BMW news
 

GM of a local dealership here showed me a chart of new BMW's coming out soon, 2007 will see a 2nd generation X5, called the X5, 2008 will see something called the X6 sport, and 2010 will see a new X3 called X3- sheet was from Germany, and the GM said he's not really supposed to share this info with everyone- hope its true because I want to get a new SUV for 2007, and if the new X5 is out, thats probably what I'm gonna get. And it will have optional 3rd row seating.

Not sure if this is the document he showed you, as your link/photo doesn't show up.

The roadmap document I have attached below was from late 2004, and was widely debated as to accuracy at the time. Many of the vehicles shown seem to be coming to fruition, but I wouldn't bet on the accuracy of which quarter for any specific model. It is still fun to speculate.

The second document I have attached below is from 2003, and is the engine roadmap (NG6 project). I am waiting to see if the N53 is actually out in June, as it is DI, and should be approx 8% more efficient than the current N52 (which is still outstanding IMO). Rumours on the E90 boards are that the new N53 will be shown in June 2006 in that model, so it stands to reason it may be adopted for the new X5 (E70) in 2007.

It's actually not true, I read and interview the BMW CEO gave recently(in Autonews), and the X5 will not have any optional 3rd raw seats, actually according to him(Tom Purves BMW North America CEO), the new X5 will be very similar in size as today's X5. The reason cited was that it is not possible to build a bigger size X5 that handle like a BMW. Also BMW dealers have a general idea of what the company roadmap will be, but are never given specifics on what each new models will look like. The first time a dealer get to see a new model, is when it is introduced at an Auto SHow.

Here is an excerpt of the interview:

When will we see the new X5, and will it be substantially bigger?

Very soon. The reality is when you make a bigger truck, you can't make it handle like a BMW.

Are your customers in that segment asking for more interior room, and will you satisfy that?

We'll do as much as we can without trading off our values.

Question is, are you ready for an I-Drive X5?? (don't know if I will like that or not)

Which part isn't true, the roadmap or the 3rd row seat? The roadmap document was traced back to meetings that BMW held with suppliers. I think it is likely true, but there are no specifics on there such as number of rows of seats, and since it is two years old it is likely that there have been some changes in the plans.

I think that if there is a model with three rows of seats it will be the V5, the people-carrier, which is apparently based on the X5 platform. The roadmap chart refers to an MPV, two sizes, based on 3 and 7 series. It seems to have been on-again/off-again for some years, but apparently it is on again so as to compete with the new Mercedes.

Absolutely, bring it on. And a remote controlled electrically-operated rear hatch/boot lid. And PDC with a graphic representation of the vehicle on the I-Drive screen. And soft-touch turn signals with a lane-changing feature. And soft-touch wiper controls. And direct injection. And a Logic 7 sound system (hopefully Dension will have caught up by then).

Best preview of everything the new X5 will have is to see the current 530xiT.

The 3rd row seat isn't true.

There is a spy photo of the X6 in the latest issue of Car and Driver.

the sheet he showed me looked something like that

Pics no longer seem to accessible on this thread so could not check if this had been already piosted, but I came across this pic of a 2008 "X5 Sport"

http://bmwheaven.bmwsport.net/content/view/69/3/

That X5 Sport looks great IMO, but I like the X6 better. If the X6 does happen and it looks like what we saw in the pics, well, it'll probably be priced beyond my reach...

IMO that "new" X5 Sport looks too much like the FX... Can't say I like it. :thumbdown

Who knows if this salesman in AZ knew what he was talking about, but he said that BMW will not add a 3rd row seat. The crash zone in the back (where the passengers would be) would crush the occupants.

The sport model will probably be for me being by the time the car comes out premium gas will be in the $3.50 ~ $4.00 price range and climbing. Gas in NY is about 2.89 but they are saying that this time next year, that will be a bargain...time to get something under 5000 lbs.

Perhaps you are confusing the Approved Gross Vehicle Weight (including cargo, which is ~1000 lbs heavier) with actual weight. The weight of the X5 is already right at 5000 lbs. This is from p 180, 2005 Owner's Manual.
Weights
Curb weight
Ibs./kg

X5 3.0i
with manual transmission 4,652/2,110
with automatic transmission 4,696/2,130
X5 4.4i 4,927/2,235
X5 4.8is 5,016/2275

Is the current BMW X5 (2004+) 3.0d the N52? What is the engine code for the current diesel in the 7 series?