Originally Posted by Giannis

it is very similar to today's X5 or it's just me?

Originally Posted by scott26, 05/10/2006

(For a more revealing look check out the - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and compare the rear end of the CGI to the spy photograph and you will see it all coming together.)

The X5 is now in its FEP phase so we will start to see what it looks like underneath the black plastic camouflage.

However some camouflaged X5s will remain testing on the worlds roads as underneath they will cover the mechanicals and chassis and suspension alterations for the upcoming X6 SAC.

The new X5 is known as the "deceptive" car because although the evolutionary phase the design remains a strong evolution of the current X5 with "current" BMW overtones to define the muscular look of the new X5 - The new car is actually longer and wider than the current car but the evolutionary appearence makes the car look smaller - Which is a neat trick to avoid it looking van-like. A 3rd row of seats are optional but be under no illusion like its rivals claim that the 3rd row of seats are intended for full grown adults when they are actually more adequate for children.

Knowing fullwell that the new X5 is coming orders and interest are starting to flow especially in Germany where customers have decided to be patient rather than defect to Audi ,VW , Porsche, Volvo or Mercedes-Benz - a similar case of history repeating itself when the first generation X5 was shown in 1999.

When introduced The X5 was the first model to expand BMW's core business. "Build the right product , advertise it well and they will sell in droves"- it's popularity and the fact that it is fantastic to drive are two of the reasons on why the car has been successful for BMW. It has ruled its segment ever since introduction.

The current car still has strong waiting lists especially in countries such as the UK and Asia.

Of course when originally introduced the rivals the current X5 is facing now were not even a twinkle in an engineers eye. The success of the X5 and its bulldozering of the W163 M-klasse sent Mercedes-Benz back to the drawing board on the W164 which is what the X5 is setting out to beat - although BMW engineers examined the X5's rivals from a competitors point of view there was only one Benchmark: The E53 X5. The car the new X5 has to beat.

Expanding the appeal of this particular segment The new model is intent on keeping its core heritage. With the X5 BMW has never looked back and has no intentions to do so when the new model makes it's appearence this July.

Like History repeating itself BMW are intent on showing their rivals - Born from the success of the current X5 that the new X5 will indeed again "Change the rules"

Originally Posted by warot

Can't wait to see the headlights, that's what I'm worried about.

Originally Posted by Osnabrueck

Tail-lights look very cool, which I'm relieved to see after some of the awful PS images we've been exposed to.

Holding my breath on those headlights. The current X5 has worn the facelift quite well and has the perfect blend of BMW and truck vibe. I suppose it'll be an easy act to follow if the designers aren't in a disruptive mood.

Originally Posted by EniLab

From what I have been told they would be a close variation of a FL 7er's headlights. Something very similar in shape - but w/o eyebrows!.