First hitting the scene in 1999, the original BMW X5 sought to combine the fun and engaging driving experience BMW is known for with the utility and capability of a larger mid-size SUV. Such is the case with the upcoming fourth-generation as well, which will likely debut later in 2018 for the 2019 model year. With its imminent arrival comes a variety of hype-builders, including this new slew of content that shows the latest SUV undergoing a number of off-road test sessions.
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The Full Story
For now, the new BMW X5 is undergoing testing which BMW classifies as “exceptionally demanding and varied,” as evidenced by the above-featured 1-minute video. Hit play, and you’ll watch the X5 do its thing in a full camo exterior. BMW also seems to equate the SUV to a force of nature, paralleling the vehicle with images of hurricanes, lightning storms, and searing desert sands.
The recent release also includes a series of images which happen to show the X5 getting sideways, kicking up dirt, and even catching a little atmosphere over a crest. You can check out the full gallery below.
“One day the new BMW X5 is being tested at the polar circle and the next it is already doing laps on the Nurburgring,” says BMW.
The aim of the game seems to be the inclusion of multiple extreme climate conditions, with the new BMW X5 assaulting a variety of challenging terrain in a successive barrage of mother nature’s best rough stuff. So far, that include testing in frigid winter conditions in Arjeplog, Sweden, as well as the punishing gravel roads of South Africa and the gritty deserts and dunes of the U.S.
Given the X5’s supposed dual personality, BMW also took it to various paved circuits to test its high dynamics. That included the automaker’s personal testing ground in Miramas, France, the Talladega Speedway in Alabama, and (of course) the Nurburgring in Germany.
Overall, BMW is looking to give the X5’s suspension tech and chassis systems a workout, both of which are all-new for the BMW X model line. That includes systems like the Adaptive M Suspension Professional and the Integral Active Steering, both of which are heading to the model for the first time for the 2019 model year.
There’s also a new off-roading package as well, which once again looks to strike a balance between offering a comfortable ride on the road, and, at the touch of a button, a highly capable all-terrain mode to tackle the dusty trails (among other things).
“Be it snow, sand, rocks, or gravel roads - the new BMW X5 has the perfect powertrain and suspension setup for each surface,” BMW claims.
As a reminder, we expect the new BMW X5 to use the fresh CLAR platform under the skin, with motivation provided by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine making around 300 horsepower. The run to 60 mph should take less than 6 seconds. Also look for a go-faster model packing a 4.4-liter V-8 and making around 450 horsepower, dropping the 0-to-60 mph time to about 4.6 seconds.
Further Reading
Read everything we know about the 2019 BMW X5.
Learn more about the upcoming 2020 BMW X5 M
Read more BMW news.