AUTO SPIES EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: First real-life photos of the hottest new BMW in years

Back in 1999 BMW introduced an entirely new model that would change the entire companies sales model and brand recognition.

Initial projections were to sell 266,000 units but as of this week, over 585,000 have been sold and the final number should exceed 600,000.

That model was the original BMW X5 and the Spies have uncovered the first real life photos of the second generation 2007 model. Over the next few days we will be reporting on this groundbreaking new SUV.

For now, enjoy the first set of photos...

2007 BMW X5

Perfect Blend of Driving Dynamics, Functionality and Exclusivity

• Sports Activity Vehicle with further enhanced driving dynamics.

• More power and greater efficiency: inline six and V8 power

• Only vehicle in its segment with Active Steering, AdaptiveDrive, Head-Up Display and standard runflat tires.

• Standard: new six-speed automatic transmission with electronic gear selector.

• Further enhanced: full-time BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive technology.

• Weight-optimized bodyshell with extreme torsional stiffness.

• Larger interior with up to seven seats.

• New iDrive control concept with six programmable keys.

• Exclusive interior with innovative options.

IamEvilHomer - 10/17/2006 5:07:34 AM

+1 Boost

Every time you talk about a BMW you say the Hottest BMW Ever. The Q7 copy os the Hottest BMW ever? Strange

00JT - 10/17/2006 1:07:22 AM

+1 Boost

Anyone remember that show Family Matters?

7th column, silver car on the very right. Is that the Urkel (sp) mobile?

AUDIMAN4 - 10/17/2006 1:52:49 AM

+1 Boost

hahaha yes, I was going to type the same thing.

mstangpny07 - 10/17/2006 8:11:34 AM

+1 Boost

There are only 5 columns...


?

kasar - 10/17/2006 1:09:22 AM

+1 Boost

Hottest new BMW in years? Are you smoking crack?

UPshift - 10/17/2006 1:28:12 AM

+1 Boost

Well, I have been to the BMW plant and museum in Greenville, SC. I must say it is quite impressive and worht the trip.

However, this X5 doesn't seem all that great. Cars (and SUVs) now just seem to be appliances.

i-Drive for the win - NOT.

AUDIMAN4 - 10/17/2006 1:53:43 AM

-1 Boost

I'm really failing to see what's so great about this new creation. It's just not that attractive, and the interior as usual, is a disappointment.

vdiv - 10/17/2006 1:57:18 PM

+1 Boost

Must drive it in person to appreciate it. It's not made just to be looked at.

BimmerFan - 10/17/2006 1:57:22 AM

+2 Boost

Absolutely stunning. I expected nothing less.

drew630 - 10/17/2006 2:49:26 AM

+2 Boost

Its ok, but I like the out-going model better. BMW made the front end just plain ugly, IMO, and the rest of the vehicle looks exactly the same. The interior is ok, but design wise nothing different from other BMW's.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/17/2006 12:16:11 PM

+1 Boost

I get a feeling that the front would look much better once the Sports Package is Available or M-Sport

thecar - 10/17/2006 12:47:24 PM

+1 Boost

1st gen X5 looks better , current gen all BMW seems to be really lost in direction for their designs

delan - 10/17/2006 2:53:33 AM

+4 Boost

An X-3 supersized....yawn

luvmybmr - 10/17/2006 2:04:33 PM

0 Boost

thats got to be the worst comparison i have ever read!..

luvmybmr - 10/17/2006 2:04:33 PM

+1 Boost

thats got to be the worst comparison i have ever read!..

M53R - 10/17/2006 6:08:44 AM

+1 Boost

This is definetly awesome.... 8-O

mstangpny07 - 10/17/2006 8:10:46 AM

+2 Boost

awesome...

AmazingBimmer - 10/17/2006 8:14:26 AM

0 Boost

obviously groundbreaking as was the original. what do you expect fromt the hottest car company out there. more to come. 3 series convt. m3. 5 series after that. M10. maybe a m1.

drew630 - 10/17/2006 2:32:19 PM

+2 Boost

How is this groundbreaking???

mitchatlexusofmarin - 10/17/2006 9:43:36 AM

+3 Boost

I think it is the most appealing SUV on the market.

t_bone - 10/17/2006 10:09:04 AM

+1 Boost

Another SUV. Bleah.

weaponX - 10/17/2006 11:25:34 AM

+1 Boost

Still one of the nicest looking SUV on the market.

