The next-generation BMW X5, set to land as a 2019
model, has been spied undergoing testing in base and performance-oriented guises. The
prototypes pictured are bathed in camouflage and some of the styling changes
are hard to pick. With that being said, a number of obvious changes immediately
catch the eye, none more so than the kidney grilles which are significantly
larger than those of the current model.
There are some more convincing elements
of the 2019 X5’s exterior, including different headlights with LED DRLs,
horizontal taillights drastically slimmer than the current model, and squared-off
tailpipes.
BMW
follows a strict evolutionary path when it comes to both exterior and interior
redesigns. So color us a bit surprised to see a few changes taking place inside
the new X5. Beyond the more rectangular instrument panel cowl
over the digital gauges, there’s a new layout on the center console with
different air vents than what we’ve been accustomed to the past decade.
The Bavarian designers swapped the position of the
audio and climate controls, with the former now sitting up high. And like those
TV infomercials yell at you at 3am in the morning, but wait, there’s more,
because BMW has replaced the ergonomic air-conditioning knobs with what appear
to be small toggle switches placed under an equally small digital screen
positioned between the central vents. The 5- and 7-Series-sourced steering
wheel hinders our view, but we’re hoping that at least one knob has made it out
alive for the audio system volume on the left side.
Further back on the lower console between the seats,
BMW has revamped the design of the automatic gearbox shifter that looks more
compact in size, while adding a plethora of buttons on the left side, including
what looks like the start-button. There’s also new toggle switches, one of
which is for an off-road mode, as well as the familiar iDrive controller.
Like the
latest-generation 5-Series and 7-Series, BMW’s cluster architecture (CLAR) will
underpin the X5. This will make the SUV longer, lighter, and more rigid than
the current model. In X5 M guise, those latter two characteristics could bring
about fundamental handling and performance improvements, particularly if a
reported weight cut of 250-300 kg comes to fruition. Another thing to be borrowed from the 7-Series is
expected to be the two-axle air suspension, albeit as an option, with lower
trim models making do with steel springs and available adaptive dampers.
BMW customers will have a plethora of engines to
choose from depending on their location. Included in this range are bound to be
a number of 2.0-liter four, 3.0-liter six and 4.4-liter eight-cylinder petrol
and 2.0-liter four and 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel units from the 5 and
7-Series. Given BMW’s interest in electrification, it’s probable that a plug-in
hybrid mixing a 2.0-liter turbo four with electric power, like the current
xDrive40e, is also being developed. In news that will surprise no one, the
range-topping X5 M is tipped to use twin-turbo V8 engine delivering up to 600
hp.
A global premiere for the 2019 BMW X5 is expected
for later this year, likely at the Paris Motor Show in September.
