BMW’s new X5 forces early buyers to fork out $1,085 for a chunk of slate

Every new BMW X5 now ships with a mandatory €950 ($1,085 at current exchange rates) Individual Clear & Bold package that includes a genuine slate trim piece on the center console, crystal glass seat-control switches, and illuminated crystal gear-selector surrounds.

The slate piece alone represents roughly 1 percent of the X5’s €95,750 ($109,500) German starting price. BMW claims the X5 is the first production car to use real slate interior trim.

Buyers who want to dodge the slate can wait until December, when BMW says it will begin building X5 models without the option.

The slate trim is bundled with crystal glass seat-position switches on the door panels and center console.

The latest-generation X5 has already sparked debate over its bold exterior and polarizing cabin design.

Under the skin, BMW is rolling out a wide powertrain lineup: a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six petrol with 394 HP, two plug-in hybrids (the 50e AWD at 483 HP and 516 lb-ft, and the M60e at 612 HP and 590 lb-ft), and an all-electric iX5 with 570 HP and 593 lb-ft. Future V8 and hydrogen-powered iX5 models are also planned.