Spied: Next BMW X5 (F15) Model Hits Testing and Shows Grilles For First Time

[serge1]

Originally Posted by juddholland

Take a look at that D pillar from the inside. Looks like your nightmare came true.

Fearing this, I went and looked at my e70 from same angle, and it looks exactly like in that picture.
Plus, in this picture, i don't see the line (going through 1st and 2nd row windows) rising, like it does in X3.

So, I have some hope left.

BMW better not be abandoning the Hoffmeister Kink in X5.
For me, it's on par with kidney grille.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...eElements.aspx

[xDrive35i]

Originally Posted by WJGreer

Are you thinking of an XC70? We own one, and it is most definitely a wagon.



It's easy for an SUV design to slip over to "wagon" territory though, as the designer tries to compensate for height and wheelbase constraints with SUV design. The first generation Cadillac SRX, for example, looked more like a tall wagon than an SUV to me:

Not to mention the GL and the new M-Class

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by mrow

I don't get these "cute" comments. Have you all seen the current X3 in person? My girlfriend and sister both have F25 X3s and I think cute is the last word I'd use to describe them. The front end is aggressive as hell looking, especially for an SUV. With much more defined lines compared to the "rounded and bubbly" lines of current X5 if any of them look cute it would be it.

Can't speak for the X1. BMW has delayed its release here in the US because the new X3 is selling like crazy so I haven't seen one in person.

I am under the impression that the reason that the X1 is not here is because it is selling like hotcakes in Europe, and they can't meet the additional demand for the US. The Leipzig plant is still squeezing out 1Ms for non US markets instead of more X1s.

[bavarian19]

Can't tell much. One thing I wish is that BMW would add some room behind the rear seat to do a proper 3rd row seat.

I feel like they need to differentiate the X5 from the X3 a little more, and that room and a real 3rd row seat (like the Pilot or Explorer) would make a difference.

[GmoneyLI]

Originally Posted by JKM320

^Agreed... I think of the Volvo XC60 more like a station wagon rather than a SUV/SAV look though.

The X3 front end is where the main issues lie. The front bumper looks like really chubby cheeks, and the smoother lines of the X3 headlights make them look like squinty eyes being pushed up by those cheeks...

For comparison:

Perfect description

[m3the01]

I really hope the design changes, not a big fan.

[Judah]

Originally Posted by bavarian19

Can't tell much. One thing I wish is that BMW would add some room behind the rear seat to do a proper 3rd row seat.

I feel like they need to differentiate the X5 from the X3 a little more, and that room and a real 3rd row seat (like the Pilot or Explorer) would make a difference.

I agree, more than decent size 3rd row seating is needed. Until than I'll just have to keep purchasing Acura MDXs.

[bimmerJP]

I know it might sound weird, but I like it! Like a lot!

[SCOTT26]

This is not entirely accurate in overall detail but to show you how the trapezoid headlights work with the new three-dimesnsional kidney grille.
As per a "design sketch" the actual car is not as wide and I cannot remember how the lower intakes worked but the upper portion is similar but it is not in scale and proportion, but to give you an idea of how the car will look with its new sportier identity.

Afterall in 1999 the X5 designated the phrase "Sport Activity Vehicle" with the most road-orientated SUV , and the second generation built on that and progressed further. Now the third generation will take the X5 further with a concept which is larger but lighter than the current X5.

[That Guy's Alter Ego]

E70 third row is simply for marketing to say "we do too" not to provide occupant comfort. We have the third row and have used it once in 2 and 1/2 years. Not good return on investment. F15 does not appear to have grown much (rear overhang 3 inches maybe) and certainly has not grown to Merc GL proportions so I'd imagine F15 3rd row will continue to be of limited utility. Save the weight and don't check the option box.

Regarding "cute" we need to recall that something like 50% of X buyers are women whereas BMW sedans / coupes are only something like 30% women (rounding numbers from memory but something like this). Big difference in demographics and marketing position. A little bit of cute sometimes helps with the fairer sex.

