BMW’s third-generation X5 has been spied testing in torrential rain at the Nurgurgring.
The upcoming X5 is set to grace BMW showrooms in 2014, following a Detroit show reveal, according to CAR’s sources.
What else do we know about the 2014 BMW X5?
Given the popularity of the current and previous-gen X5, it’s no surprise to see this mule gets familar proportions and stance to what we’ve seen wearing an X5 badge before.
If you crave something altogether more individual (which will also provoke more of a reaction from your fellow motorist) then the next-gen X6 will be more up your street. That car will follow the X5 into production later in 2014, and share much of its mechanical package under the more controversial, slammed-coupe skin.
Underpinning both full-size X cars will be BMW’s new ‘X For All’ platfrom, an adaptable architecture which will be used on all future BMW SUVs.
The removal of more complicated hardware and new manufacturing techniques should see the entire range shed weight as new models debut over the next few years.
Any word on new BMW X5 engines?
A first for the third-gen X5 will be four-pot-power: that’s right, even the X5 can’t escape the relentless surge of downsizing in the name of efficiency.
A 2.0-litre 245bhp/258lb ft diesel motor will be the most popular – especially among UK buyers – while petrol-devotees can spec the 28i engine from the X1.
At opposing ends of the moral compass, there’ll also be a hybrid, and storming returns for the X5M and X6M.
The ActiveHybrid will team a 3.0-litre straight six with a 109bhp electric motor, but true performance-freaks will still need the obscene 4.4-litre V8s of the M cars, set to output around 565bhp.
Expect to see the third-gen BMW X5 in all its 7% lighter glory in early 2014.
>> See the July 2012 issue of CAR for a fuller scoop on the new BMW X5