A new prototype of the facelifted BMW X5 M has been spied in the midst of testing. We caught first glimpse of the refreshed SUV in April but it had the same bodywork as the outgoing model and was only distinguished with a set of unique headlights. On the other hand, this test car has a revised front fascia that’s been shrouded in camouflage to try and hide some of the new design details.
The front end of the current model features two large kidney grilles, a secondary grille located lower down on the bumper, and two large intakes on either side of it. These spy shots suggest the updated X5 M will have the same number of grilles and air intakes but the shape of them will change slightly. This could also some subtle updates to the kidney grille, although they certainly won’t grow in size quite like the current M3 and M4.
This test vehicle also features temporary headlights with darkened lenses. We don’t mind the look of them but are told they will change for the production model. Interestingly, BMW hasn’t applied any camouflage to the rear of the SUV, although we’d be surprised if the eventual production model didn’t have a new rear bumper and different graphics in the taillights.
BMW will make a number of changes to the cabin of the facelifted X5 and X5 M. The most obvious change will be the inclusion of a freestanding digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen just like the all-electric iX. The rest of the interior will probably go largely untouched, although there could be some new switchgear. The facelifted BMW X5 M will retain the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 of the outgoing model, perhaps with a little extra punch. The current model has 600 hp and 750 Nm while the flagship X5 M Competition ups horsepower to 617.
