2019 BMW X5 and X5 M Take to the Nurburgring in Latest Spy Video

Let's not forget that the X5 was the first BMW SUV, an icon that's supposed to be easily recognizable.That being said, the styling we see peeking from under the camouflage is a little bolder than on the all-new 2018 X3.

While the X5 prototype stopped for fuel, car spotter Automotive Mike was able to film it in detail. The X5 is covered in bold creases, like a 4x4 fashion statement. This particular prototype seems to have a sporty body kit and exhaust system, so it could be the M50i, powered by a V8.

The third-generation X5 went on sale during the 2014 model year, but it was based on the previous model that went on sale in 2007. Third 4th gen is expected in showrooms around the middle of 2018 and won't have nearly anything in common.

The underpinnings are similar to the 5 Series, a platform called the CLAR, short for Cluster Architecture. It's undoubtedly going to help shed some weight though the use of some magnesium and aluminum for the outer skin. We might even see a little bit of CFRP trickling down from the i projects.

The CLAR is also expected to streamline production and cut assembly time. Remember, BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is their biggest and also houses the all-new X3.

The powertrains are all going to be shared with the 5 Series, mainly of 3-liter straight-six variety. At least one plug-in hybrid will be offered, but we wouldn't be surprised if there's a second. As we've mentioned, there's almost guaranteed to be a M50i performance model with the 4.4-liter V8. Considering all the trouble they went through to make it, it would be a shame not to have the quad-turbo M50d as well.

As for the X5 M, it's almost certain to have 600 horsepower, just like the new M5.