The new BMW X5 is being launched with a choice of two petrol and two diesel representatives from the latest generation of engines. Heading the range is the BMW X5 xDrive50i (not available in Europe), whose extensively developed V8 unit is making its debut, while a BMW M Performance model also forms part of the launch line-up. The BMW X5 M50d is powered by a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with a quartet of turbochargers. A six-cylinder in-line unit can also be found under the bonnet of the BMW X5 xDrive40i and BMW X5 xDrive30d. All the engines channel their power through an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive is on hand to ensure that power is translated into secure progress - on or off road.

The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package for the petrol engines comprises turbochargers, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing. On the diesel side, the raft of technological measures at work includes turbochargers and common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors. The result is instantaneous pulling power and sporty performance credentials on the one hand and exemplary fuel consumption and emissions on the other. All model variants comply with the requirements of the EU6d-TEMP emissions standard. The system of emission control for the petrol engines includes a gasoline particulate filter that minimises particulate emissions, while the diesel models boast BMW BluePerformance technology comprising a particulate filter, an oxidation catalyst, a NOx adsorption catalyst and an SCR catalyst with AdBlue injection to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.