The updated BMW X5 may be adopting the new “curved dash” inside, but outside it’s largely business as usual.

    BMW doesn’t appear to have altered the styling of its hot-selling large SUV too much for its mid-cycle update, which could enter production early in 2023.

    The front end of this X5 M prototype remains camouflaged but we can make out what appear to be slimmer headlights.

    The grille may also receive a refresh, perhaps adopting a more angular look à la the X6. It’s possible the illuminated grille of the X6 could also make its way onto the X5.

    There are also the usual mid-cycle update tweaks, like a refreshed front bumper. The sides are unchanged, as is typical.

    Down back, the tail lights appear the same shape but the graphics have more of a 3D effect, like those on the updated X3.

    Inside, there may be a more dramatic change with the facelifted X5 reportedly set to get BMW’s new “curved dash” and latest iDrive 8 infotainment system.

    In the iX, this screen layout comprises a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system in one assembly, for a wraparound look.

    Expect similar changes to be rolled out across the X6 line, given that model is a coupe SUV version of the X5.

    The current X5 features dual 12.3-inch displays in separate housings and runs iDrive 7.

    It’s unclear whether there’ll be any changes under the bonnet.

    The X5 is currently offered with a sprawling range of powertrains, including four-cylinder (xDrive25d) and six-cylinder (xDrive30d) turbo-diesels, a turbocharged inline-six petrol (xDrive40i), a plug-in hybrid version of that (xDrive45e), and twin-turbo V8 petrols (M50i, X5 M).

    Some markets also get a turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine.

    How important is the X5 to BMW? Despite being one of its most expensive SUVs, it was the brand’s third best-selling vehicle in Australia in 2021.

    With 3173 sales, it was behind only the 3 Series (3982) and X3 (4242).

    In the large luxury SUV segment, it was also outsold only by the Mercedes-Benz GLE Wagon (3591). It’s also a strong seller in the US, a much larger market which also happens to be where it’s built.

    MORE: Everything BMW X5

    William Stopford

    William Stopford is an automotive journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. William is a Business/Journalism graduate from the Queensland University of Technology who loves to travel, briefly lived in the US, and has a particular interest in the American car industry.

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