I can't wait to see the super-sport version.

smshnick - 10/17/2006 12:38:13 PM

0 Boost

It's got that ugly X-3 front end. The styling isn't a whole lot different than the outgoing version, though a bit blah-looking. If I wanted a BMW SAV I'd be running to the dealer right now to get the older version.

vdiv - 10/17/2006 1:58:51 PM

+1 Boost

yes, i have similar sentiments but it will be inapropriate to act on them until i get a chance to drive the new generation.

luvmybmr - 10/17/2006 2:07:11 PM

+1 Boost

wher are all of you guys seeing the x3 front end?! the x3 has a horrible front end .. the lights dont flow at all on the x3.. this one is very nice and aggressive .. someone please explain

EL34 - 10/17/2006 2:29:42 PM

+1 Boost

BMW is #1


Very cool SAV..

MunichRob - 10/17/2006 2:39:38 PM

+1 Boost

^^ ^^

I can't explain it either! BMW decides to evolve the X5 gracefully like they did the 3-series, but now everyone criticize's BMW for not evolving it enough...you can't win.

And those who can't realize that the interior of this car is up to par with any Audi, has their head too far up their favourite companies ass.

luvmybmr - 10/18/2006 10:35:21 AM

+1 Boost

thank you for that :)

answer - 10/17/2006 2:53:15 PM

+2 Boost

The X5 has always been a nice looker (especially in black). It was too bad the X5 never got to make an appearence in the Bond films before the transition to Aston Martin.

But, in my eyes, the hottest BMW in recent years was the Z8.

UPshift - 10/17/2006 3:04:45 PM

+1 Boost

While you're there, bring me back some Sleeman Cream Ale that I can't find in the States! :(

S4cabriofox - 10/17/2006 3:09:38 PM

+1 Boost

The rear end is questionable, but the rest of it is very nice, as I expected.

And yet... give me a Range Rover Sport any day of the week. I don't care one bit if I can't beat a 325i from a light; it's still the best-looking SUV on the road, dammit!

MunichRob - 10/17/2006 3:09:52 PM

+1 Boost

"mromar" are you sure they have one at the Toronto dealer?

Let me know...I want to see one today!

MunichRob - 10/17/2006 3:11:44 PM

+1 Boost

"UPshift"...I'm in Toronto for a week, so if you bring the ice, I'll bring the Canadian & the Sleeman!

MunichRob - 10/17/2006 3:28:31 PM

+1 Boost

Great "mromar" I'll check it out myself and let you know.

MunichRob - 10/17/2006 3:28:44 PM

+1 Boost

Great "mromar" I'll check it out myself and let you know.

montz - 10/17/2006 4:57:08 PM

+1 Boost

nifty cupholders.

razzy23 - 10/18/2006 4:45:12 PM

+1 Boost

Great Job BMW!!!! You guys will ALWAYS be the BEST!!!!
Forget those 3rd class citizens that are audi's. hahaha

IamEvilHomer - 10/19/2006 6:41:59 AM

+1 Boost

razzy23 forget what you coppied? how can you forget your mentors? Audi

AmazingBimmer - 10/19/2006 11:32:04 AM

+1 Boost

copied what from audi?. Is audi taking credit for inventing wheels or the IC engine.? . How about bland stlyling?. no.. that wasnt copied?. low HP engines (certainly dont translate into performance).? No.. they didnt like that one either. oh well

tincanman99 - 10/19/2006 1:32:48 PM

+1 Boost

Hottest BMW in years? Please. Its an SUV. This just another gas consuming pig designed for Americans. I cant even distinguish between all the SUV's on the road. Its a brick with wheels.

Let me guess it comes in 4 shades of gray/silver, black and some dark shade of green.

EL34 - 10/19/2006 4:22:29 PM

+1 Boost

Nope, the X5 is an SAV.

And it's the coolest.

razzy23 - 10/19/2006 2:59:59 PM

+1 Boost

Guess What Audi is copying NOW?????? EUROPEAN DELIVERY!!!! Yes, today they annonced their program which IS A MIRROR OF BMW's program

razzy23 - 10/20/2006 11:33:30 AM

+1 Boost

Lexus shoudl have the same slogan as you mentioned. You know what, i dont see BMW EVER follow anyone. So i guess Audi's slogan goes out the window.