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BMW X5 celebrates 10 years of success

12th February 2009 Print

A decade ago BMW created a new market segment – that of the Sports Activity Vehicle. When previously only utilitarian off-roaders were available, BMW broke the mould by offering a four-wheel drive vehicle that combined BMW’s renowned driving dynamics in a spacious, versatile, yet premium package.

First shown at the North American International Auto Show in 1999, the BMW X5 was an instant hit both in the UK and globally. It was subsequently refreshed in 2003 with the introduction of the xDrive four-wheel drive system along with engine upgrades and subtle styling changes. An all-new model appeared in 2007 growing in size to differentiate it further from the BMW X3. The X line-up has since been joined by the X6 and will receive a further boost later this year with the launch of the all-new BMW X1.

Since it was introduced to the UK in 2000, BMW has sold 59,483 X5s, with the 3.0-litre diesel-powered version being the most popular model accounting for approximately 90 per cent of sales. Sport/M Sport has also proved the most popular specification with circa 80 per cent sales compared to SE. Worldwide BMW has sold 845,000 X5s.