BMW’s all-new X5 has begun to permeate through its various launch markets ever since its was revealed back in June. Australia is still on schedule for its rollout of fourth-generation of Munich’s mid-size SUV, mind. But as they are wont to do, the automaker can’t help but graft on sportier (looking) add-ons sold under the M Performance brand.
The G05 BMW X5 has not yet received the full M treatment and an X5 M is likely only due when an new X6 makes its debut. Nonetheless, to fill this hunger for everything from the M division, they are offering a selection of original accessories for these mentally starved.
Presumably they will be offered on all variants including but not limited to the quad-turbocharged M50d and the 4.4-litre V8 xDrive50i as well as the less potent xDrive40i. Naturally, there isn’t anything here that will improve the performance or handling of your new X5, but it might inflate your self esteem while draining your bank balance.
There’s plenty of carbon fibre here, starting with an exterior kit that swaps the standard air intake for one larger, the same goes for the rear diffuser element, mirror caps, and rear bumper winglets. Once shod in the featherlight material, the curb weight does not dip drastically enough to impact acceleration, unfortunately.
As an antidote for that disappointment, M Performance have a set of 22-inch light alloy wheels which does reduce unsprung weight by some 4 kilograms. And importantly, there are a set of uprated brakes with larger rotors and four piston callipers. For the most visual punch, are the 20-inch matte black wheels wearing rather knobby all-terrain Grabber tyres by General Tire. Keep an ear out for that spike in road noise at highway speeds. Or cover them.
Inside there’s even more fun with carbon fibre. BMW now offers a steering wheel made out of it and grip points wrapped in Alcantara. Should there be no way to practically integrate the material, they have inserted M Performance logos and evocative contrast stitching to inspire a feeling of motorsport.
Finally, there’s the M Performance Drive Analyser that works in tandem with an OBD stick embedded with some trick racing-inspired software. Once plugged into the X5’s standard diagnostic socket, a companion smartphone app then provides one with various vehicle dynamics data along with professional performance logging and analysis options.
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