Spyshots: 2014 BMW F15 X5

⌕ 2014 BMW F15 X5

BMW is among the world leaders when it comes to making luxury performance machines, but they were actually caught by surprise by the success of the original X5 and never had any time to catch their breath. Now though, they are readying a complete makeover of the X line of crossovers and SUV that will arrive either as completely new models or facelifts within the next couple of years.

The most important among the five SAVs that are coming is undoubtedly the X5, for which a new generation will debut, the F15, will arrive in 2013 or a bit later to replace the E70, a model that was launched in 2006 and received a facelift two years ago, in February 2010.

Of course, the focus for the new generation is lightness, since Audi and Land Rover are rumored to be shedding hundreds upon hundreds of kilos off their own off-roaders. We’d remind you that the first generation X5 model launched back in 1999 as a 2000 model actually borrowed some of its technology from the Range Rover, including the hill-descent control system and the two-piece tailgate design. But the current generation came with all new platform with revised suspension and an improved xDrive all-wheel-drive technology.

Besides using a lot of aluminum and smaller, turbocharged engine to keep the weight off and save you fuel, the F15 generation of BMW X5 will probably see some proportional changes as well. XL5 is the likely name for a long wheelbase version that’s being developed right now, which could serve as an answer to the Q7 instead of the rumored X7. After all, the X5 name is the oldest in the business, and it’s much more marketable than the rumored X7.

❐ Check out the 2014 BMW F15 X5 photo gallery