2019 BMW X5 (G05): This Is It, First Official Photos

The new 2019 BMW X5 is anticipated to have its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show this October, making its online debut earlier in the summer, but the first official images have already found their way on the web.

While we weren’t absolutely sure on Monday when Josh Byrnes stumbled upon two low-resolution pictures of the next X5, the discovery of a full gallery on Chinese forums today leaves no questions open about their authenticity.

It’s a familiar styling affair

The exterior styling is evolutionary with the 2019 X5 fusing elements from the current BMW X3 and the forthcoming BMW X7 that we’ve seen in concept form. That’s not to say that Munich isn’t introducing some fresh design cues like the oversized double kidney grille that dominates the front, or the kinked crease on the rear fenders and more bulbous taillights.

It’s an evolutionary tale inside too, with the new X5 adopting an array of climate controls and other buttons just under the 12.3 inch center screen, together with a number of buttons and new switchgear on the lower center console. You’ll also notice the digitalized instrument cluster flanked by a large central touchscreen for controlling all infotainment functions on the right.

Bigger but lighter

Beyond the design, the G05-codenamed luxury SUV is built around the same CLAR (cluster architecture) platform as the 7-Series with a new suspension that includess a double wishbone front axle and a five-line rear axle.

According to preliminary data accompanying the pictures, the new X5 measures 4,945mm (194.7 in.) long, 2,004mm (78.9 in.) wide, 1,791mm (70.5 in.) tall, with a 2,975mm  (117.1 in.) wheelbase. This makes it 36mm (1.4 in.) longer, 66mm (2.6 in.) wider, and 19mm (0.75 in.) taller than the previous generation, with a 42mm (1.65 in.) increase in the wheelbase.

Despite the growth spurt that will improve cargo (645 to 1,860 liters) as well as second- and third-row passenger space, it’s expected to be significantly lighter than the current vehicle, with some reports placing the savings at over 200kg (440lbs).

Four, six and eight-cylinder engines

Borrowing its powertrains from the latest 5-Series, the 2019 BMW X5 will eventually offer a range of 2.0-liter four, 3.0-liter straight-six and 4.4-liter eight-cylinder turbocharged gasoline units, alongside 2.0-liter four and 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo diesels. The most potent choice will be the X5 M with the M5’s monstrous 592 hp (441 kW / 600 PS) twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 combined with xDrive all-wheel drive.

Right now, the only models confirmed are the xDrive40i with a 340PS B58 3.0-liter straight-six turbo, the xDrive50i with a 462PS 4.4-liter V8 turbo and the diesel xDrive30d with a 262PS 3.0-liter inline-six. Watch this space for more information.

*Post has been updated with a full gallery and new details