2018 BMW X5 flaunts its large kidney grille

Could break cover in H2 2017.

Autoevolution has acquired spyshots of the fourth generation BMW X5, which is heavily wrapped up to hide the new exterior design. It is expected to break cover in H2 2017 as a MY2018 model, and likely to arrive in India in 2018.

Like the latest crop of BMWs, the new X5 will feature an evolutionary design. Although the front-end is completely covered up, the test mule does offer a look at its large pair of kidney grilles as well as the production-spec body. However, the headlamps, taillamps and alloy wheels are temporary fitments typical of early prototypes.

The next-gen X5 will be based on the CLAR platform (cluster architecture), which made its debut in the new 7 Series. This construction supports high strength steel, aluminium, carbon fiber and magnesium, so expect a significant reduction in kerb weight as compared to the current X5 which, in its lightest variant (xDrive35i), tips the scales at 2,030 kg.

Also Read: 2017 BMW 530d xDrive with M Sport Package spotted in Germany

The 2018 BMW X5's engine lineup will include a wide range of turbocharged four-, six- and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The xDrive40d model’s N57 engines will be replaced by the 3.0L turbodiesel six cylinder B57 engine with outputs ranging from 265 hp to 320 hp, while the xDrive40i (replacing xDrive35i) will pack a B58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six cylinder petrol engine from the BMW 340i. Also to join at a later period is the 600 hp+ BMW X5 M and an iPerformance xDrive40e plug-in hybrid variant.

[Image Source: Auto Evolution]