Redesigned 2014 BMW X5 Kicks Off Production in South Carolina

Peabody, 08/14/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

Fourteen years after BMW's first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), the X5, first rolled off the luxury automaker's assembly plant in Spartanburg, S.C., the third generation of the vehicle started production at the same facility this month. Promising bolder styling, boosted power and more miles per gallon, the 2014 BMW X5 won't go on sale until November, but in the meantime, initial models will be shipped to dealerships to build anticipation for the launch of the redesigned SAV.

Though the silhouette of the 2014 BMW X5 is similar to the outgoing generation, its front fascia now features a large dual-kidney grille connected to sweeping LED-accented headlights, hinting at the model's more athletic performance. The new X5's standard engine remains the 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder producing 300 horsepower, but the available 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 has been retuned to churn out 445 horsepower, an increase of 45 horsepower over its predecessor. All models should see improvements in fuel economy due to weight savings and other efficiency measures, with the 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35d is expected to lead the way with its revamped 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel engine.

"The X5 is one of BMW's best-selling models, so they made sure to improve the SAV in all areas, including faster acceleration, greater fuel efficiency and more aggressive styling," said Marshal Cabot, general manager of BMW of Peabody, a Massachusetts BMW dealer serving Boston. "Regardless of the engine they choose, fans of the X5 will be getting the most engaging driving experience yet, all without sacrificing the model's versatility."

As BMW looks to build excitement for its 2014 X5, the current-generation model continues to excel on the showroom floor. BMW sold 2,674 X5 models in July, a 17 percent increase compared to the same month last year. Year-to-date, more than 24,000 X5 models have found new homes in the United States, a rise of 8 percent over the same period in 2012.

The launch of the next-generation X5 could be the clinching factor in BMW's quest to claim the U.S. luxury sales crown for the third straight year. While Mercedes-Benz held an advantage of more than 4,000 units in May, its sales lead for the year has slipped to 1,124 units after BMW outsold its rival again in July. Even the CEO of Mercedes-Benz's parent company, Daimler AG, has said that he expects BMW to emerge victorious again this year.

"If BMW doesn't already have the luxury sales crown wrapped up by November, we expect that an improved version of an already popular vehicle like the X5 will put them over the top," added Cabot. "However, with the new BMW 4 Series Coupe coming out in the fall as well, BMW will probably be more focused on breaking its own sales records than worrying about competitors."

About BMW of Peabody:
Located minutes from downtown Boston on Route 114, BMW of Peabody takes pride in offering some of the world’s finest vehicles, backing up every new and used BMW sale with their expert, customer-focused sales and service staff. Recognized as a leading Greater Boston BMW dealer, BMW of Peabody is a five-time winner of the prestigious Center of Excellence Award and offers two BMW service centers to fit the schedules of its busy customers. See their full BMW inventory online at www.bmwpeabody.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bmwofpeabody, visit their showroom at 221 Andover Street in Peabody or call them at 978-538-9900.