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.
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Another too wide too tall console. This BMW is new ?
The level of hate for BMW here is bizarre. Owning them for a status symbol was never something I have considered because I like them the way they drive, not for a perceived display of my net worth. I own two...a 2009 335d and a 2011 X5 35d. Both have BMW's amazing M57 twin turbo 3.0L diesel engine that makes 425 lb ft and 265 hp at 1700 rpm. Even with all that instant power on tap the 335d gets 35 mpg at 80-90 and the X5d gets 25. The 335d is the best road trip car Ive ever owned and the X5d handles better, has more usable power, and has better fuel economy than than any other SUV that I know of. Both cars have been very reliable. The 335d has 99500 miles and the X5d has 135,000. I do preventative maintenance on them when I know its due such as trans, diff, transfer case fluid changes, fuel filters, crankshaft dampers. By educating myself on the M57 engine and servicing as needed, neither car has ever left me stranded. Anyway thats my two cents worth.