Next-Generation BMW X5 Caught Testing at Nürburgring Featuring Full-Width Kidney Grille
Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien
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BMW’s midsize X5 SUV is set for a redesign soon, and our spies recently spotted a prototype on the beloved public road known as the Nürburgring. The current X5 underwent a mid-cycle refresh for the 2024 model year alongside its platform counterpart, the X6. While that may seem recent given the fast-paced news cycle, the two-row family SUV remains a competitive segment in the luxury market, and keeping up with competitors is as essential as ever.
It's important to note that the X5 isn't new to the scene; it was among the first in the mainstream luxury SUV segment in the late 1990s, maintaining its presence ever since. Keep in mind that this prototype is covered in extensive camouflage, meaning the final details will likely differ from what we see now. However, the aggressively pronounced rear fenders and the buttress-like D-pillars give it a lower and wider appearance than one would typically expect from a midsize luxury SUV, even one that has always featured a performance-oriented “M” variant.
That said, one aspect we can confidently say will remain is the Neue-Klasse-inspired front design. We've noticed it on other BMW next-gen prototypes (it gives the M3 EV prototype a hint of VW Jetta aesthetics) and we anticipate it will be integrated into nearly all future BMW models, whether electric or not. Speaking of which, these X5 prototypes currently belong to the non-electric category.
Indeed, our sources report that BMW has only been testing internal-combustion versions of this new mid-size model publicly. While we believe a new battery-powered "iX5" is in development somewhere, BMW has either postponed it or is not yet at the point where on-road testing is necessary.
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Next-Generation BMW X5 Caught Testing at Nürburgring Featuring Full-Width Kidney Grille
The upcoming X5 will adopt certain design elements from BMW's electric vehicles; however, only gasoline-powered versions have been released thus far.