Everyone is talking about the new X5. Mostly because it looks strange.
The cabin divides opinions almost as sharply as the exterior design. Now, another layer of friction has emerged. Early buyers face a mandatory fee for interior trim they may not even want. A slab of rock. Pricey rock. And you have no choice but to take it. At least, not yet.
Individual Clear & Bold. A strange name for a weird mandate.
The online configurator makes the rules clear. Every new X5 built right now requires the €950 add-on. That’s $1,085 USD. The charge covers a thin piece of genuine slate set into the center console near the gear shifter.
It’s unusual. BMW loves making points like this. According to BMW Blog, this might be the first time production cars feature slate trim. It definitely beats piano black, which shows every fingerprint.
Why force it?
BMW promises relief coming in December. Models without the slate slice will then become available. Until then, you pay the tax. The package also adds crystal glass for the door seat controls and center console switches.
€950 is no small sum. It represents about one percent of the German starting price of €95.75k ($109.5k). Paying a thousand bucks for small bits of glass and stone? It stings.
Engines For The Skeptics
The design won’t please everyone. The powertrain lineup aims to please them anyway.
BMW isn’t leaving options on the table. Diesel engines are available. Gasoline too. A turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six makes 394 horsepower. Solid numbers.
Then come the plug-in hybrids.
The X5 50e Awd combines engine and electric motor for 483 horsepower. Torque hits 516 pound-feet (700 Nm). Wait.
BMW isn’t done.
The M60e exists. It makes 612 horsepower. 590 pound-feet (800 Nm). That’s a serious amount of shove for a crossover.
Power sells. It masks the forced interior choices. Will it be enough to smooth over the initial billing shock? Maybe.
December feels far away when your keys arrive sooner. The slate remains. For now.
