Regardless of whether the camouflaged SUV spotted by Carscoops reader Javier in Spain is an X5 or an X7 (for what it’s worth, we think it’s the former), it’s not like we haven’t received a better look at them, the new X5 in particular, which is now officially out.
It’s a similar story with the 3-Series tester, which is covered up just as much as some of last year’s prototypes.
Putting the ‘Sport’ in sports sedan
The 2019 3-Series was penned and signed off by Karim Habib, before he left for Infiniti. The former BMW design boss drew up a car that’s been fully honed in the automaker’s wind tunnel in Munich, and is said to match the latest 5-Series in terms of aerodynamics.
Rumors put its drag coefficient at just 0.22 cd, which would be very impressive seen as how that rating is 0.25 cd for the Alfa Romeo Giulia, and 0.26 cd for the Audi A4. The Bimmer is also said to measure 4,703 mm (185.1 in) in length, making it longer than a Mercedes C-Class by 7 mm (0.27 in).
As for looks, we’re dealing with a more “condensed” 5-Series, which might turn out to be a good thing. Every prototype we’ve seen has this very aggressive stance, which sports sedan fans will appreciate.
This particular prototype, spotted in Malaga, Spain, appears to be wearing M duds. It could be the M340i, which was already spotted on the Nurburgring last month rocking similar dual exhaust tips and sharp looking side skirts.
Most of the 3-Series’ engines should be 2.0-liter and 3.0-liter units, with four and six cylinders respectively. Towards the higher end of the range, you’ll find the previously mentioned M340i, but also an M340d xDrive model (sadly, not for North America), said to feature a 320 HP 3.0-liter straight-six. Finally, there will be a brand new M3 and at least one plug-in hybrid version.
Inside, expect a new shifter design like the 8-Series, swivel wheel controls for the infotainment system (BMW Operating System 7.0) and a new digital driver’s gauge display. Altogether, the dashboard layout should be more intuitive than before.
What’s with the SUV?
BMW operating a fully camouflaged all-new X5 prototype a full month after the car has already been unveiled is a bit strange, though not unheard of. It’s actually hard to tell if this is an X5 or an X7 because of the angle in which the images were taken.
If it’s the X7, know that the German automaker has already begun testing prototypes with less and less camouflage. The full-size SUV will feature a familiar design, with a massive twin-kidney grille and sleek taillights like in the new X5 (or at least similar).
Tasked with building the X7 will be BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, while engine options could include a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder with 335 HP, a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 with 445 HP, to go with a plug-in variant and a diesel model. Rumors of an X7 M version have also been swirling around.
Both the X7 as well as the all-new 3-Series are expected to be unveiled before the end of 2018.
Thanks to Javier for the photos!