Next Generation X5 Spotted Peeling Off Some Camo

The last time we saw some spy photos of the X5 was back in September and the whole car was decked out in camouflage. It looks like BMW has gotten given us a little gift for the holidays with the new X5 being spotted on the streets wearing a little less camo.



This next generation X5 is still on pace to go on sale in 2013 as a 2014 model with numerous changes coming for sure. Under the skin the X5 will share the general drivetrain components from the recently launched BMW X3, expanding on BMW's 'X for all' concept.

I was hoping for a more radical change than this.. It looks pretty boring especially when compared to how well Mercedes-Benz did with their new M-Class. I hope non-camo picks change my mind!

Looks Girly to me

Oh god, it appears to have the side fender vent. Nooooo!

It is kind of weird being able to see daylight through the wheel opening out the front bumper because of the air curtain vent.

It doesn't look radically different, but I think the current model looks pretty damn good so that doesn't bother me at all.

It looks a bit longer behind the rear wheel, but it may be because they are covering part of the window.

Looks longer to me as well -- note the third row headrests in the back window. There seems to be an almost GL distance between the hatch glass and the headrest. That would of course make it an almost usable three rower! Coupled with the bloated X3 and the early-X3 sized X1 would make the line size similar to the M-B GL/ML/GLK offerings. I am discounting the X6 and R class of course.

Originally Posted by hotrod2448

Oh god, it appears to have the side fender vent. Nooooo!

I'm not sure that it does. The camo looks to be deceiving your eyes a bit. It would certainly be a bit of an uproar if the designers incorporated a side fender vent!

It looks a bit boring still until they take off all the camo.

Just a little more square. BTW, I think the headrests we see are from the second row, not a third. If you compare this pictures with pictures of current X5, I see that new one would have higher hood and more squarish back window which could translate to more headroom for a third row seating.

I agree those are only second row headrests.

But, I also fear that is a fender vent that I don't think will look good. Exactly what I was hoping against that the new design has lost the more muscular look of the current design that I love. I would rather get another remaining current gen if so. Or move to the M.

Porsche made the Cayenne look soft with the second version. Range Rover has lost the stately look with the new update. Now the X5 is more bland. So much for the ones that I like...X5 being my preference.

Originally Posted by twizzleraddict

I'm not sure that it does. The camo looks to be deceiving your eyes a bit. It would certainly be a bit of an uproar if the designers incorporated a side fender vent!

It looks a bit boring still until they take off all the camo.

If you've seen the 4 series pictures you know this appears to be their new design direction. This picture certainly looks very much like there is a vent in it:

There IS a vent behind the front wheels. That aspect is "old news" for about three weeks now. There are other pictures on other threads that display that predominate feature.

Kind of looks like the MDX.....only reason I would wait is for 8 gears on the diesel

By the looks of the body shape it does not look much different from the current model. I wanted something more dramatic.

Yes, this looks pretty much the same as current BMW X5 except for the rear headlights.

This looks about the same length as before. I don't see more leg room for third row. If rumors proves correct, there supposed to be a stretch version of X5 that seats 3rd row better. That would make sense in the current BMW line up.

I am going to be flamed for this. Chris Bangle's design was more interesting to look at when it was introduced than this new version of X5. BMW has gotten too conservative now. We need a middle ground between Chris Bangle's design and the current one.

Originally Posted by henrycyao

Yes, this looks pretty much the same as current BMW X5 except for the rear headlights.

This looks about the same length as before. I don't see more leg room for third row. If rumors proves correct, there supposed to be a stretch version of X5 that seats 3rd row better. That would make sense in the current BMW line up.

I am going to be flamed for this. Chris Bangle's design was more interesting to look at when it was introduced than this new version of X5. BMW has gotten too conservative now. We need a middle ground between Chris Bangle's design and the current one.

That's what I am hoping for. I always wondered why does BMW not come up with a GL size model of X. I think it would be a hit.

Yeah, I just saw pics of the 4 series now and can see the "direction". Are these for performance reasons or just a visual design aspect that BMW "thinks" will sell?

Looks like a slightly more feminine version of the current-gen X5 to me, albeit, the potential for a more useable third row and of course any new technologies may be enough to steer me to it.

I'm looking to pickup an X5 soon, and am debating between getting the latest model (good for tax reasons for me, as a small-business owner expecting fewer write-offs and breaks next year) or waiting for this new redesign. Hmmmm...

Originally Posted by sirgrotius

Looks like a slightly more feminine version of the current-gen X5 to me, albeit, the potential for a more useable third row and of course any new technologies may be enough to steer me to it.

I'm looking to pickup an X5 soon, and am debating between getting the latest model (good for tax reasons for me, as a small-business owner expecting fewer write-offs and breaks next year) or waiting for this new redesign. Hmmmm...

Go get the black X5M at Otto's. You will love it and will do business faster!

Originally Posted by tribecaX5

That's what I am hoping for. I always wondered why does BMW not come up with a GL size model of X. I think it would be a hit.

Ask and you shall be given. Apparently the X7 is back on track to be produced. No info yet as to when that will happen, however.

I'm liking the new LED headlights, but that's about it. The E70 is still a fantastic looking design after all these years. Super modern and will age gracefully. I think BMW evolving the design was the right design.

That being said, it still has to drive like a BMW. If it drives like the X3, I'm out.

Originally Posted by tribecaX5

That's what I am hoping for. I always wondered why does BMW not come up with a GL size model of X. I think it would be a hit.

There were rumors of the X7 getting green-lighted before the recession, then it got put on hold. The Mercedes GL essentially has the segment to itself. And I see tons of them everyday. BMW would be smart to jump in.

Originally Posted by AutoUnion

I'm liking the new LED headlights, but that's about it. The E70 is still a fantastic looking design after all these years. Super modern and will age gracefully. I think BMW evolving the design was the right design.

That being said, it still has to drive like a BMW. If it drives like the X3, I'm out.

I havent yet driven the X3. Not considering one, but what's your take on how it drives differently?
Thx.

I like it. It seems to be a more elegant version of the current X5 which is already the best looking SUV after the Range Rover. You do need to be careful when lengthening an SUV though, in general the shorter and wider it is the better it looks and there is a line that takes a design into minivan territory. The Q7 has stepped over the line and this new X5 seems to balance on it and only just landing on the right side, we'll know better when the rest of the camo comes off but I think it will look ok.

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/20...deo-53101.html
Yes, it is looking as the same length, but bigger (more headroom) trunk.

Originally Posted by pa50i

I havent yet driven the X3. Not considering one, but what's your take on how it drives differently?
Thx.

It has a good interior, but that's about it. If you get a loaded one with all the suspension upgrades, etc, it drives decent, but it is let down by one thing, the steering. It has zero feeling at all. Nothing like the X5.

The extra money on its bigger brother (the X5), is well spent IMO.

If I was in that segment, I would buy an Audi Q5, not the X3.