Photo: SB-Medien
With the current BMW X5 having shown up for the 2014 model year, it might seem a bit soon for the fourth-gen to show up in our spyshots section.
However, since the third-gen X5 was based on its predecessor's platform, the upcoming 2018 SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle or SUV in Bavarian language) will arrive just on time, with the generation change set to bring a bit of an upsizing. The limit here is imposed by the X7, which BMW has confirmed it will introduce in 2018.
The next X5 will be larger than the current model, as BMW plans to up the ante on the practicality front. In this respect, the test cars are currently hauling seriously heavy "luggage" on roof racks, as you can see in these spyshots.
Underneath the still-camouflaged skin, the 2018 BMW X5 will use the carmaker's CLAR architecture. Having already debuted in the 2017 7 Series, the platform mixes high-strength steel and aluminum with carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, thus increasing torsional rigidity.
One of the benefits brought by this should be seen in the handling area - the current model feels nose heavy and the next incarnation of the SAV is expected to return to the more dynamic handling of the original X5.
The new platform also helps with reducing the costs for the arrival of the new X5, which is why the shorter life cycle of the current model shouldn't be an issue for the company.
Another asset delivred thanks to the fresh architecture mentioned above comes in terms of cabin dimensions, not that the current model is lackluster when it comes to providing accommodation.
We won't have to wait until the new X5's unveiling, which is scheduled for 2017, to receive more details on the vehicle. For one thing, the next development stage should see the camo getting thinner and our cameras are prepared.
The next X5 will be larger than the current model, as BMW plans to up the ante on the practicality front. In this respect, the test cars are currently hauling seriously heavy "luggage" on roof racks, as you can see in these spyshots.
Underneath the still-camouflaged skin, the 2018 BMW X5 will use the carmaker's CLAR architecture. Having already debuted in the 2017 7 Series, the platform mixes high-strength steel and aluminum with carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, thus increasing torsional rigidity.
One of the benefits brought by this should be seen in the handling area - the current model feels nose heavy and the next incarnation of the SAV is expected to return to the more dynamic handling of the original X5.
The new platform also helps with reducing the costs for the arrival of the new X5, which is why the shorter life cycle of the current model shouldn't be an issue for the company.
Another asset delivred thanks to the fresh architecture mentioned above comes in terms of cabin dimensions, not that the current model is lackluster when it comes to providing accommodation.
We won't have to wait until the new X5's unveiling, which is scheduled for 2017, to receive more details on the vehicle. For one thing, the next development stage should see the camo getting thinner and our cameras are prepared.
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