BMW F15 X5 Goes Track Testing

[Jason]

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.

















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/

[D.B.S]

Interior looks good, but exterior, I don't like it... Even though most of it is covered with the swirls, the front end doesn't look as aggressive as the outgoing current model... Also the rear window looks to be smaller than the outgoing model... IDK... Not a fan so far...

[AlpWhite11]

Originally Posted by Army335xi

Interior looks good, but exterior, I don't like it... Even though most of it is covered with the swirls, the front end doesn't look as aggressive as the outgoing current model... Also the rear window looks to be smaller than the outgoing model... IDK... Not a fan so far...

You can't dislike the front because it's totally covered still. You're literally looking at plastic covering the entire front end. The only look we gave at actual front is in the crash test pics where you can see the lights and hood.

[bimmerjph]

I wonder how much force it takes to deploy the hood.

[Whostheboss]

Side profile resembles the Q7 a bit

[OdomPHD]

That's going to be a good looking BMW.

[bimmerJP]

I really hope that BMW won't mess this one up. I really like the E70 especially the LCI with that LED angel eyes. E70 is just very "BMW", just the way I like it It is also the only SUV that I think is really good looking/handsome.

[OdomPHD]

Originally Posted by jerrypon83

I really hope that BMW won't mess this one up. I really like the E70 especially the LCI with that LED angel eyes. E70 is just very "BMW", just the way I like it It is also the only SUV that I think is really good looking/handsome.

I agree with every word you said. The current E70 is such a handsom (yet not bulky!!) SAV / SUV.

[luvthestck]

I am sick of this shark nose thing and all that Z4 like curvy hoods.I don't think that style works for all body styles.I don't like the side profile.Doesn't look aggressive enough.I hope its worth the wait.

[MPower10s]

Interior is boooooring. Looks like every other model. And what's with the pedestrian BS? Does it really matter that much?

[T1T2GRE]

Yukon Denali?

[D.B.S]

Originally Posted by PusheMeKuratz

Lol he drives an 11 x5. I think that explains his view on the new design.

Exactly.... But until we see a less "swirly" version, I'm going to stick to my guns and say it doesn't look aggressive like the current version.

Maybe by the end of the year I'll see the production model and say hey that's a cool design, but at the same token I might say it still looks like crap by then as well... ONLY item i like on the exterior is the exhaust tips...

[RR80]

Always a huge fans of X5, hope BMW will do good on this one! I already plan to trade in my f10 for that!

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by OdomPHD

That's going to be a good looking BMW.

Yup.

If the F30 is anything to go on, the F15 is going to look dynamite.

Currently leading the pack to replace my current MDX.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by Army335xi

Exactly.... But until we see a less "swirly" version, I'm going to stick to my guns and say it doesn't look aggressive like the current version..

Funny how styling works.

I would equate the E70 front end styling to be similar to the E90 styling. Which is good looking.

The F30 looks much more aggressive than the E90 to my eye. I expect the F15 to follow the same.

But, we all have our opinions.

[TheBingoBalls]

From the overall shape, it looks like the F15 is going for a more softer and luxurious feel/look, and that goes for all the FXX models. I've said this in other F15 X5 threads, I'm excited to see what the final design is going to be but it's going to have big shoes to fill. I think the E70 LCI is just perfect.

[bigjae1976]

I don't get all of this pedestrian safety stuff. If they bounce off your hood...will the car deploy a mattress for a soft landing?

[jacb1301]

Glad we decided to go for a 2012...it looks like its going to be a blend of Audi and Volvo design-soft and curvy. As others have said the E70 is just right.

[superfans]

Hopefully the new "multifunction instrument display" will find its way to the new X5 like the facelifted 7-series and 2013 5-series. The only thing left would be the easy-entry function (air suspension) .... ?

[ATX78703]

i hope it is a little bigger as every bmw has grown in size with each redesign. It needs a real 3rd row capable of holding 2 adults for at least a short trip. i read somewhere that the m-class is going to add that feature in a couple of years on this recent redesign.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

i hope it is a little bigger as every bmw has grown in size with each redesign. It needs a real 3rd row capable of holding 2 adults for at least a short trip. i read somewhere that the m-class is going to add that feature in a couple of years on this recent redesign.

I don't know if they'll have a "real" 3rd row. I'm sure the F15 will grow a bit in size and having that 3rd row option like in the current E70 will satisfy those that really need it (I'm assuming the demand for that is relatively low) for now. But for those that really do need a full 3rd row, perhaps we'll see such an SAV/SUV if and when BMW decides to launch a new line (see: article on growing SUV/SAV market)?

[WilliCO]

Originally Posted by MPower10s

Interior is boooooring. Looks like every other model. And what's with the pedestrian BS? Does it really matter that much?

There are now design mandates in the EU. So, yes.