New BMW X5: first pictures

• All new-car has seven-seat option
• Three new engines offered
• £38,000 price tag expected

More Information

• More pictures

Latest News

• Maserati to go diesel in 2014
• Our cars: Jaguar XF
• Our cars: Audi A1
• Latest car deals

Related stories

• First pictures: hot BMW Z4
• BMW introduces new entry-level 3 Series
• World Car of the Year: BMW 3 Series
• Stunning BMW coupe revealed
• BMW 3 Series Coupe: you say it's boring
• 3-Series convertible to have metal roof

BMW has released first pictures of the all-new, next-generation X5 4x4.

Although it doesn't look radically different from the model it replaces, the new X5 is 19cm longer and 5cm wider. It will be the first BMW to offer seven seats, and positions the 4x4 as a rival to Audi's Q7 and Mercedes' GL 4x4s.

The X5 will be available with a choice of three new engines: a 3.0-litre diesel, a 3.0-litre petrol or a 5.0-litre V8 engine.

The diesel is expected to be the biggest seller - it has an average fuel economy of 32.4mpg and a power output of 228bhp. Carbon dioxide emissions are 231g/km, which puts it in the top 35% band for company car tax. As a comparison, Audi's Q7 3.0 TDI averages 26.9mpg and has a carbon dioxide rating of 282g/km.

BMW claims the 3.0-litre petrol is 18% more fuel-efficient than the previous 3.0-litre engine, achieving 25.9mpg on the average cycle - compared with 22.2mpg.

The flagship V8's vital statistics include a 0-62mph time of 6.5sec, a top speed of 150mph and 22.6mpg on the combined cycle. All three engines are fitted to a new six-speed automatic gearbox.

Other new features on the car include a head-up display and run-flat tyres – the run flat tyres are a first on a 4x4. BMW's fiddly iDrive control system also appears in the X5 for the first time.

The new car is expect to appear here before the end of the year, with a starting price of around £38,000.