Are you the next BMW X5?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:41:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

Who knew that diecast model makers could be such a good source of leaks? Less than a month after a diecast model 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA in China, someone overseas at Diecast Empire or Jadi Modelcraft could get a bath in boiling oil for leaking uncamouflaged images of the next-generation BMW X5.

Naturally, that assumes that this image from a brochure from a Jadi brochure is indeed the F15 BMW X5 - it was posted to Diecast Empire's Facebook page. In its favor, the lines all add up if we compare it to the most revealing spy shots we have of the coming crossover - the headlight corners, the metal trim separating the kidney grille from the opening just above the license plate, the cut of the swage line, and the fact that the model picture reveals all of the most important character pieces that BMW has kept covered.

There's something written on the door of the model image that isn't in the spy shots, but that could be an xDrive badge. We will see the genuine article soon enough and we'll know for sure. For now, we might have already seen its facsimile in miniature.

Are you the next BMW X5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clearest look yet at new BMW X5

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 09:14:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

BMW engineers have been very busy lately. We haven't even officially seen the production M6 Gran Coupe or 4 Series Concept in person yet, and we're already looking ahead to future products like the forthcoming 2 Series and the redesigned X5. Our quick-triggered spy photographers have caught the 2014 X5 testing before, but this is our best look yet at the restyled CUV - excuse us, SAV ("Sports Activity Vehicle") - showing off its new skin.

Like the last X5 redesign, the new model looks to be completely different, yet have a very familiar look to the outgoing model. This is especially true in its profile, which has remained relatively unchanged since the X5 originally debuted back in 1999. It does appear that the camouflaged prototype seen here features a sharper, rising bodyside crease. Up front, the X5 will have a more blunt nose like other recent BMW products, and it will also get headlights that stretch to touch the grille like the current 3 Series. Likewise, the rear aspect shows familiar L-shaped taillights, and the X5 looks to retain the dual exhaust outlets poking through its rear fascia.

One interesting element seen in these spy shots are the vertical vents at the trailing edge of the front wheel openings. Are they just aesthetic flourishes, or are they functional? Either way, this X5 definitely does not appear to be as visually aggressive as the X5 M we saw in spy shots back in October, but that's to be expected.

Clearest look yet at new BMW X5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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