The facelifted BMW X5 has made lots of spy appearances in the past, with the subtle design changes becoming more significant with each new camouflaged prototype. The latest example is an X5M which is sporting a new set of taillights, unlike previous prototypes which had no changes at the rear end.
The first time we spied a facelifted X5M was in April 2021, when the model revealed minimal exterior changes and a revised digital cockpit with larger screens incorporating the latest iDrive8. Another prototype followed in June 2021 introducing a redesigned front bumper and not much else, since it was still not wearing the production lighting units. Finally, in February 2022 we saw an X5M with a different kidney grille similar to the one found on the X6, plus a new set of much slimmer LED headlights. Now it seems that the puzzle is complete with the addition of redesigned taillights seen for the first time in an X5.
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The taillight from the earlier X5M prototype (below) versus the redesigned ones from the most recent spy shots (above)
The new taillights are mostly covered in camouflage but we can still see the new LED graphics with the illuminated strip positioned lower than before. The new style is reminiscent of previous generations of the X5 while incorporating BMW’s latest design language and giving the model a more aggressive look. The honeycomb look that is typically found on BMW or MINI prototypes is due to a protective sticker that is applied to hide details of the lighting units before the official debut.
Camouflage wrap is covering the entire tail although setting aside the taillights not much else appears to have changed at the back where the performance-focused X5 from the M division retains the quad exhaust pipes and the larger rear spoiler. An extra piece of camouflage on the front fenders is hiding changes on the side gills which have become simpler in terms of shape.
Finally, the front end is fitted with the new and slimmer headlights, the hexagonal kidneys (that could be illuminated), and an aggressive bumper that is part of the M-specific bodykit and different from the regular facelifted X5. A new set of spy shots from the Nürburgring show additional exposed bits from the lower part of the front bumper with the intakes looking more sculpted and the ADAS sensors located in the middle.
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The flagship of the X5 range will retain its M-sourced twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 sending power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic with the help of the M xDrive system and an Active M differential. In the current X5M, this engine produces 600 hp (447 kW / 608 PS) or up to 617 hp (460 kW / 625 PS) in the Competition variant. The latter is good for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time to 3.8 seconds with a top speed of up to 285 km/h (177 mph) when fitted with the optional M Driver’s Package.
The facelifted X5M could get some tweaks in the engine department in order to better compete with the competition. Rivals include the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63, the Audi RS Q8, and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, some of which are also up for a facelift this year. The latest X5M prototypes are fitted with blue M Sport brake calipers, or red M Performance calipers behind the large alloy wheels. We guess that the facelifted SUV will get access to more M Performance parts since BMW customers seem to love this kind of customization.
We expect to learn more about the facelifted X5 range in the coming months, as the model is rumored for an official debut by 2023. This will be the year of the large BMW SUVs since, besides the X5, the Bavarian automaker will also unveil facelifts for the sportier-looking X6 and the larger X7.
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