BMW has given its X5 SUV a serious kick up the butt with new, more powerful engines, more features and a smoother, sportier styling package - and it'll be released in South Africa in June 2010.
First, the big news: The range-topping xDrive 48i has been replaced by the xDrive 50i with what the Blue Propeller Boffins say is the first twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a catalytic converter in the V.
It's rated at 300kW, 39kW more than the engine it replaces, delivering a claimed 5.5sec 0-100 sprint, a second quicker than the 48i.
Then the xDrive35d gives way to the twin-turbocharged xDrive40d, for which BMW claims CO2 emissions of only 198g/km (a 10 percent improvement, we are told) while using only 7.5 litres/100km in the combined cycle.
Its 0-100 time is down from seven seconds to 6.6, thanks to a 225kW output, 15kW more than the outgoing engine.
The xDrive 30d has also been upgraded to provide 180kW, 7kW more than previously, reducing its 0-100 sprint time six percent to 7.6sec at a cost of only 7.4 litres/100km and 195g/km - a 10 percent improvement.
Each X5 now has an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.
For the first time leather upholstery is standard across the range, as is Servotronic adaptive power steering. Xenon headlights are standard on the 50i and an extra-cost option on the rest of the range.
Revised front bumpers with enlarged vents increase the air supply to the engine and brakes, above matt aluminium-look scuff plates and vent fins, with more centralised foglights.
The revised tail-light cluster has horizontal LED light bars and larger tailpipes in a redesigned rear bumper underline the X5's enhanced performance.
BMW's famous options list has grown even longer with the addition of lane departure warning, active cruise control with stop-and-go function, speed limit display and side-view cameras.