Spyshots: 2010 BMW X5 Facelift

It's been some time since news of the facelifted version of the X5 surfaced and, to be honest, nothing new under the sun. Dwarfed by the significance of the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the X5 is slowly creeping towards its release date.

After the somewhat blurry spyshots we brought you this April, this new set brings a more up close view of the new X5 (actually, the same old X5, only with a new face). The camo on the SUV hasn't changed much, the covered rear light cluster and the front bumper hint where the main changes will be.

At the first look, the front bumper is now more proeminent than the one in the current version, with a larger kidney-grille. The headlights haven't changed much, despite the fact they now boast sharper edges.

The interior is said to be subject to the most extensive modifications. Although it is impossible to see any part of the car's interior, the new X5 will boast more quality-oriented materials.

Not being a model year of its own, the new X5 will likely not bring extensive changes to its powertrain. Still, having in mind BMW's commitment to provide a new engine with each model or facelift rolled off the assembly line, we won't be surprised if a new engine finds its way under the hood.

And that new engine may be the 4.4l Twin Scroll turbocharged V8, now featured on the M versions of BMW's big SUVs. It is also likely the ActiveHybrid technology BMW is so proud of will also be featured on the X5.

No official release date has yet been announced, but the new X5 will most likely be on the streets prior to year's end.