BMW India has added a new trim level to the X5’s portfolio – SportX Plus. It sits between the entry-level SportX and the mid-tier xLine derivatives. And courtesy of the new trim, the SUV now has two new variants – one petrol and one diesel. Here are the prices:

• X5 xDrive40i SportX Plus – Rs 77.90 lakh
• X5 xDrive30d SportX Plus – Rs 79.50 lakh

The new diesel-powered variant demands a premium of Rs 3 lakh over the now-axed xDrive30d SportX derivative. But, on the other hand, it costs Rs 7.4 lakh less than the xDrive30d XLine. As for the new petrol-fed variant, it can only be compared to the range-topping xDrive40i M Sport. At Rs 88 lakh, the latter costs a whopping Rs 10.1 lakh more. So, those looking for a petrol-powered X5 now have two options, at least!

Compared to the xLine trim, the SportX Plus misses out on stuff like BMW’s LaserLight tech, launch control, air suspension, 20-inch alloys (gets 19-inch wheels) and BMW’s Display Key. And, as you’d expect, the M Sport offers even more features to justify the more considerable price difference. That being said, the X5 in SportX Plus trim still has a lot going for itself. Its list of creature comforts includes multiple drive modes, cruise control, a 10-speaker sound system, panoramic glass roof, auto headlamps and wipers, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an equally large touchscreen infotainment system.

The 30d variant comes with a 3.0-litre diesel engine that pumps out 261bhp/620Nm, whereas the 40i derivative packs a 3.0-litre petrol mill with 335bhp/450Nm on tap. Both powerplants come coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard, and the oomph goes to all four wheels. The diesel-fed X5 can hit 100kmph from a standstill in 6.5 seconds. The petrol-powered specimen, on the other hand, takes a second less to complete that sprint.

In India, the BMW X5 competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Land Rover Discovery and the Volvo XC90. Out of the three, which one would you pick?