BMW Teases 2019 X5, Confirms New Off-Road Package

BMW‘s all-new 2019 X5 will be more capable off-road than ever before, according to the German automaker. Therefore, it’s no wonder prototypes have been seen in places such as the Arctic Circle, Sweden, South Africa or the U.S.

The fourth-generation X5 will introduce brand new suspension and chassis systems, said to be virtually unique in this segment. For starters, there’s a new Offroad Package, which is said to strike an impressive balance between high ride comfort on the road, and off-road ability.

At the press of a button, you can prep the car for either snow, sand, rocks or gravel – surfaces already encountered by various X5 prototypes around the world.

Another type of extreme test aced by the new X5 took place at BMW’s high-speed circuit in Talladega, USA, as well as in Germany at the Nurburgring. The 2019 X5 will boast the Adaptive M Suspension Professional and the Integral Active Steering system, which is also being offered for the first time.

When can we finally see it?

BMW Chairman Harald Krüger has used the company’s annual general meeting to confirm the next-generation X5 will be unveiled later this year.

Speaking to reporters and investors, Krüger said “2018 will be our X year” as the company has launched the new X2 and X4. Krüger went on to say “I can reveal exclusively today” that a “successor to the X5” will arrive later this year.

Krüger declined to go into specifics but reports have suggested the model could be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show which kicks off in October. This seems possible as there are only two major auto shows left this season and BMW will likely use the Los Angeles Auto Show to introduce the new X7.

What will it look like?

Regardless of when the X5 is unveiled, the model will have a more aggressive appearance as it will feature a new front fascia with a massive grille. Previous spy photos have also shown the crossover will have larger air intakes and more distinctive headlights with LED daytime running lights.

The overall shape will remain largely the same but the crossover will grow in size and feature a more accommodating cabin. Speaking of the interior, the model will be more high-tech as it will have a new digital instrument cluster and the iDrive 7.0 operating system which promises to be more intuitive and customizable. Drivers will also find a new steering wheel, updated switchgear and a modern center console featuring a host of controls.

BMW has been tight-lipped about performance specifications but the model is expected to be offered with an assortment of turbocharged petrol and diesel options. On the petrol side, there could be a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with around 248 hp (185 kW / 252 PS) and a 3.0-liter six-cylinder developing approximately 335 hp (250 kW) / 340 PS). We can also expect a 4.4-liter V8 and an X5 M with 592 hp (441 kW / 600 PS).

If that wasn’t enough variety, we can also expect a plug-in hybrid variant as well as a handful of diesel engines with outputs ranging from 228 hp (170 kW / 231PS) to 394 hp (293 kW / 400 PS).