The third-generation of BMW’s X5 Sports Activity Vehicle will premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Apparently the Internet can’t wait that long, hence we have what appears to be the first official photo of the car.

The image has been posted by a user of the Xbimmer forum this morning and seems to be the “real deal”. Codenamed F15, the 2014 X5 is aesthetically influenced by the new 3-Series, as we can see from the elongated shape of the headlights that are united with the kidney grille, which is also more upright than before.

The profile doesn’t look that different from the current model, but the overall shape brings the new X5 stylistically closer to the smaller X3 and X1 crossovers. The profile reveals an air intake on the front fenders behind the wheel arch, an element that is more visible on the white car in the picture.

You can’t see it from this picture, but the close-up spy video posted below reveals other details, such as the L-shaped taillights which have been restyled for the new model. Overall, the car looks like an evolution of the current generation, which is normal since BMW doesn’t want to alter a recipe that has been successful since the first X5 launched in 1999.

The new X5 rides on BMW’s new and lighter “X For All” platform that shares hardware and electronic parts with the 5-Series, and which will also be used on the second generation X6. The third-generation X5 is expected to be up to 150kg (330lbs) lighter, with engine choices to be mainly improved versions of those available on the current model.

New engines on offer in Europe may be 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel and petrol units, while in the U.S. the F15 will be available with turbocharged straight-six and V8 gasoline units and at least one six-cylinder diesel.

By Dan Mihalascu

Update: First interior photo added after the jump

Special thanks to Toldi for the video tip!

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