2019 BMW X5 Leaked Before Paris Unveiling

A handful of photos of the 2019 BMW X5 leaked over the weekend, but their questionable resolution elicited queries about their authenticity — as did their Chinese origins. Those pics were followed by dozens more a few days later, along with confirmation from BMW that they’re the real deal.

While official photos of the vehicle were supposed to appear later this summer, the X5 isn’t slated to go on display until the Paris Motor Show this October. However, a Chinese auto forum was spotted by CarScoops posting the works Tuesday morning.

Utilizing BMW’s CLAR platform, the X5 is rumored to gain over an inch in total length with its width seeing over double that. Engine options are supposed to include a fuel-efficient four-cylinder, mid-range straight six, and top-tier V8. All of the powerplants will make use of turbocharging, with the smaller offerings gaining diesel variants.

The M version should see the same 4.4-liter (S63B44T4) twin-turbo V8 found in the M5 sedan. BMW’s xDrive should come standard on all models, with the base being the only possible exception, and not in every market.

While the interior reflects some design aspects we’ve seen on the X7 Concept, mainly the sharper angles and big grille, the company hasn’t reinvented the wheel. It still looks like a BMW utility, which is to be expected. The interior also isn’t wildly different from the outgoing model, but represents a lot of subtle alterations. Among the biggest changes is a digital instrument panel and 12.3 inch center screen that almost serves as an extension of it. There also seems to be fewer buttons and knobs overall, compared to the current model year.

BMW seemed fine in confirming the pictures but was slightly less willing to express the validity of the Chinese forum’s specs, even though they seemed genuine. You can expect a follow-up later on.