The current BWM X5 has been in production since 2018 and it seems a refreshed version is coming soon. The fourth generation, with internal designation G05, has been spotted in a new guise, which can mean only one thing – a facelift is coming. Although BMW is working on many new models, most of which electric, it’s also updating its existing lineup and the X5 is the latest model to undergo a revision.

What can we expect?

What we are looking at is the facelifted BMW X5 M. If you know your BMW M-cars, you will notice that this looks a lot like the current X5 M-Competition. However, note that they are only calling it X5 M. Does this mean the next X5 M-Competition will sport an even more aggressive styling, or are they simply using the M-Competition body kit to keep the exterior changes a secret? At this point, it’s too early to tell, but it seems that, as with the recently spotted facelifted versions of the BMW X6 and 3-Series, only the interior is different.

The only visible difference on the outside is the new prototype headlights. Other than that, what we are looking at is essentially the X5 M-Competition exterior treatment, comprising of the more aggressive front fascia. It sports additional small vents, the purpose of which could be to cool the brakes. They are located right under the small air inlets that flank the large central opening on both sides. At the back we see the M-Competition bumper with a well-pronounced diffuser, accommodating quad exhaust tips.

As the official introduction gets nearer, we’ll get to see all of the exterior changes, among which would be new lights, grille, and bumpers.

Interior

This is where the majority of visible differences are seen. Although there aren’t many images of the facelifted interior, we see that the 2022 X5 M is going to feature the big center screen we know from the electric BMW iX. The driver tried hiding it, but the thing is just too big to cover up. It seems this, together with curved minimalistic dashboard design will be what the new interior is expected to feature fewer physical buttons, lots of clear surfaces, and optimized interior space. When talking about the BMW iX, Domagoj Dukec said “We designed the iX from the inside out. In the process, we took particular care to create a modern, warm, and minimalist interior design.“ It seems the revised BMW X5 M will be the first model powered by an internal combustion engine to utilize this interior design philosophy.

Conclusion

BMW may have announced the axing of half its internal combustion engines, but they will still offer plenty of non-EV models. The BMW X5 gets a facelift, following other models like the M5 and 8-Series. The Bavarian SUV is a global hit and BMW is going to keep it in the game for as long as possible, before retiring it for good, due to its mass electrification strategy. At least, design-wise, the BMW X5 M will also be one of the models to smoothly transition from ICE powertrains to electricity, as it already features design elements and features, normally found in the brand’s EV lineup. Until BMW eventually kills the X5 M, it will continue to be the capable performance SUV it has always been.