BMW has released the first details for the 2014 X5, detailing a lighter four-wheel drive system, lower fuel consumption and for the first time a four-cylinder diesel engine.

The original so-called ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’, the first X5 led the way in creating fashionable SUV-derived cars with better on-road driving dynamics and plusher interiors.

The latest model now has BMW’s latest technology including eight-speed gearboxes as standard, universally turbocharged engines and AdBlue urea solution injection technology to make sure it meets the forthcoming stringent European emissions legislation.

The range will eventually start with the front-wheel drive ‘sDrive’ 25d model, which uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine new to the X5. It comes to the UK by the end of the year, up to two months after the car’s launch. A four-wheel drive model using the same engine will arrive at the same time.

At launch the range is entirely four-wheel drive with the six-cylinder 30d, 40d and 50i, plus the M50d. Many fuel economy and emissions figures are only provisional at this stage, but should ultimately start from 149g/km for the entry-level 2.0-litre 215bhp sDrive diesel.

The likely volume seller is the 255bhp xDrive 30d, which has been confirmed as 19% more efficient than the model it replaces with measurements of 162g/km and 45.6mpg. That makes it – in theory – 7.4mpg and 33g/km better than before despite a 13bhp and 15lb.ft increase under the bonnet.

BMW claims that the new X5 will be the lightest and most aerodynamic car in its class, following a collection of detail enhancements that will bring the xDrive 30d, for example, down to 2,145kg.

The first deliveries of the 30d, 40d, M50d and 50i will be in November, with the end of December scheduled for the new 2.0-litre models.