Spyshots: BMW X5 Facelift

Following the enthusiasm the German manufacturer stirred with the release of the photos and specs for the M badged X5 and X6 SUV's, BMW offered us a glance at the facelifted X5, a polished version of the series model.

Far from being the next generation X5, the facelift is only intended to bring a new look to the SUV. This means that the pictures you can see here don't do much to clarify the modifications on the X5, as those very tweaks were hidden the best.

What can be noticed is that the front bumper got redesigned to be more prominent than on the current version. The trademark BMW kidney grille appears also to be larger. The headlights, havent changed much, but they look like having a bit more sharper edges than today's X5. On the inside, the new X5 will place the accent on quality materials.

Even if the new X5 is not a stand alone new model, BMW has committed to provide a new engine with each model or facelift it rolls out of the assembly lines. Possible choices for a new engine to be fitted on the facelifted X5 include a hybrid powertrain, as the company has already showcased its ActiveHybrid.

Rumor goes that the new X5 might make use of the 4.4l Twin Scroll turbocharged V8 engine already seen on the M versions of the manufacturer's SUV's, but the greater probability is that, besides the additional engine, the current powerplant line-up will remain the same.

The new BMW X5 is expected to make its official entrance sometimes during this year.