BMW X5 Will Go on a Diet for Next Generation

BMW, who is a company best known for creating four door sporty saloons, has not forgotten the model that actually brought it the most money over the past 10 years. The third generation of X5 should benefit from a new, Modular Aluminum Chassis, that will reduce its bulky weight.

The X5 is one of the best SUVs currently on the market, but its greatest weakness has been its staggering bulk. Weighing in at 5,379 lbs (2494 kg) in 50i spec, the X5 can no longer compete with current generation crossovers in terms of fuel economy and emissions.

According to bimmerfire sources, the F40 X5, which will make its debut in late 2013, will be underpinned by a new aluminum chassis that will be a lot lighter than the current steel one. The model is expected to come off the production line sporting lines that follow BMW’s new design language. The size of the vehicle should remain close to the outgoing model, but we should expect better interior and trunk space.

The platform will undoubtedly be used by the Bavarian house for the next generation of 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series and also the rumored X7 which will be a longer wheelbase SUV. BMW also plans to further increase fuel efficiency by introducing new hybrid petrol and diesel engines.

A problem that should be fixed before the vehicle goes into production is the fact that aluminum frames are easily damaged in accidents as they have less give than steel ones. Also, not a lot of servicing stations have the expensive welding equipment needed to fix them.