2014 BMW X5 to Offer First RWD Model

Here’s an interesting comparison: Both the 2014 BMW X5 and 2014 Acura MDX—two all-new premium crossovers—will be offered in rear-wheel-drive configurations for the first time in their nameplates’ history. But while Acura is using that as an opportunity to lower the price of admission to the MDX roster, BMW actually will raise the entry cost to the X5 lineup by more than $5,000.

The 2014 BMW X5 sDrive35i will start at $52,800 (excluding $925 in destination/handling charges), while last year’s least expensive X5, the 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i, opened at $47,500 (again, before the $925 in destination and handling). Looking at the rest of the 2014 BMW X5 lineup, we see the same kind of changes almost up and down the roster, too.

The 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35i, the most affordable model with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system and packing the same 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo V6 as the RWD X5, has an MSRP of $55,100; that’s $7,600 higher than the price tag on its predecessor. Moving up to the 2014 BMW X5 xDrive50i, backed by a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8, the cost rises to $68,200. Meanwhile, the premium over the 2013 model rises as well, to $68,200, although that marks a mere $4,000 spike. Providing the only exception here is the diesel entry, the 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35d, which is $100 less than its 2013 counterpart and is stickered from $56,600.

On the other hand, the 2014 BMW X5 does enjoy some impressive new standard content, including:

• Auto Stop-Start for enhanced fuel economy
• BMW Apps to help owners take advantage of the car’s connectivity functions
• BMW’s iDrive4.2 Navigation System (now featuring a touchpad)
• Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering
• 10-year complimentary subscriptions to both BMW Assist eCall (for automatic assistance in the event of a crash) and BMW TeleService (the brand’s automated service and maintenance minder)

Enthusiastic drivers also will be glad to know that, along with these additions, engineers managed to subtract about 170 lbs. from the 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35i, and 230 lbs. from the 2014 BMW X5 xDrive50i, for what’s certain to be enhanced performance.

The 2014 BMW X5 is slated to arrive in dealerships in the fourth quarter of the year.