It has been rumored for quite a while that the current generation BMW X5 they have a much shorter lifespan than its predecessors.
BMW after reportedly ready to revamp the vehicle just three years into its life-cycle. However, the new generation may not be out until the start of 2018. When it does, it is expected to come with a new lineup of engines. If the new generation does come in 2018, it will mark a return to the five-year life cycle which has been the standard norm for sedans across the range of BMW.
One of the reasons for coming out with a new generation may be to make the BMW X5 in line with the about to be launched BMW X7. The new seven seater will go head-to-head with the likes of the Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The lack of a seven seater option in the BMW portfolio has hurt the company quite badly in several markets across the world. The upcoming BMW X7 and the next generation BMW X5 will have the same chassis and parts. Hence, it makes sense for BMW to start producing both these vehicles at the same time at the Spartanburg plant.
While the new models will be lighter and have the latest in tech, it is also expected to be assisted by a lighter build thanks to the use of carbon fiber like in the latest BMW 7 series. BMW are also expected to bring some significant changes to the engine line-up. The xDrive35i will be replaced by the xDrive40i models in several regions while it will be powered by the B58 3-liter straight six motor found in the recently launched vehicles like the BMW 340i. Even though it produces the same 320 bhp found in the existing xDrive35i models, the engine manages significantly better fuel efficiency and emission figures.
The diesel variants continue to be extremely popular in terms of the BMW X5. The xDrive35d will be transformed into the xDrive40d specifically in the US markets. The older N57 engines found in the xDrive35d will be replaced by the new B57 motors for the xDrive40d. The motors can produce anything between 265 bhp or 320 bhp depending on the number of turbochargers. Meanwhile, the BMW X7 will initially be offered in the xDrive40d and xDrive40i variants with BMW planning to offer the xDrive50i only at a later stage.
