It’s a big year for BMW, as the company gears up for the launch of several all-new models such as the 8 Series, Z4 and X7. Joining those vehicles is the G05 BMW X5, which Munich has just teased with official “spyshots” and video ahead of the SUV’s debut.
From these images, it’s clear that BMW is building a strong design identity for its X range of SUVs, with an enormous double kidney grille and trapezoidal headlights – both of which are already on the new X3 and X4. The M Sport front bumper seen here also features a hexagonal centre air intake, another design cue that originated from the X5’s smaller siblings.
Although the rest of the car isn’t so clearly visible, we can refer to recent spyshots to read the details. While the car’s proportions are recognisably X5, the shoulder line features a slight kink towards the back to emphasise the rear haunches. The trademark L-shaped tail lights are also visible, albeit in inverted form. A pair of integrated rectangular tailpipes emphasises the X5’s sporty nature.
The interior can also be clearly seen, with details including a fully-digital instrument display, slim air vents with silver inserts and a new gearlever console. As we’ve seen on other spyshots, these include a silver starter button, a shorter, stumpier gearlever and a large knurled iDrive knob. However, the toggle switches for the off-road gubbins and suspension ride height are new items.
Built on BMW’s latest Cluster Architecture (CLAR), the X5 will almost certainly be lighter by before – reports have provided a ballpark figure of between 230 and 270 kg, which is pretty substantial. It will also feature “new suspension and chassis systems” for the first time on an X model, according to the company.
These include the new off-road package that enables the vehicle setup to be adapted to suit a given terrain at the push of a button. Snow, sand, rocks and gravel roads were listed as examples, hinting at the modes that will be offered. It’s the first time we’ve seen a focus on off-road capability from BMW.
As for engines, the X5 is expected to feature the full complement of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, including plug-in hybrid models in the vein of the current xDrive40e variant. Also likely is an M Performance variant (M50i?) utilising the M550i‘s 4.4 litre twin-turbocharged V8, as well as a top dog X5 M using an uprated version of that same engine, from the new M5.
GALLERY: G05 BMW X5 spyshots
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This car looks good. I heard Malaysia is top in the world for its Hybrid version. Of course, because prices from RM600,000 dropped to RM388k. So everyone jumped and bought the X5 40e
I hope other hybrids also drop in price so that the poor and middle class can enjoy cheaper cars.
The current BMW styling trend of bigger and bigger ‘nostrils’.
The big ‘kidneys’ will definitely make the GLC looks like a sissy.
Isn’t GLE the rival for X5? GLC is against X3.
Help…Looking for some advice here…been contemplating of purchasing the current x5 40 phev(F15) in this upcoming zero gst period, got offered an extremely good deal, but am very confused as the new x5(G05) will be launching real soon and probably in Malaysia by years end. My predicament is should I own an old x5 that I can afford now(keeping in mind that the incentive on hybrids could end anytime soon) and oggle at the new x5(for the next 7 years of my loan/life) as I would never be able to afford it at 580k or just move on and purchase something newer like a glc or x3 that will b around for next 4/5 years!! Tq in advance for your advice.
Just buy it. But bear in mind, eventually that battery needs replacing. And it may be an expensive affair. Cos when it goes, it will be after warranty period is over. Why not consider an X3 instead? Its a newer car, cheaper
, and handles much better than the X5 as its nimbler. X3 has soft ride too and very quiet. But yeah, it’s got “poverty specs”. Not even autonomous braking is available. But if you like a rewarding car to drive, it gives a lot of that, as its got car driving dynamics, not SUV dynamics. Just not much specs in it. You want specs, it’s got to be the XC60. Or something in between but still handles well, there is the GLC250.
Thanks heybadigol..very helpful n lots of insight
hey jc do you mind sharing some specifics of the extremely good deal? I have been offered too but it is just the regular fleet discount and gst savings.
Yeah..tats bout it jack…I tot tat was pretty good oredi..btw jack..so what do u think about purchasing this brand new 5 year old F15 at this bargain price compared to the new G05 that’s launching this year and would probably be on our shores by mid 2019..(that I could never afford or wait for another 2 years (2020)for the G05 phev n that too if the government still maintains the hybrid incentives or should just stick to a newer x3 or a glc 250…which ultimately will have better resale value…really need help coz I have a 3k booking for a glc250 n a 2k booking for the x5…both salesmen breathing down my neck ..