Although the front fascia is extremely similar to the current X5, some bold restyling has been employed down the sides and at the rear. The new model delivers simpler surfacing with a very strong emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines, which gives the vehicle a sterner look that's not entirely unlike VW's styling on the latest Tiguan. This is definitely a more aggressive and less rounded look for the X5 than any of its predecessors and really makes this crossover stand out from the rest of BMW's X models.

It's obviously not apparent from images, but the new X5 is also larger than its predecessor, but not by much. The X5's length has grown by 35 mm to now measure 4921 mm, its width has been increased by 32mm to 1970 mm, and this model is now 11 mm taller than its predecessor at 1737 mm. The wheelbase has also grown by 42 mm to a length of 2975 mm, and that helps to deliver slightly shorter overhangs and larger door apertures at the front and the rear.

(Related: Could This Be BMW's 8 Series Gran Coupe?)