BMW has just unveiled the fourth-generation BMW X5, the first X model built in USA and the one Sports Activity Vehicle that formed the vast X-Family. Now BMW makes seven SUVs and will likely be adding an eighth, with the ironically named BMW X8. And it’s all because of the success of the first-gen X5.

From the outside, this new fourth-gen X5 looks very good. It’s not drastically different looking from the car it replaces but it’s certainly an upgrade. While it isn’t that different looking, it is where it matters. Its Kidney Grilles are bigger and feature a singleframe surround, its headlights are detached from its grilles and the headlights themselves are slimmer, sharper and feature laser lights as an option.

Out back, the taillights are also a bit chunkier but more cohesive looking and much better than then massive “L-shaped” lights of the previous-gen car. Down the side, the shoulder line of this new X5 is far more pronounced than on the old car. The idea that his new BMW X5 is more rugged and a bit is also emphasized by its size.

A wheelbase that is 1.6 inches longer than its predecessor’s, a 1.1 inches increase in vehicle length, an extra 2.6 inches of width and a 1.0 inches increase in height give the all-new 2019 BMW X5 both a muscular appearance and a more generous level of space for passengers and their luggage.

Big changes happen inside as well. The dashboard and center stack are both similar to those of the new and upcoming BMW 8 Series, Z4 and 3 Series, from what we’ve seen. So it gets a new fully digital instrument panel (called BMW Live Cockpit), without the odd plastic bits stuck on it to fake the shape of actual gauges, and a new 12.3-inch iDrive infotainment screen that sits right next to it.

Underneath that new iDrive screen is a new HVAC button setup, which we get to see now in better detail. That iDrive system is also all new, featuring an entirely new layout, new crisp graphics and many customizable screens. One really interesting feature the new X5 gets is heated/cooled cupholders, both features are highlighted by either red or blue LED rings inside of the cupholders, respectively.

At launch, there will be four variants; the BMW X5 xDrive40i (available in the US), xDrive50i (North America only), xDrive30d and X5 M50d. The North American market will get one diesel, likely the xDrive40d, which arrives in 2019. All engines will be paired with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive as standard. The BMW X5’s xDrive all-wheel drive system is very rear-biased under normal conditions, to allow the X5 to feel a bit sportier and more agile.

To learn more about the new BMW X5, see our introductory article and furthermore, you can watch the videos below for a closer look at the G05 X5.