Behind the dust clouds and beneath the camouflaged wrap is the fourth generation BMW X5 which is expected to break cover later this year ahead of going on sale from early-2019.
BMW is currently putting next-gen X5 prototypes through their paces in extreme terrain and climates with these pictures released from testing in South Africa.
A high priority in the test programme is for the X5 prototypes to prove the qualities of a completely new suspension technology in every kind of terrain. The prototypes have been used to validate acceleration, steering and braking capabilities in the winter test centre in Arjeplog, Sweden, on South African gravel tracks and in desert dune landscapes of the USA.
Endurance testing has been conducted on the BMW Group’s testing grounds in Miramas in the South of France, on the high-speed Talladega speedway in the US state of Alabama and on the Nurburgring racetrack in Germany. Dry mountain terrain as well as tropical humidity and muddy tracks have also tested the new BMW X5.
BMW says the new X5 will introduce new suspension and chassis technology — available for the first time in a BMW X model — that provides the highest-level ride comfort on the road and the possibility of changing the vehicle setup at the press of a button to suit driving on snow, sand, rocks and gravel roads.
Also part of the test regime is work to verify the Adaptive M Suspension Professional and the Integral Active Steering systems, which will be offered either as options or as standard equipment on top-line models for the first time.
The new X5 will be based on a high-ride derivative of the new vehicle architecture already used for 5 Series and 7 Series models and is expected to largely duplicate the range of engine choices available in the 5 Series with four-cylinder, six-cylinder, V8 and plug-in hybrid powertrains as well as a high performance X5 M flagship.
The first generation BMW X5 and BMW’s classification of a Sport Activity Vehicle was introduced in 1999 with the second generation launched in 2006. BMW debuted the third generation in 2013 and the 2019 launch timing for the gen-four X5 represents an acceleration of the model cycle.
As with previous generations the new X5 will be built at BMW’s specialist SUV manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.