[JKM320]

Originally Posted by That Guy's Alter Ego

E70 third row is simply for marketing to say "we do too" not to provide occupant comfort. We have the third row and have used it once in 2 and 1/2 years. Not good return on investment. F15 does not appear to have grown much (rear overhang 3 inches maybe) and certainly has not grown to Merc GL proportions so I'd imagine F15 3rd row will continue to be of limited utility. Save the weight and don't check the option box.

This may be the case for you, but we have used our 3rd row many times. We have smaller kids and they fit just fine back there.

Having the ability to seat 7 people is very important to us. We often have grandparents or a neice/nephew go with us places. And the smaller riders go to the back.

I hope they do offer something with more room for the 3rd row passengers in the next model so we can continue to have the X5 as an option. Because as my kids grow, that row won't be as ideal to have passengers in. And we will have to consider another brand.

[ATX78703]

Originally Posted by bavarian19

Can't tell much. One thing I wish is that BMW would add some room behind the rear seat to do a proper 3rd row seat.

I feel like they need to differentiate the X5 from the X3 a little more, and that room and a real 3rd row seat (like the Pilot or Explorer) would make a difference.

agreed - hoping for a proper 3rd row especially with the longer wheelbase. Hopefully this will be out by 9/2013 (when I am due for our next x5)

[cukoodukoo]

Just don't make it look anything like the UGLY X3.

[SCOTT26]

Here is a "further Progressive Refinement" of the F15 X5. This is not entirely accurate in overall detail but to show you how the trapezoid headlights work with the new three-dimesnsional kidney grille.
As per the previous "design sketch" this is more of a "production" refinement. and I cannot remember how the lower intakes worked but the upper portion is similar but it is not in scale and proportion, but to give you an idea of how the car will look with its new sportier identity.

[JKM320]

^It's hard to get an overall feel of how it will look based on the sketches shared. But from what I see, I think it looks awesome!

I can't wait to see some decent renders when better spy shots become available. Thanks for sharing SCOTT26.

I wish they would bring the 50d M Performance model to the US. AND the LED headlights, more 3rd row room too of course .

Looking forward to more info and sketches/renders. Whatever we can get!

[serge1]

Originally Posted by JKM320

.. AND the LED headlights,

LED angel eyes? My friend, they are here! My 2011 got them

[JKM320]

Originally Posted by serge1

LED angel eyes? My friend, they are here! My 2011 got them

I was actually referring to the new LED headlights, as seen on the 6 series and now the LCI X6. LED angel eyes as you said, are already out.

[hyde]

I am more interested in seeing what they will come up with inside.
Everyone sees outside, but only the driver sees and lives inside.. I want to see updated dashboard with color screen instead of three color, more information on dash, more buttons on radio (not just 6 function presets) hopefully a much better material for steering wheel (E70 wheel is cheap!), and lockable glove box.

For the outside, I hope they don't mess with the overall shape, making it resemble volvo or subaru SUV/VAGON combination will be terrible, and I am sure they wont make it look like that. Those half circle headlights look very aggressive and awesome. Looking at the new 3 series, I am pretty sure they will look like that, and I hope no white eyelashes/brows! But from the pictures, it doesnt seem to have half circle headlights.

As for the front end overall, reminds me of Q7 with huge grill, and hood seem to stay way too high, looks boxy and not sleek or "cutting into the wind", ..

[hyde]

[serge1]

Originally Posted by JKM320

I was actually referring to the new LED headlights, as seen on the 6 series and now the LCI X6. LED angel eyes as you said, are already out.

Like these?

[IMG]http://www.**************.com/attachments/x6-sac/8856d1317738878-bmw-x6-lci-facelift-dsc_1411.jpg[/IMG]

[krnnerdboy]

I may be the minority here but I want more utility out of the new x5. Perhaps something along the lines of air suspension and lr's offroad traction controls. That's the only way they would get me back in an x5. I had way too many quality issues with my 11 x5 to forgive them that easily

[Bimar]

Looking at BMW's trend it will be bigger! New X3 as big as the E53 X5, new upcoming 3 series supposedly as large as the E39 5 series, u get the drift