The restyled BMW X5 M shows off more

 

Prototypes of the restyled BMW X5 M are back at the Nurburgring, and our on-site spy photographers got to see it. These new photos of the SUV show a slightly less camouflaged test vehicle than its predecessor, revealing a new grille design.

The vehicle's nose is still covered in camouflage, although the grilles appear slightly changed from the previous model. The shape is now more angular and will likely be surrounded by slimmer headlights. The camouflage thumbnail on the right grille panel probably hides the M badge.

Below the new grilles, we can see the new design of the lower bumper section with new vertical and horizontal bars, replacing the mesh design of the current model. The overall shape of the lower grille and air intakes resembles that of the current X5 M, so the visual changes will not be dramatic. 

The rear remains almost completely hidden, but we know that BMW will install new taillights on the sports car. The overall shape probably will not change much, but the lights will have new interior graphics. Minor changes to the lower part of the bumper and the diffuser between the four exhaust pipes are also likely.

We have not had a chance to take a look inside the cabin, but most likely the SUV will be equipped with BMW's iDrive8 infotainment system. It has not been confirmed, but the new technology is now available for a growing list of new Munich models.

No downsizing is planned for the current generation X5 M, and the vehicle will continue to rely on a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. In its most powerful application, this unit generates 625 horsepower, and we do not expect these numbers to change much. For the record, BMW will share its 4.4-liter V8 with Land Rover for use in the new Range Rover Sport SVR.