First Look at 2014 BMW X5 F15's Bold New Grilles

[Jason]

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First Look at 2014 BMW X5 F15's Bold New Grilles

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UPDATE 8/9/12: BMW continues testing of the 2014 F15 X5 and we've just spied a prototype exposing the standard model bumper. The previous model spied (pics below) featured large intakes, likely from the M Sport or X5 M, but this test mule gives us the first look at the standard F15 X5's front apron design.

It's also the first time we see that the F15 X5 will feature integrated air curtain vents in its bumper design. Those who are not fans of the hood cutlines (separated from the kidney grilles) on the recent BMW models will appreciate that the 2014 X5's hood cutline goes up to and traces the tops of the kidney grilles.

Previous post:

A couple of 2014 X5 (F15) prototypes flashed their grilles for the first time during one recent test run and our quick acting spies managed to capture it before their camouflage were reattached.

As we've reported previously, the grilles are indeed larger, wider, and bolder than those on the current X5. It retains the 7 slat design, but the grilles now dominate more of the front fascia and has a much thicker grille surround than the current X5 - see the comparison image below.

The hoodline has been moved to above the kidney grilles and taking up recent design cues a la F30 3 series, the headlights will connect with the kidney grilles. Although the headlight shape is still obscured by the camouflage on this prototype, we've already seen in previous spy photos how the headlights will appear, as well as the hood design (image reposted below).

One of the prototypes is possibly the M Sport or X5M version, showing what appears to be a larger air intake. The X5 M has recently been spotted out testing for the first time [spy photos].

Also 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.

The F15 X5 may debut several new BMW technologies such as a pedestrian airbag and the just announced iDrive Touch Controller System.

It is expected to weigh less than the current 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 to early 2014 as a 2014 model year.

The X5 M model has also begun its testing recently (first spy photos).


New Photos 8/9/12:













Previous Photos:

Previous spy photos showing headlight shape, hood lines and pedestrian airbag system [more info] deployed.








Comparison of current E70 X5 versus next generation F15 X5. Note the bolder and more dominant grille on the F15.






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

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

Current X5 (E70) Interior:

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[Whostheboss]

should look nice, i dont think it'll disappoint.

[positiveions]

it's a bit wider, but more aerodynamically-correct in the back. I can see the rear window is smaller vs. the current X5.

[wdeerfield]

I take it all bmws going forward will have the lights touch the grills.. thatll take some getting use to. I wonder how soon before kia/hyundai copy it

[aajami]

The X5 has been one of the nicest-looking SUVs on the road for two generations, and I don't expect the F15 to be any different.

That said, I don't understand or agree with BMW's design language of running the hood line so far above the kidneys. It makes so much more sense to integrate the kidneys into the hood or terminate the hood immediately along the top edge of the grills.

[nonagon]

Originally Posted by aajami

The X5 has been one of the nicest-looking SUVs on the road for two generations, and I don't expect the F15 to be any different.

That said, I don't understand or agree with BMW's design language of running the hood line so far above the kidneys. It makes so much more sense to integrate the kidneys into the hood or terminate the hood immediately along the top edge of the grills.

It is like that in the F15 shots above - the hood line appears to follow the contours of the top of the kidney grills.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by nonagon

It is like that in the F15 shots above - the hood line appears to follow the contours of the top of the kidney grills.

Indeed it does.

It's not as nice as the integrated kidneys of the E70, but nicer than the massive separation between hood and kidney of the F30.

[Teemo Panda]

From the front, it looks like a wider f25

[SkipSauls]

It may be that the rumored pedestrian airbags do not work well with the integrated kidney grills. Having the entire hood 'pop up' is probably easier if the grills do not have to come along with it. Like others, I'm just glad that there won't be an unsightly line running across the hood as on the F30, etc.

[SCOTT26]

The first picture is the next generation M-Sport Packet.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by SkipSauls

It may be that the rumored pedestrian airbags do not work well with the integrated kidney grills. Having the entire hood 'pop up' is probably easier if the grills do not have to come along with it. Like others, I'm just glad that there won't be an unsightly line running across the hood as on the F30, etc.

Not to mention that keeping that portion of the hood fixed is massively cheaper!

[keanu1]

i dont like the headlights! they look irregular , like there's no design pattern

[crooked I]

Originally Posted by keanu1

i dont like the headlights! they look irregular , like there's no design pattern

?? they're still covered?

[MassBimmer]

Oh boy, methinks the headlights are going to meet the grilles a la the new 3 series

[eluder]

The best thing they could do IMO is leave it mostly alone. Update the interior, but the exterior is one of the best looking on any BMW IMO. I hope they don't make it look like crap like the X3 and X1.

[AlpWhite11]

Originally Posted by MassBimmer

Oh boy, methinks the headlights are going to meet the grilles a la the new 3 series

Why do people bother viewing a thread if they're not gonna bother reading a word of the info posted?

[keanu1]

Originally Posted by crooked I

?? they're still covered?

in the pic with the crush test

[silentassasin]

Still two short years away! Maybe less will see the finished product without all the teasing.

[shvydkist]

I still think this looks too small to be the new X5. You wouldn't know it but a Freudian slip made me put X4 in the last sentence.

[AlpWhite11]

Originally Posted by shvydkist

I still think this looks too small to be the new X5. You wouldn't know it but a Freudian slip made me put X4 in the last sentence.

No possibility that this isn't an x5. It's bigger than x3 and slightly bigger than current x5. No way it's an x4, that's supposed to have coupe roofline like the x6.

[ND40oz]

Pretty sure there's one running around CO right now doing some altitude testing, haven't seen it myself yet.

[ATX78703]

Originally Posted by nonagon

It is like that in the F15 shots above - the hood line appears to follow the contours of the top of the kidney grills.

+1
Glad the hoodline mimics the f25 as opposed to the f10/f30/f01. This ute is going to be a looker. I can't wait!!