Spy photographers snapped a facelifted BMW X5 last fall and now they’ve caught an updated X5 M. Spotted wearing mismatched bumpers, the prototype isn’t very revealing as all of the bodywork appears to carryover from the current model. That being said, the crossover has been outfitted with temporary headlights. While there isn’t much to see, we can expect the usual mid-cycle updates including modified bumpers and revised lighting units.
Bigger changes will occur in the cabin as
the X5 M will adopt a freestanding digital instrument cluster and infotainment
system similar to the one used in the iX. While the displays are hard to make
out in these photos, pictures of the facelifted X6 revealed them in detail.
Specifics are lacking, but the digital instrument cluster is expected to
measure 12.3 inches while the infotainment system should come in at 14.9
inches. We can also expect new switchgear as well as a minimalist shifter.
The current X5 M is powered by a
twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces 600 hp and 750 Nm of torque. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic
transmission, which sends power to an M xDrive all-wheel drive system with an
Active M differential. This setup enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 3.8 seconds and hit a top speed of up to 285 km/h when equipped with the optional M Driver’s Package.
Customers can also opt for a Competition
variant that increases the output to 617 hp and cuts the 0-96 km/h time to 3.7 seconds.
