The third generation of BMW's big SUV is nearing its production launch. This prototype, caught in Munich by our spy photographers, looks almost production-ready despite the camouflage designed to obfuscate the vehicle's lines.
A New Take on the Old Look
That we see here is an X5 that is about as big as its predecessor but sports altered proportions. The lower edge of the side windows drops down toward the front of the car, and there is a pronounced kink to connect it with the base of the A-pillar. Character lines on the flanks emphasize the wedge look; from the side it resembles an over-sized X1 more than it does the current model. The roofline also drops down in a slightly coupe-like fashion.
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The front end is dominated by a sizable, upright twin-kidney grille; once production units are installed, the headlights will show an updated interpretation of the "four-eye" face as seen on BMW's most recent passenger cars. The rear will be dominated by illuminated guide strips and large exhaust tips that indicate the type of powertrain under the skin. We hope BMW plans on reducing weight versus the current model, although that’s far from a sure thing; the latest 5-series, for example, is heavier than its predecessor.
Gas, Diesel, Hybrid, M
The efficiency of BMW's diesel engines will ensure the X5 is one of the most efficient vehicles in its class anyway, even if it gains some weight. The phenomenal 3.0-liter straight-six turbo-diesel will be offered in at least two states of tune; at least one of them will again be offered in the U.S. The gasoline engines are expected to mirror the current offerings as well: a 3.0-liter, turbocharged straight-six and a 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8. While BMW’s new turbocharged inline-four is technically a possibility for an entry-level engine, we doubt it will be offered, with BMW instead leaving that engine to the X3.
The next X5 likely will be offered as a hybrid, despite the embarrassing sales performance of the overpriced X6 ActiveHybrid. The 3.0-liter N55 inline-six and electric motor used on the 3-series and 5-series ActiveHybrids could be applied to the X5 as well; the new model could also become available with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel paired with a motor and battery pack, a powertrain previewed on the 2008 X5 ActiveHybrid concept car. That’d be our choice, but so far diesel-electric powertrains are only being offered by a handful of manufacturers in Europe. On the other side of the spectrum, we are confident that there is another X5 M down the road. It likely will keep the current model's twin-turbo V-8, which would be fine with us.
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Figure on eight-speed automatics and engine stop-start systems across the lineup to help temper fuel consumption. All X5 models will be all-wheel drive. A new electronics architecture will enable the Bavarians to offer virtually every telematics and connectivity option available on the 5-, 6- and 7-series. Electronics geeks will love it; we’re not so sure about true drivers.
The X5 should continue to be one of the sportiest SUVs in its class—at least until the next generation of its provocatively styled derivative, the X6, arrives. Both will continue to be built in Spartanburg, South Carolina, alongside the X3 and the recently confirmed X4. Expect the next X5 to appear at dealers sometime in 2013.
Source: caranddriver.com
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