Third Gen. F15 X5: Spy Shots, CGIs and Discussion Thread

[LeMansX5]

From Autocar:

The all-new BMW X5 has been spied during winter testing. The SUV is tentatively scheduled to be launched later in 2013 and will be the third of four SUVs BMW will be launching, refreshing or replacing before 2014.

Externally the styling borrows from the current 3-series and includes BMW's prominent kidney grille. The front bumper features air vents which have also been recently on BMW's 4-series Concept Coupe.

Under the skin, the new BMW X5 will share its underpinnings with the new BMW X3, which has been a huge sales success in the UK since its launch in 2011. It will get a longer wheelbase and wider track.

It's thought the interior will go further upmarket and that the X5 will be offered with a third row of seats.

The double wishbone front, multi-link rear suspension system of the X3 will be retained for the new X5.

The biggest news under the bonnet will be a new four-cylinder diesel engine option that will give BMW a rival for the soon-to-be-launched, and sure to be popular, Mercedes ML250 CDI.

The model, potentially badged BMW X5 xDrive25d, is likely to be powered by an improved version of BMW’s existing 204bhp twin-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine, with increased torque output to compensate for the X5’s extra size and weight.

Elsewhere, the engine line-up will consist of updated versions of today’s six-cylinder petrol and diesel units, with revised V8 petrol engines mainly aimed at North American, Chinese and Middle Eastern markets.

The new X5’s 2013 launch will be preceded in 2012 by a facelift for the X6 coupé-SUV and followed in 2014 by the firm’s new X6-inspired, and X3-based, X4 SUV.

New BMW X5

[LeMansX5]

Notice the differences in this X5 form other spyshots we have seen

[alexmish]

i dont see much difference... perhaps slightly different lower grill?

[SkipSauls]

The Gmotors.co.uk looks like a 50i with the M Sport package, given that the fender flares are body-colored on the inside edge. The newer pics also look less jacked-up, with less of a gap between the tires and fenders. Otherwise I can't see any major differences.

[X5 Meister]

The rear window defroster will now be part of the optional "token cold weather test package."

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

Notice the differences in this X5 form other spyshots we have seen

[JDM-20L]

I can't wait to see the F15 X5M ... I think its going to look pretty damn good!

And I hope that 4 Cylinder version doesn't come to Australia, I understand why it makes sense in Asia... it really has not place here and will not do much for the X5's rep.

[alexmish]

On a second thought... the side mirrors fully painted?

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by SkipSauls

The Gmotors.co.uk looks like a 50i with the M Sport package, given that the fender flares are body-colored on the inside edge. The newer pics also look less jacked-up, with less of a gap between the tires and fenders. Otherwise I can't see any major differences.

different bumper, different front grill, different side skirts, (hopefully no paint chip issue this time), other typical M-sport features, etc...

[Edge647]

I'm sure LeMansX5 will have the PDF version soon - but until then...I saw this today:

http://www.bmwblog.com/2013/02/28/ne...dering-guides/

[alexmish]

Lemans is quiet... no acknowledgement nor denial... ok, we'll wait !