WORLD EXCLUSIVE: First Scoop On Next Gen BMW X5-Can You Guess The BIGGEST Change Coming?

If there was a hall of fame for SUV's there would be NO doubt in our minds that the BMW X5 would be an uncontested nominee.

Great looks, practicality and unparalleled driving experience are just a few of its great attributes.

Ever since we returned our long term review X5 last year, we've missed it everyday since.

And now that there is a clean diesel, the X5 is even better.

But if you ask customers or buyers that bought something else, one criticism resonates...

Have you guessed it yet?

They all say if they could change one thing it would be its size.

It's TOO small.

Yes, I was taken aback when that information was shared with me but that is what customers and potential customers say.

So reliable sources have informed AutoSpies.com that the next generation BMW X5 will grow in size, maybe even to the size of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Series.

And we're also told it will get better mileage than the current ride even with its added girth.

Imagine a full size truck like a GL that drives like a BMW...not that sounds DELICIOUS!

We've even heard it could be called the X7...yes, it's a resurrected rumor regarding the name change but it would make sense.

The X3 has grown to almost the size of an X5 so it is doable.

You heard it FIRST here.

Chime in if you think they are right and should they change the name to the X7???

Discuss....

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BondMI6 - 10/26/2010 12:22:16 AM

+2 Boost

X7?............

I like it. Sign me up.

I always thought it was a big mistake for BMW to drop this idea- especially when the GL sells so well.

But......

More than likely it won't happen. What will happen is the next gen X5 will grow in size and presence and will be even more differentiated from the X6........

MorePower - 10/26/2010 1:36:02 AM

+1 Boost

Doubtful there will be a X7. BMW was flirting with the idea of a large, full-scale SUV above the X5 when they bought Land Rover.

I do like the rounded design. It looks like what the X6 should have looked like from the start. It does look like what a Q7 would look like if it had been designed by BMW.

B7FAN - 10/26/2010 7:47:28 AM

+2 Boost

I doubt it also I dont see an X7....but with BMW at this point you never know with them

Autoegr525 - 10/26/2010 1:42:56 AM

+9 Boost

Wow a new generation BMW is going to be larger than the model its replacing? There's a shocker!

528i - 10/26/2010 2:21:28 AM

+9 Boost

Welcome to BMWspies.com

0to60 - 10/26/2010 9:46:34 AM

+2 Boost

Great looks? Really? I have always thought it looked awkward. I can agree with everything else.

JUGNU - 10/26/2010 11:32:05 AM

+4 Boost

Why change the name to X7. Why not offer both X5(same size) and X7(GL, LX570 competitor)?
So in a few years BMW's X range will read X1, X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7. That is too many SUVs. Very unusual for a brand who only made their first SUV a decade ago.

JUGNU

internationalmanofmystery - 10/26/2010 12:29:37 PM

-1 Boost

For all you numb nuts who bash BMW every chance you get, get a life! And for the record, to those with intelligence, look real closly at the X6 (the M version I will own one day, study that one as well) it is a study in design that so far as eluded most. BMW is gifted beyond compare. You can tout your own lame ass car companies that don't have the balls to be daring and reshape the market place like no other!! I will stick with a proven winner!!!

THESCOOTER - 10/26/2010 12:46:00 PM

+1 Boost

OK it is insane to call the X6 attractive, useful or again attractive. Now the X5 is handsome and making it bigger -- I would trade in my Cayenne to get that!

cardentist - 10/26/2010 2:27:27 PM

+1 Boost

I've got to see this!

thstone - 10/26/2010 4:25:23 PM

+1 Boost

I have said previously that the X3 would grow to the size of the original X5. This makes room for the X1 (slightly smaller than the original X3) at the bottom end of the SAV line and that the X5 would grow to become what used to be called the X7.

Looks like that is all coming to fruition. In the end there will still only be an X1, X3, and X5.

pchera01 - 10/26/2010 8:49:15 PM

+1 Boost

Sep 2011, My lease on GL will be over, I can't wait for next generation X5, hopping both GL and X5 will be on maket by the time...

internationalmanofmystery - 10/27/2010 8:48:38 AM

+1 Boost

Hey Scoot
I guess "opinions are like ...never mind, you probably won't get it! And again no disrespect to Porsche in ANY way, but the Cayenne is NO LOOKER! But, cest la vie

Signed,
Hannibal Lecter

internationalmanofmystery - 10/27/2010 8:50:27 AM

+1 Boost

And, Scoot
My first post was directed ONLY to "...those with intelligence."

mumzer - 11/13/2010 9:27:29 PM

+1 Boost

This is old news....we've known about this for at least 6 months. The game plan has always been X1 takes on the MB T245 (the B-Class), X3 grows in size to the X5. X5 was to grow slightly (wider). The length +/- remains the same. And the X7 head to head with the GL. Don't ask me how I know.