Better looking, or what?
BMW has put the CLAR platform to hard work, spawning models through all its range, X included. The future BMW X5, expected to make public debut in late 2017 — as a 2018 model — will share the platform with the redesigned X3, and the range-topping X7 seven-seater.
The info is scarce for now, but we can speculate around the use of the above-mentioned CLuster ARchitecture, which uses a mix of steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber to form a light-yet-strong structure. This means the fourth-generation X5 would be even lighter than the current one, which also translates into a better dynamic performance, and lower fuel consumption. We've already made acquaintance with CLAR, in the form of the new 7 Series, and 5 Series alike — click the links to find out our test drive impressions.
Regarding the engine lineup, in the context of a weight reduction, the entry-level four-pot units would become even more viable options — others manufacturers, such as Volvo, already went as far as limiting the offers to a 2.0-liter four banger. X5’s lineup would be completed by six-, and eight-cylinder engines, with the BMW X5 M packing as much as 600 hp.
As for the design, we don’t have much for now, besides some spy photos and this rendering signed by Christian Schulte. Considering the evolutionary (not revolutionary) path BMW has followed with its latest reiterations, we expect little changes from what we see in the picture above.