The current generation BMW X5 went into production in late 2018 and is still largely sold unchanged. However, a major refresh is planned for sometime next year and we have a new video showing the large SUV being unloaded from the car carrier. While the prototype is still under wraps, this footage shows the engine from all angles and reveals that it has a new powertrain under the hood.
If you look closely, you’ll definitely notice the quad chrome exhaust pipes at the rear and the M-style side mirrors. These two design characteristics suggest that the X5 is descending from the guise of the upcoming M60i, which will replace the previous M50i in the current X5. While the information surrounding it isn’t official yet, we have a pretty good idea of what’s hidden behind it.
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Sharing the powertrain with the new X7 M60i, the new warm SUV positioned below the fully equipped X5 M will feature BMW’s S68 engine. It’s a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, which in this application will be powered by a 48-volt mild hybrid system. An eight-speed automatic gearbox and xDrive all-wheel-drive system will deliver 530 horsepower (389 kilowatts) and 553 pound-feet (750 Newton-meters) of torque to all four wheels.
You’ll be able to easily recognize the updated X5 from the pre-facelift model thanks to the new 2024 X5’s grille design and slimmer headlights. Reshaped bumpers and air intakes, as well as other adjustments – likely to also include a new wheel design – will also be part of the styling of the new X5. The interior will also be left untouched and the biggest change we expect is the company’s latest infotainment system with a curved screen and iDrive 8 software.
Interestingly, the X5 M is expected to be carried without the help of electricity in the engine room. This means the 4.4-liter V8 engine will most likely continue to offer the same 617 hp (560 kW) output in the Competition trim. We don’t know when the updated X5 family will debut but it will likely be available in Europe first before hitting the US market for the 2024 model year.
