By the time the fourth generation BMW X5 will (likely) go on sale in 2019, the current iteration will blow six candles matching the life span of the first two models.
It’s still too early to talk about its looks, since the car scooped on the Nurburgring remains in test mule form and carries some of the current version’s panels, but we do know that the Bavarians will focus on reducing weight as it will ride on a new and lighter platform based on the brand’s CLAR (Cluster Architecture), which debuted in the latest 7-series.
This new platform will mix carbon fiber, aluminum and high-strength steel and will eventually underpin the upcoming X7 flagship SUV too, expected to debut between 2018 and 2019, as well as the next X3 and 5-Series.
With improved cornering abilities, increased performance and better fuel consumption numbers, the next generation BMW X5, codenamed G05, is expected to offer V8-powered replacements for the current xDrive50i and X5 M, along with successors of the M50d. The xDrive40e PHEV will live on, while the rest of the lineup will use the company’s latest four- and six-cylinder units.