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      05-28-2012, 09:45 AM   #1
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Lightbulb BMW F15 X5 Goes Track Testing

BIMMERPOST NEWS
BMW F15 X5 Goes Track Testing
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We first began spying the next generation BMW X5 (F15) in January during its cold climate testing. BMW has now ratcheted up testing of the F15 X5 and moved to the Nurburgring to begin some serious track testing.

The F15 X5 is expected to weigh less than the current E70 X5 and ride on a modified version of the F10 5 series chassis. Expect both diesel and gasoline 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder engine options. It should be introduced in late 2013 - early 2014 as a 2014 model year X5.



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To here's a recap of what we know about the 2014 X5 so far (with a reposting of the associated spy photos from our earlier coverage).

SIZE, SHAPE, STYLING

Judging by what has been previously spied, the X5 retains its muscular shape and will not be much larger than the current E70 X5 (based on comparison photos compared to the current X5 seen below. The overall shape, silhouette, and roofline also don't appear to be a radical departure in the comparison photos.

We previously posted that the F15's grilles will be larger, wider, and bolder than the current X5's and you can certainly tell that it will be wider/larger based on the kidney grille cutout's size and outline at the edge of the hood. The grilles now take up a larger proportion of the front fascia than the current X5 and like all late model BMWs, the hoodline has been moved to above the kidney grilles.

Taking up recent design cues a la F30 3 series, the X5 headlights now connect with the kidney grilles. They don't connect smoothly/perfectly here, but remember, the front panels and the hood on this prototype have been shifted by the crash test.

F15 X5 Prototype Crash Test Prototype









2014 X5 (F15) versus X5 (E70) and X3









TECHNOLOGY / SAFETY / INTERIOR

To better meet the European pedestrian safety standards, Volvo recently introduced their pedestrian airbag technology. We spot what we think may be an indication of this technology implemented on the F15 X5. In the crash test prototype spy pics above, you'll notice a white/gray material at the windshield base which resembles a deployed airbag. How would an airbag at that position help provide pedestrians safety? Triggered by a frontal impact, the airbag deploys from below the hood at the base of the windshield and covers the roof pillars and most of the glass, while leaving a small opening for the driver to see through. The raised hood further protects the struck person by increasing the distance from the relatively flexible surface to the hard engine underneath (see Volvo's illustration and animation below). This mechanism looks very much like what has has occurred on this X5.








Following on the design of the new 6 series (F12/13), 1 series hatchback (F20/21) and new 3 series (F30), the next X5 will feature a large free-standing navigation/infotainment LCD screen. This screen looks to the 8.8 inch panel used in the 6 series and the all new 3 series.

Compared to the current X5 (E70), the new dashboard design has become more driver-centric (angled towards the driver), which has been another design element consistent throughout all the recent new BMW models. It will also be more upright, compared to the current X5's dashboard which angles and curves away sharply from the driver and passenger.

The F15 X5 may also debut a new touchpad iDrive button.










Current X5 (E70) Interior:



Catch all our BMW X5 coverage at: http://www.bimmerpost.com/x5/


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