On the gasoline side, the launch engine is the BMW X5 xDrive50i with a new generation of the 4.4L V8 gasoline engine (330 kW/450 hp), to be joined in December by the BMW X5 xDrive35i and the X5 sDrive35i powered by the 3.0L TwinPower Turbo in-line six.

BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system is standard, with the exception of the sDrive rear-wheel drive models. xDrive can be complemented by Dynamic Performance Control as part of the optional Dynamic and Professional adaptive suspension packages.

All versions of the new BMW X5 are already compliant with the EU6 emissions standard, which will apply from September 2014. On the diesel models, the lower nitrogen oxide limits are met using a close-coupled NO_x adsorber catalyst and an SCR catalyst with urea (AdBlue) injection.

BMW X5 30d. The 3.0-liter engine, featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with VNT turbocharging and common rail direct injection, now develops maximum power of 190 kW/258 hp (+10 kW/13 hp), and maximum torque of 560 N·m/ 413 lb-ft (+20 N·m / 15 lb-ft), which is delivered between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm.

The new BMW X5 xDrive30d has a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 6.9 seconds (–0.7 seconds). Average fuel economy in the EU test cycle has been improved by 16%—1.2 liters per 100 kilometers—to 6.2 l/100 km (38 mpg US), with CO₂ emissions of between 162 and 164 g/km (–31 g/km), depending on tire format.

For the US, the 35d is rated as developing maximum power of 255 hp (190 kW) with the same maximum torque. EPA mileage estimates will be available closer to launch.

BMW X5 M50d. This M Performance Automobile likewise gets a 3.0-liter straight-six diesel unit, in this case featuring M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology with three-stage turbocharging. The three turbochargers work in harmony to maximize power output. Fuel is supplied via a common rail piezo injection system developing maximum pressure of 2,200 bar.

This engine has a maximum output of 280 kW/381 hp and develops its peak torque of 740 N·m / 546 lb-ft between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm. The 0–100 km/h (62 mph) time of the BMW X5 M50d is 5.3 seconds (–0.1 seconds), with average EU fuel consumption of 6.7 liters/100 km (35 mpg US), an 11% (0.8 l/100 km) improvement on the predecessor model. CO₂ emissions stand at 177 g/km (–22 g/km).

December diesels. The BMW X5 xDrive40d (230 kW/313 hp) posts average fuel consumption of 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers (36.8 mpg US) and CO₂ emissions of 169 grams per kilometer. They will be joined by two models developing 160 kW/218 hp—the BMW X5 xDrive25d with average fuel consumption of 5.9 liters per 100 kilometres (40 mpg US) and CO₂ emissions of 155 g/km, and the BMW X5 sDrive25d, which has average fuel consumption of 5.6 liters per 100 kilometres (42 mpg US) and CO₂ emissions of 149 grams per kilometer (provisional figures, according to the EU test cycle).

EfficientDynamics: eight-speed automatic transmission and ECO PRO mode with new functions. All engines in the new BMW X5 line-up are combined as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

In ECO PRO mode, the engine management, accelerator response and transmission characteristics are systematically tailored to support a particularly fuel-efficient, low-rpm driving style. At the same time, ECO PRO mode also programs electrically powered functions such as the climate control, heated seats and heated exterior mirrors for more efficient energy management.

In ECO PRO mode, a coasting function periodically decouples the engine from the rest of the powertrain whenever the driver eases off the accelerator at speeds between 50 and 160 km/h (approx. 30 – 100 mph) and does not apply the brakes at the same time. This allows the new BMW X5 to coast without engine braking, for maximized fuel efficiency.

In conjunction with the optional Navigation system Professional, fuel-efficient ECO PRO navigation routes can be selected. When the navigation system is activated, the Proactive Driving Assistant function also tells the driver exactly when to ease off the accelerator when approaching corners or a speed-restricted section of road, in order to save fuel.

Along with the additional ECO PRO mode functions, the new BMW X5 also comes with other BMW EfficientDynamics features. These include Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start Stop function, on-demand operation of ancillary units, Electric Power Steering, low roll-resistance tires and a variety of weight- and drag-reducing features.

