Thanks for clearing that up, I thought it was what they were shooting for. I feel better now.

Nurburgring testing continues

New interior pics, although this is still a pre-production interior. 2014 X5 is supposed to have a customizable black panel LCD /LED screen for dash/cockpit MID, like the one seen in new facelift 7-series and in the 5-series from July 2012.

2014 X5 cockpit will be an improvement on the facelift 7-series cockpit shown below(also available on 5-series from July), which is basically another 10.25 inch screen. BMW is not the only one who is doing this.

From facelift 7-series write-up:
Cockpit: selectable displays in black-panel technology and central Control Display with 3D graphics. In the new BMW 7 Series, the multifunctional instrument display behind the steering wheel takes its cues from the driver’s needs. Extended black-panel technology opens up a whole new range of display options through the 10.25-inch screen. The instruments are now presented using different colors and graphics depending on the driving mode selected, and provide situation-specific information such as status and function displays. The Control Display in the center of the instrument panel has also benefited from visual and technical improvements and now uses high-resolution 3D graphics.

This is a freely programmable cockpit display that introduces a new dimension to driver information. The freely combinable instrument integrates significantly more functions than the conventional instrument panel that it is replacing. However, the familiar arrangement comprising four round instruments still remains. Two chrome rings, which open up towards each other, are visible on the black surface. Together with the displays for tank/oil temperature they remain visible on the display even when the ignition is turned off. With the aid of the Driving Experience Control function, the COMFORT, ECO PRO and SPORT modes can be clearly visually differentiated from one another on the instrument cluster. Whilst in the COMFORT mode a conventional arrangement of four closed round instruments is to be seen, in the modes ECO PRO and SPORT the rings open up to display additional information between the two round instruments. In the ECO PRO mode the rev counter becomes an EfficientDynamics display, showing how efficiently the vehicle is currently being driven. Here the instrument panel shows the extended range based on the adapted driving style. In the SPORT mode speed is only displayed digitally via a large figure in the centre the speedometer, whilst the selected gear is clearly displayed in the centre of the rev counter. Besides changing colour, the displays in the instrument cluster provide additional tailor-made information such as status and function displays, check control and navigation data, all of which can be individually accessed as required.

Comfort, Eco Pro and Sport screens shown.

Looking at the first two spy shots photos of the X5 above, it looks like this particular X5 has analogue dials and numbers for the Speedo (can't really see the Tacho).

Could it be the black panel technology is only reserved for the top of the range and M models?

Nope. Checked BMW documentation and all 5-series models except "520d in Europe" are getting the Black Panel cockpit as "paid optional feature". This particular test mule does not have that option.

I would not have bought my 2012 if it looked like this....

are you saying you should have waited or you wouldn't buy it if this was already in it? I'm the latest-and-greatest type of person... but you just know they'll add something you want the following year too. That's how they get you. That's a good reason to only lease BMWs. ;)

I really hope the F15 will not have similar front end as the new 3 series. The sloping front hood before it meets the head light reminds me of an elephant seal's nose. Butt ugly.:sick:

Per some sources, there will not be a hood line cut before the kidney grille like the new 7, 5 and 3-series, but the headlights and grill will be integrated like the new 3-series.

M1 Homage was where we first saw the new design halo LED headlights and the grille headlight integration.