BMW dealers in the U.S. have seen the next-generation X5 and X7 in person, confirming a design shift that has already sparked debate. The new X5 will abandon the split tailgate that defined its predecessor, a feature dealers called “one of its more useful party tricks.” This change was first hinted at in leaked images months ago but has now been verified by those who viewed the vehicle up close.
Design Changes and Cost Considerations
The Neue Klasse X5 will adopt a more compact look than current models, according to an Auto News attendee. Front-end updates mirror the second-generation iX3, including small, illuminated kidney grilles and redesigned headlights with X-shaped daytime running lights. The rear features narrow LED taillights and a bumper blending body-colored and black elements.
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While the traditional tailgate may disappoint some, sources suggest the move could cut production costs. The split tailgate, once praised for its versatility, will be replaced by a single panel. This decision aligns with broader industry trends toward simplifying manufacturing processes without sacrificing core functionality.
Leaked photos from March showed the X5’s dramatic departure from its predecessor. The new model’s front fascia, with its sharp lines and updated grilles, hints at a bolder identity. However, the tailgate change has drawn mixed reactions, with some dealers questioning whether practicality was sacrificed for aesthetics.
Broader Model Updates
The X7, also unveiled to dealers, will take a different approach. Described as “more wagon-like” with a “bolder look,” it retains familiar design cues like split headlights and kidney grilles. Spy shots suggest the changes are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, focusing on refinement over reinvention.
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Alpina, BMW’s performance division, will soon launch models based on the 7-Series and X7. These versions will feature updated fascias and grilles, along with upgraded interiors. Alpina’s typical focus on luxury and performance is expected to carry over, though specifics remain under wraps.
The X5’s tailgate change reflects a broader strategy for BMW. By streamlining design elements, the company may reduce costs while maintaining brand identity. However, the absence of the split tailgate risks alienating buyers who valued its utility, a concern dealers have noted in preliminary feedback.
Industry analysts remain divided. Some see the move as a necessary step to cut expenses in a competitive market, while others argue it overlooks a feature that set the X5 apart. The new X5’s debut will likely test whether practicality or aesthetics will dominate consumer preferences.
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The X7’s redesign also signals BMW’s push toward a more cohesive design language across its lineup. While the changes are subtle, they align with the Neue Klasse philosophy, which emphasizes sharp lines and modern technology. This approach may appeal to buyers seeking a more unified brand identity.
For now, the focus remains on the X5’s tailgate removal. Dealers report that the feature’s absence has already sparked conversations, though it’s unclear how much it will impact sales. BMW’s next move will determine whether this change is a calculated risk or a misstep in an evolving market.