On retrospect, after seeing the direct comparison above, I do think that most normal people will recognize this as a newer model as opposed to a facelift. Of course the styling isn't as extreme as previous BMW models, but the newer model seems alot cleaner and simplier, where everything seems to flow together more harmoniously. I never noticed how busy the E53 is in its design, particularly the front bumper and down the sides. Not too sure if anyone would understand, but to me (after seeing the E70), the E53 design seems to be forced to be made muscular and aggro, like the E70 seems to be naturally muscular and aggro.

I think one thing about the new design is that they've retained the unmistakeble X5ish design features, but have evolved it to a point where most people will recognize it as a new model. If this is the right thing to do, we'll see when the sales figures come out... after letting the design settle in and if I were to choose purely on design merit out of the E53 and E70, it definitely would be the E70.

Oh and the engine bay looks like a big heart:



Or a spaceship.