BMW has shown off its forthcoming X5 again as it prepares the SUV for a 2018 launch. Keen to demonstrate the flagship X model’s capability and durability off-road, the video shows the X5 tackling various adverse terrains while undergoing testing.
Taking to snow, sand, rocks and gravel, the X5 is subjected to environmental extremes in Sweden, South Africa and America. To ensure its on-road ability, BMW has also dispatched prototypes to proving grounds and race circuits around the world – one destination, of course, being the Nürburgring.
The fourth-generation car will be built on BMW’s CLAR platform (also found in the current 5-series), which permits the integration of some brand-new chassis and suspension systems that will be making their debut in the X model-range. BMW claims the advancements improve ride quality and offer more configurability, allowing the X5 to better tackle various terrains, but it has so far revealed little specific detail about what the new technology actually comprises. However, it has confirmed that the X5 will be available with adaptive M suspension and rear-wheel steering.
While there’s no official line from BMW on a range-topping M derivative, we’ve spotted a beefed-up version in testing, all-but confirming one is on the way. As per the previous X5 M, we expect it will borrow its engine from the BMW M5, largely unchanged, which should mean a twin-turbo V8 with around 592bhp will be fitted. The transplant should be easier than ever with the two models sharing the CLAR platform, as well as both being all-wheel-drive.
This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk
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