Our BMW G05 X5 coverage continues with the first real life photos of the new SAV. About a month ago, while attending the pre-drive of the BMW X7, the Bavarians gave us a sneak peak at fourth generation X5. Along with the photos seen embedded here, we’ve also filmed some videos of the new X5, which can be seen here The model displayed for us was a Mineral White BMW X5 xDrive30d, equipped with the M Sport Package and fully loaded with options.

To help this new X5 compete with luxury SUV rivals such as the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90, BMW has given the car an imposing look, with the biggest grille yet seen on a production BMW. At least until the X7 arrives. Customers can choose either an xLine or M Sport version of the X5, as well as picking different wheels ranging from 18in-22in. LED headlights come as standard but BMW laser lights can be optioned as well offering a range of 500 meters (in Europe).

The new X5 has a wheelbase that is 1.6 inches longer than its predecessor’s, with a 1.1 inches increase in vehicle length, an extra 2.6 inches of width and a 1.0 inches increase in height. It also features wider door openings to help getting in and out, and has more space in between its front and rear axles delivering more legroom for rear passengers. The two-piece tailgate remains, but top and bottom feature full electric closure. The split tailgate gives access to a 640-liter boot. That figure is 10 liters down on the previous car’s, as is the 1,860 liter volume with the seats folded.

As before, seven seats will be available, and BMW says the third row is roomier than before. The X5 begins production at the South Carolina plant in August, but the third-row will arrive four months later during December production.

The cabin takes on a more modern design direction offering a more minimalist look, thanks in part to the latest iteration of the iDrive infotainment system. A 12.3-inch display controls a vast array of functions via iDrive, touch, voice and gesture commands. A second 12.3-inch screen with customizable digital dials sits behind the steering wheels. These screens are supplemented by BMW’s largest-ever head-up display.

The redesigned control panel on the center tunnel stands out with a glass application gear shifter, as well as a crystal-adorned iDrive knob and repositioned On/Off button. Pipes of ambient lighting illuminate the center tunnel, doors, and instrument panel.

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.

The BMW X5 xDrive40i while likely be the volume seller here in the US and it will pack BMW’s excellent B58 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 engine, making 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. The xDrive50i will get a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 462 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, so very similar to that of the BMW M550i. As for the xDrive30d, it gets a 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 diesel engine, making 265 hp and 457 lb-ft.

The X5 M50d, which will pack BMW’s quad-turbocharged 3.0 liter inline-six diesel, delivers 400 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. It will be able to get from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds, which is only a couple of tics behind the BMW X3 M40i, despite being quite a lot heavier.

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. An electronically-controlled limited-slip differential will be optional and will come with both the X Sport and Off Road packages. The limited-slip diff helps make it both sportier to drive and more capable off road.

To learn more about the new BMW X5, you can follow our coverage here.