Next Gen 2015 BMW X5 M (F15) Begins Testing! [Updated with Video]

[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

Next Gen 2015 BMW X5 M (F15) Begins Testing! [Updated with Video]

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UPDATED: New pics of the F15 X5 M hitting the Nurburgring for the first time - 10/9/12

We've just spied the next generation BMW X5 M prototype beginning its testing! Although still clad in full camouflage, signature M features leave no doubt that we are looking at the next X5 M.

The most conspicuous items are the quad M exhausts, active differential and blue brake calipers, which have become the signature color for M model brakes (i.e. F10 M5 and F12/F13 M6). Seen behind the blue M brakes are drilled rotors, the first for any X5 model. Hiding behind the front end camouflage are huge air intakes and we get a very clear look at how the headlights will connect to the kidney grilles, in the same fashion as on the F30 3 Series.

This prototype comes just 6 months after the regular F15 X5 was first spotted out testing, which supports what we've previously stated - that going forward, BMW will bring M models to market sooner after the regular series model's introduction than it has traditionally. This also means that the next X5 M may actually get its own chassis designation, set apart from the regular X5 model's "F15," just as the next gen M3/M4 will be designated F80/F82 (and not F30/F32).

Expect the F15 X5 and X5 M to feature some new technology not available in any current BMW model, including a pedestrian airbag and iDrive touchpad [Demo Video]. Check out the iDrive Touch demo below.

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. For the regular F15 X5, expect both diesel and gasoline 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder engine options. As for the next X5 M, expect it to be powered by the S63Tu from the new M5/M6 (current X5 M uses the S63 engine), but potentially with a power bump up to the 580HP ballpark. Read about the differences between the current X5 M's S63 engine and the S63Tu engine.

The F15 X5 should be introduced in late 2013 - early 2014 as a 2014 model year and the X5 M model within a year of the regular X5's release.

First Video of F15 X5 M:

NEW PHOTOS AS OF 10/9/12:


















Bonus pic of X5 M next to F80 M3 sedan prototype:




And a shot from a recent F15 prototype, showing the kidney grille design:









PHOTOS FROM JULY 2012:

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 feature the new iDrive Touch button [demo below].

VIDEO DEMO:

Current X5 (E70) Interior:

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

[Cl0ud7]

Already? The next X5 isn't even out yet...

[E90Mario]

This is gonna be good!

[Jason]

Originally Posted by Cl0ud7

Already? The next X5 isn't even out yet...

Yep, as stated above in the article:

This prototype comes just 6 months after the regular F15 X5 was first spotted out testing, which supports what we've previously stated - that going forward, BMW will bring M models to market sooner after the regular series model's introduction than it has traditionally.

[Euro_M_Driver]

I already know this thing is going to be bada*s. not to mention, it's gonna be faster than the already quick X5M? Shitchyea!!
I also think its hilarious how people say how ugly these new cars are even under camo. Even though they can't even see the car. I guess they checked their magical time machine to know what they'll look like..

[positiveions]

looks a bit bigger to me; or is it me?

[ab3]

I really want to know what engine they are putting in this.... I can't see them putting in more power then the M5/M6, but the current X5 M is only a few hp down from the M5/M6...

[AlpWhite11]

Originally Posted by ab3

I really want to know what engine they are putting in this.... I can't see them putting in more power then the M5/M6, but the current X5 M is only a few hp down from the M5/M6...

Article says it will get the S63Tu engine from the new M5/M6.

[ab3]

Originally Posted by 09BlkSapphire

Article says it will get the S63Tu engine from the new M5/M6.

Apparently I'm blind.... totally missed that when I read it haha

[Forster]

Ahhhh!!! This makes me happy! Gunna be sucha beast omg!

[mrmomo313]

cant wait till more info is released about it

[Biff Grissel]

Looks a bit porschy under the camo...but I want one.

[watrob]

I bought the first model E70 when it came out, I think this time I will wait 12 months for the first round of updates & small mods.

I was not happy with the 2007 model, the 2008 had a lot of changes that they did that were not seen to the naked eye, also a lot of revamp to engine management & output, special the diesel....... 30d to 35d to 40d - and now M50d.

Also they will release a Hybrid diesel, which I am interested in as my DD.

[exfyvem]

it looks hideous under camo, i want to see how its gonna turn out though.

[bimmerjph]

Hmm I was hoping for a preview of the next M5 engine in the new X5M

[Judah]

(TRS)Third Row Seat ?

[jon328i]

nice! hope those sexy side mirrors make it to production

[Envyscorpio]

Wonder how much CFRP technology will make its way to the X5? Just wondering thou, whats the point of a big heavy fast SUV? If I want a fast car to take my friends around, I'd buy an M5.

Less weight with turbo diesel for the US market please.

[keanu1]

it looks too big and too heavy! again i think x5m doesn't stand a chance against porsche cayenne turbo or turbo s.
i dont like the ideea of using almost the same engine witl almost the same power for a new generation m model!

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by CoolDude196

Whats the difference between the s63 and s63Tu?

Best read the M5 forum for the answer to this.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by keanu1

it looks too big and too heavy! again i think x5m doesn't stand a chance against porsche cayenne turbo or turbo s.
i dont like the ideea of using almost the same engine witl almost the same power for a new generation m model!

The Cayenne is smaller and tighter inside. The X5's extra room appeals to the 95% of models sold, the non M ones.

Nonetheless, the E70 X5M just beat the current Cayenne Turbo and ML 63 in a recent comparison in Car and Druver! And it's much older than both of those so.......

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

The Cayenne is smaller and tighter inside. The X5's extra room appeals to the 95% of models sold, the non M ones.

Nonetheless, the E70 X5M just beat the current Cayenne Turbo and ML 63 in a recent comparison in Car and Druver! And it's much older than both of those so.......

+1. The X5/X6M is all about power and balls out fast. I was fully expecting the Cayenne to beat out the X5M but damn, that's one fast car. 0-60 in 4 seconds for a 5000+ pound vehicle.

Besides, the Cayenne isn't the best looking Porsche. The interior leaves something to be desired. Aside from the instrument cluster, the rest of the interior doesn't transfer over well and should only be used in Porsche's smaller lineup. I would never buy any of these performance SAV's but I'd take the X5M over any of the competition.