BMW Teases the 2019 X5 and Its New Off-Road Package [News]

2019 X5 teaser
BMW testing the 2019 X5. [Photo: BMW]

BMW’s almost ready to release the 2019 X5, complete with a new off-road package.

After four years in production, BMW is replacing the third generation F15 BMW X5 with an all new model. Munich’s finest are plugging away to make this 2019 X5 the most off-road capable model yet, according to their recent release. Judging by the company’s teaser images, the exterior won’t see any major alterations from the current formula. Then again, BMW’s design language over the past decade or so has focused on evolution rather than revolution.

Under the skin, however, it’s a bit of a different story. BMW is fitting all-new suspension and chassis systems to the 2019 X5 to make it more capable both on and off the beaten track. Starting on the road, the 2019 X5 is getting “Adaptive M Suspension Professional” and Integral Active Steering – both of which are new to the model. BMW is also offering an Offroad package that will let the driver change the vehicle’s setup depending on the terrain they’re crossing.

2019 X5 teaser
[Photo: BMW]
BMW has tweaked the driving modes in the terrain management system to adjust the powertrain and suspension. Whether you’re on snow, sand, rocks or gravel, there’s a program to suit your needs. To hammer that point home, the company released images and video of the car testing all over the world. From Sweden to South Africa, from the Nurburgring to Talladega, BMW aims to make the 2019 X5 a more versatile SUV than its three previous generations.

Performance is still a question mark

BMW currently offers four powertrains in the current generation X5. There’s a 335 horsepower 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine in the base sDrive35i and xDrive35i models. The 4.4-liter V8 in the xDrive50i makes 445 horsepower, while the X5 M makes 567 horsepower. On the diesel side, there’s a 3.0-liter inline-six option with 255 horsepower. Finally, there’s a plug-in hybrid variant housing a 248 horsepower 2.0-liter engine paired with an electric motor. We expect at least some of these powertrains to carry over to the new model.

As it stands, BMW hasn’t given any official information on engines just yet. It’s likely we’ll know more later this year, as the company also prepares to showcase the 2019 X5’s larger brother – the all-new, three row X7. Check out that concept below, and subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for upcoming coverage of the all-new BMW X5!