BMW X5 sheds disguise

The all-new third generation of the BMW X5 SUV isn’t due to make its public debut until next September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. But as you can see from these latest spy pictures, the X5 is shedding its disguise as final sign-off for the car approaches.

To make room for the smaller X1 SUV, the latest X3 had to grow in size, and now that domino effect has passed on to the X5, which is considerably bigger than the car it will replace.

The car’s nose appears more upright than before, with a more prominent, larger version of BMW’s trademark kidney grille. Larger doors, a longer wheelbase and a longer-looking roof should give extra interior space, including the possibility of a seven-seater option this time around.

The new X5’s interior will focus on improved quality, with better materials used throughout, and tech features like selectable dampers, iDrive and a large widescreen display for the internet-connected infotainment system all to be offered.

The engine range is expected to mirror that of the current car, with 3.0-litre six cylinder diesels and eight cylinder petrols, while a downsized four-cylinder turbodiesel, to take on the Mercedes ML250 CDI, is possible, along with a petrol-electric hybrid. Prices are expected to start from around £45,000 when the new X5 goes on sale at the end of 2013.