BMW will introduce the new fourth-generation X5 premium SUV in 2018 and prototypes have been spied testing in Europe.

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

The BMW X5 SUV has been a major success for the brand and the next-generation X5, codenamed G05, is expected to go into production in August 2018. Production of the current X5 will come to an end in July 2018 with no facelift expected.

The new G05 BMW X5 will be built on BMW’s CLAR architecture, which will also underpin the new X6 and forthcoming X7. This move will result in a significant weight saving in the new X5 which will enhance performance and handling while also improving efficiency. A mix of lightweight magnesium, aluminium and Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) will be used in the construction of the new X5. Proportionally, the new X5’s dimensions are expected to remain largely the same.

The new X5 will be lighter and more efficient than the model it replaces with new or heavily revised petrol engines expected.

The new X5 prototype you see in these spy photographs is heavily camouflaged but you will notice the large, pronounced kidney grille, quite similar in fact to the upright and somewhat contentious grille seen on the Concept X7 shown earlier this year at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The larger grille will beef up the X5’s road presence and in its side profile, you will notice a sloping roofline with 2 character lines running across the body. BMW’s distinctive Hofmeister kink seen on C-pillar also appears to be more rounded on this X5 prototype. At the rear, large rectangular exhaust tips can be seen but the heavy camouflage has hidden the rear styling well. The interior design is expected to be familiar and will likely incorporate finer finishes and high-quality materials, as well as tech elements from models like the 7 Series.

Expected engines

In terms of engines, BMW will introduce new petrol engines in the X5, which includes a thoroughly revised (technically new) 6-cylinder 3.0-litre engine with 250 kW used in the X5 sDrive40i and X5 xDrive40i. The more powerful X5 xDrive50i will employ a heavily-revised/new 4.4-litre V8 with 347 kW.

On the diesel front, a B57 3.0-litre turbodiesel used in the popular 30d and 40d will have outputs of 198 kW and 238 kW respectively while the M50d will employ a new quad-turbo, 3.0-litre diesel engine with at least 298 kW.

As for the manic X5 M, it is expected to have the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 that’s found under the bonnet of the new M5 with outputs of 441 kW and 750 Nm of torque. With a lighter bodyandxDriveall-wheeldrive,the new X5 M will likely achieve a 0-100 kph sprint time of below 4 seconds when it arrives. In terms of hybrid powertrains, BMW is pushing its iPerformance brand quite heavily and there will be a 40e version joining the ranks.

The introduction of the new BMW X5 in South Africa is yet to be determined but it will likely arrive towards the end of 2018 or early in 2019. We will keep you updated as more details are revealed.

Watch the new BMW X5 and X5 M testing at the Nurburgring below.

Buy a BMW X5 on Cars.co.za

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