The facelifted BMW X5 M is inching closer to production as a lightly camouflaged prototype has been spied undergoing testing on the Nürburgring. Expected to be introduced later this year or early next year, the high-performance crossover will be getting a modest makeover that largely focuses on the front end.
While the camouflage does a good job of
hiding the updates, it appears the model will be equipped with a revised grille
and new headlights. They should be joined by an updated front bumper, but
things look pretty evolutionary at this point. It’s a different story out back
as the rear end appears to carryover untouched. That being said, the taillights
may have revised graphics for a more three dimensional appearance.
Spy photographers didn’t get much of a
look inside, but previous pictures have suggested the crossover will adopt a
minimalist shifter, updated switchgear, and a Curved Display similar to the one
found in the iX. As a result, we can expect a freestanding 12.3-inch digital
instrument cluster as well as a 14.9-inch infotainment system.
Changes could also be found under the hood
as the latest rumors suggest the 2023 X5 M will be offered exclusively in
Competition guise and come equipped with the new S68 engine that is slated to
debut in the XM. While the latter model will be offered exclusively as a
plug-in hybrid, the facelifted X5 M is said to be a mild-hybrid. This means the
X5 M likely wouldn’t be as powerful as the XM concept, which was rated at 740
hp and 999 Nm of torque.
Of course, that remains to be seen and
it’s worth noting the prototype lacks hybrid warning labels.
