Photo: Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien
BMW engineers are already testing the fourth generation of the X5 SUV, only a year and a half after the launch of the MY 2014 car.
The German brand’s upcoming Sports Activity Vehicle, as they describe the X5 SUV, is expected to be launched sometime in 2018. Most likely, the car will be an MY 2019 model, so there’s still time to buy the third generation of the X5 if you are in the market for such a vehicle. By the time the supposed MY 2019 X5 arrives, the current generation is expected to receive a facelift.
So, let’s go back to the first images of the fourth-generation BMW X5. Provided to us by SB-Medien, the vehicle was spotted while being tested near the Arctic Circle.
A quick look at the prototype reveals that the hood has a new design while the front grill has significantly grown in size. This is a curious change, since the X5’s front grill has become bigger and bigger with each generation. The front bumper’s air intakes have also grown.
The prototype shown in the photo gallery is in the first stage of testing. This means the vehicle you see in the pictures is what engineers call a “mule.” All car companies use “mules” in different stages of development so they can test different tweaks on certain components on the same mobile workbench. The prototypes are based on standard vehicles, and they get customized components to suit the new parts that are being put to the test.
Since the X5 mule in question is one of the first of its kind, the engineers are testing the new technical platform. Thanks to BMW’s new carbon fiber partners at SGL, the company has extended its use of CFRP parts and carbon fiber to its standard range. According to insiders, the upcoming X5 could get carbon fiber components to make the body lighter and firmer than that of the current model. A similar approach has been applied in the present generation of the 7 Series.
So, let’s go back to the first images of the fourth-generation BMW X5. Provided to us by SB-Medien, the vehicle was spotted while being tested near the Arctic Circle.
A quick look at the prototype reveals that the hood has a new design while the front grill has significantly grown in size. This is a curious change, since the X5’s front grill has become bigger and bigger with each generation. The front bumper’s air intakes have also grown.
The prototype shown in the photo gallery is in the first stage of testing. This means the vehicle you see in the pictures is what engineers call a “mule.” All car companies use “mules” in different stages of development so they can test different tweaks on certain components on the same mobile workbench. The prototypes are based on standard vehicles, and they get customized components to suit the new parts that are being put to the test.
Since the X5 mule in question is one of the first of its kind, the engineers are testing the new technical platform. Thanks to BMW’s new carbon fiber partners at SGL, the company has extended its use of CFRP parts and carbon fiber to its standard range. According to insiders, the upcoming X5 could get carbon fiber components to make the body lighter and firmer than that of the current model. A similar approach has been applied in the present generation of the 7 Series.
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