BMW X5 Spy Pics

[Poverty]

Second-gen X5 due October









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Latest article from WCF:

At first sight the second generation X5 looks like it carries on with the main characteristics from its predecessor. The new model has been developed under the code-name E 70.

However, looking closer, the main difference is that the newcomer is about 16 cm longer and 6 cm wider than the current model. As a result, there is enough room provided for a third row of seats much like all the other modern luxury off-roaders. The ability for the X5 to accommodate up to seven passengers has become a must-have feature to stay competitive. Also the dashboard of BMW’s biggest off-roader has been revised to incorporate all new technical gadgets like a radar governed cruise control and BMW’s first night vision. An evolution of BMW’s x-Drive AWD system is in place, plus advanced wheel-by-wheel traction control.

Power is expected to come from two revamped diesel engines, a 3.0 litre six cylinder with 231 HP and a 4.5 litre V8 with 330 HP and from gasoline engines starting with a 3.0 litre six cylinder producing 258 HP up to a new V8 5.0 litre with 367 HP.

The new X5’s release is scheduled for October 2006, an M-version could be in the pipeline for later on.

The photos are showing: BMW X5 prototypes photographed recently in the US Southwest.

I hate X5's and theyre drivers.

 

[TheCracker]

I can almost hear all the rich school-run mums reaching for their phones to place orders.

 

[niky]

About time. The current X5 has been half-a-size too small ever since before it came out.

 

[Dougboy]

Hmmm i was expeting somethin better from bmw considerin how sexy their other new cars look (some might choose to differ).

This is more like a cross between x5 and x3 rather than a new x5 to me

 

[Danny]

I hope BMW muck this up.

 

[Wolfe]

It's funny how WCF calls it an "off-roader." Too bad it couldn't make it down a gravel road without getting stuck.

 

[YSSMAN]

Meh, we will see what happens here. Granted, the X5 is my favorite German SUV (or should I say, SAV?) second only to the VW Touareg. Atleast the X5 "feels" like a car, but that could all change with the new model, given BMW's current plan of sucking the "feel" out of everything, well, almost everything (the Z4, 3-series seem to be doing fine).

 

[Poverty]

It's funny how WCF calls it an "off-roader." Too bad it couldn't make it down a gravel road without getting stuck.

You should have seen some of the replies I got after saying that on a BMW board

 

[samj_13]

Very nice front end, but I've never liked the rear of the x-series too much anyway. Good improvement though. 👍

I hate X5's and theyre drivers.

I've never really seen the words "luxury" and "off-road" used together very well ever, except for the VW Touareg.

 

[harrytuttle]

Friend of mine traded in his 2002 M3 convertible (SMG) for a 2006 X5 4.8is. Initially thinking he could catch the tail end of the SUV craze (with what is, quite honestly, a very good-driving 548i wagon on stilts), he now regrets having it. It's scary in the rain, and the rough roads at his lake house are treacherous at best. And the gas prices are getting to him. Emotionally, not financially. I mean, he's got an M-ified X5. Money's not a worry.

So he figured he'd try and rectify things ASAP. Last week he put a deposit down for a 2008 M3 Convertible....


I like the way the current X5 looks. Not an SUV fan, but it sure looks nice. This new one is Bangle-ized, and I'm no fan of his. Too much curves for the sake of curves. Plus, it looks like a Dodge Caliber in profile, and I hate the Caliber. The 2007 3-series headlights don't seem to fit with the rest of the rather angular body lines. IMO, they should have just taken the current 5-series and do the same thing as last time: 5-series wagon on stilts. Worked before, should work again.

 

[LittleBahamut]

Although I am not much of an SUV fan, but this one is possibly the one of those SUVs I would buy if I have to.

 

[Wolfe]

You should have seen some of the replies I got after saying that on a BMW board

I'm a fanboy, but I'm not a blind fanboy. The X5 is pointless -- a 5-series wagon with all-wheel-drive is just as good in the nasty stuff, and gives you more cargo room.

The only worthwhile German SUVs are the Merc G-wagen, and the Cayenne/Touareg...and maybe the Q7. Is that any good? You would know, Mr. Audi.

 

[YSSMAN]

I'd still say the Touareg is better than the Q7, given that it was actually made to go offroad and not be status-symbol. Plus, the VW is cheaper, so that is a big plus.

 

[ND4SPD]

I was watching vids of this thing run on the Nurb and there was a high performance version going around and the growl the V8 sounds damn nice.Seemed like the so called "M" model larger wheels lower stance and wider fenders and all. Sounded great!

 

[red70mach1]

... and still no low range in the 4WD.

 

[Poverty]

LOL I dont like the Q7 although look wise it has grown on me. I suppose out of all the german premium brands audi making a SUV would make the most sense, but I just dislike them as 99% of the people that buy a premium SUV will never use it for what the SUV's whole purpose is. Going offroad.

 

[Wolfe]

I was watching vids of this thing run on the Nurb and there was a high performance version going around and the growl the V8 sounds damn nice.Seemed like the so called "M" model larger wheels lower stance and wider fenders and all. Sounded great!

Are you talking about a sporty version of the first-gen X5? The X5 Le Mans? That was no M-version, and that was no V8. It was powered by the same V12 -- codename S70/2 -- that powered the BMW V12 LMR racecar and the McLaren F1. It was a one-off concept that BMW never put into production.

LOL I dont like the Q7 although look wise it has grown on me. I suppose out of all the german premium brands audi making a SUV would make the most sense, but I just dislike them as 99% of the people that buy a premium SUV will never use it for what the SUV's whole purpose is. Going offroad.

I guess that means that you can sympathize with me on the whole X5 thing...

 

[Omnis]

Holy crap, what's with bangle and his crap tail designs? The red on those pillars needs to GO.

What a snood-mobile.

 

[ExigeEvan]

I can almost hear all the rich school-run mums reaching for their phones to place orders.

Don't you mean drug dealers

I've never really seen the words "luxury" and "off-road" used together very well ever, except for the VW Touareg.

How about Range Rover?


It doesn't look that much different to me...