Today marked the commencement of the official production of the third-generation BMW X5, when the company began assembling the sports activity vehicle in the assembly line. The first model to come out is a Mineral White M50d, powered by a six-cylinder inline diesel engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology, and featuring an Exclusive Nappa Mocha leather interior. This model will be be shipped out to a dealer in Eastern Europe.

“Since 1999, the X5 has been a significant contributor to the Spartanburg plant’s global success,” said BMW Manufacturing President, Josef Kerscher. “Our team will continue to build the next-generation X5 with the superior quality that our customers around the world have come to expect from South Carolina.”

The latest X5 will be launched in three different engine types – a 450-horsepower V8 gasoline engine, a 258-horsepower six-cylinder diesel, and a 381-horsepower M Performance diesel.

The design of the new model is a progression of the previous models launched by BMW, with twin-circular headlight units making way into the BMW kidney grill. A well-balanced model with robust exterior and perfectly moulded arches, the vehicle’s aerodynamics blend well into the overall design and build, including the Air Curtains, Air Breathers and Aero Blades designed for the rear window. Moreover, the signature x-shaped bumper distinguishes the vehicle as being part of the BMW X-Model series.

The new X5 also features Active Steering – marking it as the first and only vehicle in its class equipped with this technology which is developed by BMW itself – and AdaptDrive – an amalgamation of the two latest technologies namely the Active Roll Stabilization and Electronic Damping Control, allowing for swift and easy handling and control of the vehicle coupled with a smooth experience of the ride.

This latest model is also equipped with eight-speed automatic gearbox with additional BMW EfficientDynamics technology, along with optimized air guidance and modern engine technology to minimize fuel consumption and harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Apart from that, the Auto Start Stop function, ECO PRO mode with coasting function and the Proactive Driving Assistant are some of the other defining features of the new model, as well as having an EU6 rating like all other models.

BMW started manufacturing the X5 models back in 1999 and today the figure stands above 1.3 million vehicles assembled in almost 140 global markets. Produced and assembled at BMW Manufacturing Co., the new X5 model will be distributed to 140 markets throughout the world.