The disguise says BMW but what on earth is it?
Details are still sparse but this is BMW’s next niche-filling model, codenamed V5. And while blue-and-white-propeller officials might not like you calling it a people carrier, that’s what it is. But not as you know it… With Mercedes’ R-class not selling especially well, BMW has gone for a different look. Rather than a luxurious raised-estate body the V5 is more of a slimmed-down X5. An unveiling is scheduled for the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009.
But it looks a lot like an X6…
It does indeed – it appears BMW is going all out to make people carriers stylish. That’s why the more utilitarian and boxy V3 is thought to have been cancelled. Thus the V5 has an X6-esque rear that will limit this car to five seats. And our sources suggest that the fifth seat will be for occasional use at best. But the roofline isn’t as steep as the X6’s and there will still be ample headroom inside. Our pictures also reveal there will be lots of legroom for the rear passengers. Only luggage space will be slightly compromised by that steep rear but there is some practicality: the large rear boot will have an opening glass hatch.
What else should I know?
Underneath it has the X5 and X6 platform, so four-wheel drive will be standard. The V5 is about the same length and width as an X5 but it’s over 200mm lower. Intriguingly the rear disguise shows there’s room for four exhausts but at launch the V5 will come with 3.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, and a 4.8-litre V8. Production is tipped to be at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the USA, as this car is primarily aimed for America.