South Carolina-based spy photographer Palbay just spotted a prototype of the upcoming BMW G05 X5. Judging by this image, we might be looking at the top model in the new X5 lineup, which is likely to be once again the BMW X5 xDrive50i or maybe a new model, the X5 M50i. The test mule showcases production style wheels and kidney grille, along with an M Performance braking system and its typical blue calipers. The camouflaged front-end also hides an aggressive front spoiler with large air intakes, which are typically reserved for M Sport packages or M Performance Automobiles.
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The new G05 generation of the X5 should be introduced during the second half of next year, as a major upgrade of the current F15 generation, including a change of platform. The new X5 will be based on the new CLAR platform, a modular architecture that will considerably reduce the final weight of all models thanks to the use of lightweight materials such as aluminum or CFRP, a compound that will be used for certain elements and reinforcements of the frame.
The BMW G05 X5 will be available in sDrive40i, xDrive40i and xDrive50i guises when it finally arrives in the US. The 40i badge will bring a revised version of the B58 3-liter straight six engine which will be so changed that technically speaking it will be considered a new engine altogether.
The B58TU will have 335 HP in models without the M Performance logo on them which is a 15 HP increase compared to what we’re used to today, on the 340i for example. Furthermore, the N63 4.4-liter V8 will also get a makeover, making it a new engine altogether due to its extensive changes. It will be making 465 HP and yes, it will be different from the one we have on the M550i model today, making the BMW X5 a model without any legacy petrol engines in its range.
Moving away from the US market, where the fate of the diesel engines is still unsure, other countries will also get diesel mills offered under the hood of the X5 but they won’t be completely new as is the case for petrol. The base xDrive30d model will be using the B57 engine with 265 HP, the xDrive40d will have 320 HP while the M50d model will come with the new quad-turbo B57S mill with 400 HP.
With the G05 BMW X5, BMW has skipped the typical mid-cycle facelift and instead shorten the production of the current model in order to deliver a far improved SAV.
Every X5 from E70 onwards has been a looker.
This improves on the X3’s design so much, which already is a decent looking car. The X5 just wears it better no matter what generation.
It does look really cool!
Exactly !
The interior has improved tremendously, better quality material, The instrument cluster is a large screen and the infotainment screen has significantly increased in size. The front bumper is pretty much the same as the new x3 and the rear is pretty close as well. The tail lights are pretty much just like the x3 but clear in the middle… think dodge durango
After X3, i am hopeful about this one !!
The overtly tall, oversized kidney grills are a prime example of desperation in design. Which is to say that when you are criticized for “boring”, your knee-jerk response is to ignore coherent design inspiration in favor of “in your face” over-boosted elements. I wouldn’t be surprised now that Kaban is in the mix, we’ll start to see these kidney grill designs morph into the Bugatti horseshoe nose.
Thank you! and they chose to only boost one dimension! Leaving the result bizarre, incoherent and unresolved. I think the X5 is such an excellent design with perfect proportions, and I hate SUVs. It’s so good that all the new Volvo suvs, which everyone claims to like, design wise, shamelessly steal from it. Why abandon its design cues for some Lexus style abomination?
You must be a real good developer. Especially in terms of cooling. Why don’t you apply at BMW and tell them how they can get enough air into the cooler by keeping the kidneys very small and keeping the “face” as a BMW. Can u make us a rendering please?!
Kidney envy – can’t cope with anything larger than his 2 Series.
Terry! How are you? Been a while. Personally I think the current 2 series is very well proportioned and I’m very happy with mine. The F30 I owned before that had bigger grilles, but once again proportional in size and shape. I don’t know, it feels like you’re trying to make some sort of point here, maybe you should try again?
You must be a real BMW fan to have forgotten that BMW have made 3 X5Ms with smaller kidney grilles. TTV8s with no cooling trouble at all. Of course if you bothered to read and watch the design commentary of the new X3, you’ll find that the grille size and shape is for design only and has little to do with cooling, that’s why all there is already so much additional venting on the front of modern BMWs. I don’t understand how you and your special friends can claim to like BMW so much and know so little about the cars they make.
By your logic the I12’s B38 would not combust since its kidneys are completely closed. You should tell BMW that they failed in their “cooling” design of the i sub brand halo car and that in order to get enough “air into the cooler” you recommend the kidney proportions from the X7 Concept.
God… these grilles have just got to stop enlarging…
That kidney grille itself already screams a failed design. Bmw seems they are well and truly going downhill, not knowing where to go.
Everyones entitled to their own opinion, but, seriously, where is BMW going ‘downhill’? Each new product seems better than the last and the brand is in a transitioning mode atm shifting focus to the future. If you’re a fan of the past, you might be in for a shock. While most people here wish for BMW to remain unchanged, very many others embrace the change and are looking forward to changing with our favorite brand.
It looks like they leaned-out the design just like the old days, and it looks amazing. But, I wonder – why do they create snoozefest sedans, then turn around and put actual effort into the new X3 and this, yet wonder why their cars are stale? Of course SUVs are hot right now, but at least some brands still make a good case for their cars.
Is that grille another aussie luk dude’s work again? If so he should be sacked immediately.
For every one complaining about the large grill, I bet five more people love it – me included. So, I get it, if you don’t like something, you’re feeling the brand is missing the mark. From where I’m sitting, this brand is hitting the bulls eye consistently.
Don’t be silly.
Grills are too big? Really? There are examples of way bigger grills on BMWs of the past such as the one attached here. I like what I see. The stance is nice and it looks athletic but with nice large windows to let plenty of light in. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a97c56ea0fb4519bd5c0bf7b2ff1070db6fae1c84abf0c8dd3e6d5ea04e3c99e.jpg
Notice how the grilles on that 328 are in proportion with the rest of the car, it’s design is very upright and narrow, like the grilles. Now, in the case of the X3 and X5 mule, the large square grille is paired with tiny, squinty headlights to create an angry pig look. If they’d gone with big squared grilles and big lights as well, it might have worked better. This is what people who don’t like this design element are saying, it’s poorly resolved and just sticks out. Of course you’re welcome to like it but I don’t think we’re just objecting because the size is suddenly too big.
That’s a fair point. Thanks
looks so good
A lot of nonsense being written, based on a camouflaged car – wait for the real deal.
FWIW, BMW designs are now getting more adventurous, which is a good thing.
Interesting!!!! Good looking…
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