The all-new BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)

This also makes the car clearly recognisable at first sight as a BMW, due to the typical corona light effect. And compared with standard low-beam headlights, energy consumption is reduced by more than 50 per cent.

High Beam Assist is also available as an option on the new BMW X5 ensuring extra comfort when driving at night. This system switches the lights automatically back to the low beam as soon as another vehicle comes the other way or if the distance to a vehicle ahead drops below a certain limit.

A further feature in this case is that the fog lamps take on the additional function of turning lights: Each time the driver turns in another direction, the light beam for the fog lamps is guided to the side by a reflector, clearly illuminating the road ahead in the new direction the driver is taking.

Yet another particularly attractive option available on the new BMW X5 is Cruise Control with brake function. It acts on the engine management, the gear selected, and the brakes in order to precisely keep the speed set by the driver in advance. Constantly registering the car’s lateral acceleration, Cruise Control with brake function also recognises the risk of safety and comfort impairment in bends, reducing the speed of the car accordingly. And to keep the vehicle at the right speed when driving downhill, also when towing a trailer, the system will intervene in the brakes if required.

Sophisticated navigation and audio systems further enhance the driver’s and passengers’ travelling comfort in the new BMW X5. A DVD video system for the second row of seats, a CD- or DVD-changer housed in the glove compartment as well as an innovative multi-channel audio system are among the highlights offered in terms of mobile entertainment.

Even the standard version of the audio system comes with six loudspeakers, BMW’s HiFi system Professional specially conceived for playing back multi-channel audio sources, comprising no less than 16 loudspeakers. Thanks to the AUX-IN socket featured as standard, music from external audio sources such as an MP3 player may also be played through the loudspeakers in the car.

Supplementing PDC Park Distance Control, the new BMW X5 is available with a backup camera, a video system facilitating parking manoeuvres especially in confined areas or places with poor visibility.

To activate the backup camera, all the driver has to do is press a button or shift to reverse (in which case the system is activated automatically together with PDC Park Distance Control).

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