(Mon 08 Feb 10)

BMW is making several changes to the X5 Sport Activity Vehicle. External alterations are minor, but the new bumpers and lights, the matt aluminium-look lower scuff plates and vent fins and the larger exhaust tailpipes are all designed to make the X5 look sportier than before.

And they're not kidding. The X5 is also being given a range of three new engines, all of them mated to eight-speed automatic transmission. Each unit is more powerful than the one it replaces, but fuel economy is up and CO2 emissions are down: for example, the xDrive30d now produces 245bhp rather than the previous 235bhp, giving a top speed of 130mph and a 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds, yet combined economy is 38.2mpg and the CO2 rating is 195g/km, making this the first X5 to break the 200g/km barrier.

The larger turbo diesel engine in the xDrive40d also beats 200g/km with a rating of 198g/km, though at 306bhp it's 20bhp up on the existing xDrive35d. And at the top of the range, the xDrive48i has been replaced by the twin-turbo petrol V8 xDrive50i, whicih produces 408bhp, has a top speed limited to 155mph and can manage the 0-62mph drag in just 5.5 seconds. This is not the best choice for those concerned about fuel prices, though, since combined economy is 22.6mpg.

All versions come with a choice of SE or M Sport trim levels, and prices range from £43,980 for the xDrive30d SE to £58,175 for the xDrive50i M Sport.

Comment on this story on Facebook or Twitter.

BMW Gallery
BMW Road Tests

Previous: Porsche 911 Turbo S                                               Next: Toyota Troubles