars, underbody protection, roof rails, and satin aluminum side window trim. M Sport models receive wheel arch and bumper trim, rear underbody protection and side skirts painted in body color, roof rails, and high-gloss black side window trim. Around back receives a refreshed rear with narrower LED taillights, a two-section tailgate, and dual chrome exhaust tips. The X5 rolls on standard 19-inch light-alloy wheels; M Sport gets 20-inch ones in a twin-spoke design. If those aren’t big enough, there are optional wheels in 21-and 22-inch sizes. Inside, the center console sports an updated iDrive Controller/transmission selector lever, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and standard electrically adjustable and heated sports seats. Other new features include a four-zone air conditioning system and a panoramic glass roof that’s 30 percent larger than last year’s SUV. The X5’s ground clearance can be raised or lowered by 1.6-inch at the touch of a button. Also, when Sport mode is engaged or the truck’s speed is over 86 mph, ride height is automatically lowered by 0.8-inch, according to BMW.
The new Audi Q5, like the Q7 and the A4, has a self-learning “personal route assist” function. After activating this function, the navigation system learns the routes and destinations that the customer regularly selects, and it associates this information to the parked position and time of day. For as long as it is active, the system therefore learns from the customer’s behavior and uses this information to suggest optimized route planning for the next trip - even while navigation is inactive. The navigation system incorporates the three most likely destinations into the calculation, taking into consideration both the arrival time and current traffic levels. For instance, the system can suggest that the customer activate navigation to find out about potential alternative routes. The driver decides whether or not to activate the function. He also has the option of deleting saved destinations. If the function is deactivated, the system does not store the destinations and does not consider deleted destinations or the routes driven. MMI navigation plus utilizes the Audi connect module to integrate a LTE module and a Wi-Fi hotspot - this lets passengers go online with up to eight mobile devices.
Audi connect enables convenient roaming in Europe for many Audi connect services with its permanently installed SIM card - the Audi connect SIM with a flat data rate. If they wish, users can also book data packages for the Wi-Fi hotspot at attractive prices, which also include EU roaming. The free Audi MMI connect app produces a close interconnection between the car and smartphone or a smartwatch and offers other services. They include remote checking of important vehicle states, online media streaming and transmission of a calendar from a smartphone to the MMI. The Audi phone box connects smartphones to the vehicle’s antenna for optimal reception quality; it also charges smartphones inductively according to the Qi standard. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System with innovative 3D sound introduces the spatial dimension of height. The Audi tablet, which is also new, serves as a flexible Rear Seat Entertainment device. The Audi smartphone interface also brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the new Q5.