Along with other measures, use of ultra-high-tensile steels in the body structure, thermoplastics in the side panels, aluminum in the hood and magnesium in the instrument panel support make the new BMW X5 the lightest vehicle in its class. Lightweight design also means that the significantly increased standard specification compared with the previous model does not translate to increased vehicle weight. Depending on the model, the new BMW X5 actually tips the scales as much as 90 kg (198 lbs) lighter than a comparably equipped corresponding model from the previous X5 generation.

Active upper and lower front air flap control, Air Curtains, the Air Breather system, vertical aero blades at the rear window, air deflectors on the front wheel arches and a range of other detail improvements reduce the drag coefficient (Cd), depending on the model, to as low as 0.31 (BMW X5 xDrive30d).

ConnectedDrive. A large range of BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems and mobility services are available for the new BMW X5.

The new Driving Assistant safety package includes Lane Departure Warning, which alerts drivers to an imminent unintended lane departure, and a pedestrian and collision warning system with braking function, which detects preceding vehicles and, at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph), also pedestrians who are on a potential collision course with the vehicle.

Visual and audible warnings are given if a hazard is detected and at the same time the brake system is primed in order to reduce stopping distance. At speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph), moderate “hazard” braking is actuated to reduce vehicle speed and alert the driver to a critical situation.

The Driving Assistant Plus package provides even more support. Here the Driving Assistant functions are combined with the Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function, which enhances comfort and safety in slow-moving and stop-and-go traffic. This system maintains a safe following distance at any speed up to 210 km/h (130 mph). A combination of a front camera and full-range radar sensors registers preceding traffic or stationary vehicles. If the driver fails to react to a warning of an imminent frontal collision, Driving Assistant Plus automatically brakes the vehicle, if necessary to a standstill. A further Driving Assistant Plus function, the Traffic Jam Assistant, is due to be incorporated in this package from December 2013.

At speeds up to 40 km/h (25 mph), this function not only controls following distance but also keeps the vehicle on track. The Traffic Jam Assistant keeps the vehicle in the center of its lane by providing active steering input.

The new BMW X5 will now be offered with the optional Active Protection system, with extended functionality. This safety package takes numerous steps to minimize the consequences of a potential accident. It closes the side windows and the sunroof (if fitted); pulls the front seatbelts tight and adjusts the backrest of the front passenger seat to an upright position. Active Protection now also includes an Attention Assistant feature, which analyzes driving behavior and advises when it is time to take a break.

The Intelligent Emergency Call system, which is standard in many markets, relays important information to the BMW Call Center in the event of a crash, such as vehicle position (accurate within meters), chassis number, vehicle model, vehicle color and data from the onboard sensors. The system also detects how many people are travelling in the vehicle, which airbags were activated and the intensity of the impact.

In addition to Adaptive Headlights with turning lights, Adaptive LED Headlights and the dynamically controlled anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant, which automatically blocks a portion of the headlight beam, nocturnal safety can be further assisted by BMW Night Vision. This system now detects not only pedestrians but also animals, and also includes the Dynamic Light Spot. The system relays a real-time video image to the control display which shows people, sizeable animals and other heat-radiating objects even if they are outside the headlight beam, and provides a warning if there is a collision risk. The Dynamic Light Spot is generated by a special light function which “spotlights” any persons or animals detected by the system, thereby guiding the driver’s attention in the right direction in good time.

Due to become available for the X5 by December 2013 is the latest generation of the BMW Parking Assistant. This helps the driver look for suitable parallel parking spaces and precisely maneuvers the vehicle into a parking space, not only by steering but also by operating the accelerator and brake pedal and selecting the appropriate gear. When the system has been activated at the press of a button, the new BMW X5 can therefore park itself automatically in a selected parking space.

Ease of maneuvering is further enhanced by the rear-view camera and the Surround View system, which now provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle and its surroundings on the control display. The Panorama View front and rear monitoring function, meanwhile, provides a better view of cross-traffic when emerging from an exit with poor visibility.

The new BMW X5 can now be supplied with the Speed Limit Info system, which shows any speed limits or overtaking restrictions for a particular road in the instrument cluster. The likewise optional Lane Change Warning system assesses the traffic situation on multi-lane roads in order to prevent critical situations when pulling out to overtake. When performing an intentional lane change at any speed upwards of 20 km/h (12 mph), the driver is warned by a visual signal and a steering wheel vibration if another vehicle is hidden in the critical area behind or alongside the BMW X5.