A high-tech Innovations package has arrived for the BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle … a vehicle that’s proving to be very popular in Australia.
Featuring a range of technology and comfort features frequently ordered by customers, the new package replaces the Executive models, simplifies the customer ordering process and further improves the value equation of Australia’s best selling luxury SUV.
A new convenience feature marks its debut in the Innovations package too. Unique to the BMW X5 in its segment, Top View provides drivers with an even more comprehensive and complete picture of the car and its immediate surroundings.
In addition to the rear view camera and Park Distance Control (PDC) sensors, Top View uses two cameras in the side mirrors which send data on the car and its surroundings to a central computer. This then provides an overall picture presented in the Control Display showing the car and its surroundings from a bird’s eye perspective. This clear overview then enables the drive to manoeuvre precisely even in confined space.
Joining rear view camera with new Top View function on the list of features for the Innovations package is automatic tailgate operation, exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function including fold-in and parking function, electric seat adjustment for front seats including memory for driver’s seat with electric steering column adjustment, control display with 8.8-inch colour monitor and Professional Navigation including television function and voice control, Bi-Xenon headlights including headlight washer system, High beam assist and USB audio interface.
Pricing for the Innovations package is $11,200 when ordered in conjunction with the X5 xDrive30i and X5 xDrive30d, or $9,500 if ordered in combination with the Sport or M Sport packages. The Innovations package of items normally retail for over $16,600 when ordered individually.
The package is also available on the X5 xDrive35d for $2,900 and includes automatic tailgate operation, Bi-Xenon headlights including headlight washer system, High beam assist and USB audio interface, with the remainder of items already making up the list of standard features. Finally, the package can also be ordered with the X5 xDrive48i for $1,200 and includes automatic tailgate operation and USB audio interface.
Coinciding with the introduction of the new Innovations package, BMW has taken the Professional Navigation System on the X5 (as well as X6) to a new level with a new iDrive Controller – with one-touch keys – and a completely new menu structure. It now comes with an 8.8-inch high resolution colour monitor offering full screen mode for viewing maps; three-dimensional relief maps, DVD drive, and an integrated 80 GB hard disc drive. This allows the storage of up to 12 GB of audio files from CD or USB devices.
Navigation data is now stored in the system itself and therefore a navigation DVD is no longer requires. Updates of the navigation data can be completed at the dealership via the car’s USB interface. The iDrive also features eight favourite buttons, allowing drivers to take a short cut to their preferred settings.