The SUV’s high-performance headlights appear to be slimmer
For close to a whole year, we’ve been watching the X5 M facelift and BMW has not stopped testing the new version of its high-performance SUV. It was spotted again in Germany’s countryside just outside of Munich. The quad exhaust tips are a clear indication that we are dealing only with the best, but the front fascia is what has our attention.
The headlights, despite being heavily camouflaged, are noticeably slimmer than the pre-LCI model. We are pleased to report that BMW has resisted the temptation to give the X5 M a massive grille design like the one seen on the iX . The mesh mask applied to the front bumper suggests that the air intake will be more horizontally oriented than the current model. It could be that the disguise is playing tricks on us.
Although the rear looks almost identical, our spy reports that the taillights appear to have a recessed central section to create the illusion of 3D. The bumper and roof-mounted spoiler appear to be identical, as does the diffuser that is flanked with the M-specific exhaust. The X5 M will continue to be a beautiful SUV, and we dare say it is the prettiest SUV in Bavaria.
Although spy shots of the cabin are not possible in this set, some angles show that the dashboard is hiding beneath a piece cloth. BMW will give the X5 a facelift with its new iDrive 8 featuring the two-screen, side-by-side display. This is because the glass in the curved part of the screen has a slight curvature. It will also be available for the 3Series LCI. This makes it possible that the more upscale X5 could move to the next-generation infotainment.
The M version will retain the twin-turbo, 4.4-liter engine that produces up to 617 horsepower in Competition. This will likely be the last chance for an X5 M to have a non-hybrid engine V8. The Concept XM has predicted an electrified setup for larger M vehicles.
In the next few months, the wraps will come off when BMW will unveil the regular 2023 BMW X5.