Auto: Sky lounge and laser lights herald arrival of new BMW X5

ATL Autobahn pulled out all the stops for the regional launch of the 2019 BMW X5 sports utility vehicle on the grounds of its state-of-the-art Lady Musgrave Road showroom in St Andrew last Saturday.

ATL Autobahn is the division of ATL Automotive responsible for the BMW and MINI brands.

“We are the first in the Caribbean to have it,” Sloane Jackson, head of business ATL Autobahn, said

For 2019, the BMW X5 enters its fourth generation on an all-new automotive production platform after charting the brand's entry in the SUV segment in 2000.

“The X5 is continuing the new BMW model plan of making the models larger than their predecessor and moving the cars further upmarket with the new standard features and added luxury options,” Jackson explained.

The new BMW X5 retains much of the visual style of the previous models, but with the touches necessary to keep it at the forefront such as a revised version of the signature BMW twin kidney grille, new headlights and tail lights.

“Standard are LED lights, but the laser headlights are now an option,” Jackson added.

The significant highlights are under the hood with a comprehensive overhaul of the engine options, with more horsepower, torque and fuel efficiency, especially the diesel that can deliver 47 miles per gallon (mpg). There will also be a hybrid version. Of course, there is an X5M in the pipeline for lovers of high-performance SUVs. Putting all that new power to the ground and helping with off-roading is the availability of airsuspension at all four corners, allowing a maximum ride height of 1.6 inches over stock when needed.

Inside, the luxury and technology factors step up another level, with a newer, fresher design, plenty of high-quality materials. The panoramic sunroof now projects ambient light into the cabin creating the effect of a starlit night, dubbed sky lounge. A new dual section tailgate can be operated with a wave of a foot under the rear bumper.

“It's great to finally have the new model in stock. We have been seeing it in pictures and videos. It's great to have the units as customers get a chance to compare the models.”