2014 BMW X5 (F15) Bits Exposed! Crash Test Prototype Spied with Pedestrian Airbag?

[Jason]

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2014 BMW X5 (F15) Bits Exposed! Crash Test Prototype Spied with Pedestrian Airbag?

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The camouflage on BMW prototypes usually comes off slowly like a strip tease as prototypes advance from one test stage to the next. But, this time we've spied some parts of the next generation 2014 BMW X5 (codename: F15) in exposed form much earlier than expected.

It looks like an automotive version of the Sci-Fi horror film Predator, but this post crash test X5 prototype actually reveals much - the headlight shape, hood lines, fenders, and the side body character line. Keep in mind that some of the lines and panels you see up front are distorted due to the crash test.

Judging by what's seen here, the X5 retains its muscular shape and will not be much larger than the current E70 X5 (based on previous comparison photos compared to the current X5 (re-posted below). The overall shape, silhouette, and roofline also don't appear to be a radical departure in the comparison photos.

We previously posted that the F15's grilles will be larger, wider, and bolder than the current X5's and you can certainly tell that it will be wider/larger based on the kidney grille cutout's size and outline at the edge of the hood. The grilles now take up a larger proportion of the front fascia than the current X5 and like all late model BMWs, the hoodline has been moved to above the kidney grilles.

Taking up recent design cues a la F30 3 series, the X5 headlights now connect with the kidney grilles (which matches an earlier sketch by SCOTT26 - pictured right). They don't connect smoothly/perfectly here, but remember, the front panels and the hood on this prototype have been shifted by the crash test.


Pedestrian Airbag?

To better meet the European pedestrian safety standards, Volvo recently introduced their pedestrian airbag technology. And we spot what we think may be an indication of this technology implemented on the F15 X5. In the first spy photo you'll notice a white/gray material at the windshield base which resembles a deployed airbag. How would an airbag at that position help provide pedestrians safety? Triggered by a frontal impact, the airbag deploys from below the hood at the base of the windshield and covers the roof pillars and most of the glass, while leaving a small opening for the driver to see through. The raised hood further protects the struck person by increasing the distance from the relatively flexible surface to the hard engine underneath (see Volvo's illustration and animation below). This mechanism looks very much like what has has occurred on this X5.

The F15 X5 is expected to weigh less than the current E70 X5 and ride on a modified version of the F10 5 series chassis. Expect both diesel and gasoline 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder engine options. It will be introduced in late 2013 as a 2014 model.

We also previously spied the X5 F15's interior for the first time, revealing a free standing LCD screen and a touchpad iDrive button (also reposted below).

F15 X5 Prototype Crash Test Prototype

2014 X5 (F15) versus X5 (E70) and X3

X5 (F15) Interior Spied

Following on the design of the new 6 series (F12/13), 1 series hatchback (F20/21) and new 3 series (F30), the next X5 will feature a large free-standing navigation/infotainment LCD screen. This screen looks to the 8.8 inch panel used in the 6 series and the all new 3 series.

Compared to the current X5 (E70), the new dashboard design has become more driver-centric (angled towards the driver), which has been another design element consistent throughout all the recent new BMW models. It will also be more upright, compared to the current X5's dashboard which angles and curves away sharply from the driver and passenger.







Current X5 (E70) Interior:

F15 X5 Spy Video

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[e92_m3]

Wow @ the pedestrian airbag.

Automotive makers are taking it up to the next level now. Not only do the driver and his/her passengers get protected by airbags, but pedestrians as well.

[GOLFFRR]

^^+1 thats pretty cool. I am really interested to see how the touch pad drive set up comes around

[mapezzul]

In the EU there are pyrotechnics in the hinges that raise the hood already to help the impact of the pedestrian. I believe that some of them have these bags as well or they were at least explored. Cool tech. The sides of this X5 are also fairly bold.

[kiloil]

That is stupid. Lawyers will eat that up in US.

[E92LNGCGY]

I can't wait to see this. I think it's going to looks pretty aggressive.

[Judah]

I really like the X5, I'm just looking for usable third row seating in this upcoming model or an X7 .

[EnI]

Originally Posted by mapezzul

The sides of this X5 are also fairly bold.

It's obviously a E70 mule ... with F15 front end. Very evolutionary bonnet styling, and F30-3er-like headlight-grille design.

[MoeM3Power]

I cant wait to see the new X5! I still love my 08 X5..

[Jason]

Added image:

[the infamous...]

whoa, hood n headlights shape r awesome!

[宝马.e90]

Can't wait to see. Personally, the F15 has giant shoes to fill. The F15 would have an easier time upgrading the interior but as for the exterior? Current X5 is near perfect and it'll be hard for the F15 to top it.

[bimmerjph]

Wow how about they just look before they cross the street. Pretty effing simple.

Seriously though is it really necessary to add weight, cost, and complexity to the car when all it requires is more common sense. The EU could spend half the money they usually would to "educate the public", and car makers save even more. Its a win win.

Originally Posted by 宝马.e90

Can't wait to see. Personally, the F15 has giant shoes to fill. The F15 would have an easier time upgrading the interior but as for the exterior? Current X5 is near perfect and it'll be hard for the F15 to top it.

+1 the current X5 looks really good.

[OdomPHD]

I'd like to be the one behind the wheel for the testing of the new pedestrian airbag.

[egal]

I'll be the first to disable this.

After hitting a few deer at highway speeds, I don't want some balloon going off in front of me while I focus on maintaining control and stopping safely.

Because the x5 is taller, I am not worried of the deer killing a passenger through the windshield vs a sedan.

So for me, the benefits don't outweigh the risk to my family.

People don't walk in the street where I drive, animals do!

[e85sbm]

Really loving the introduction of the pedestrian airbag, but how is the car going to determine the difference between a low speed parking lot accident and a real person?

[Singletrack]

Hood lines and light shape look nice!

[Scottiewang]

CC

[RL530xit]

Looking mean! Seems like along with the headlights connecting to the grill like the new 3er, its going to also have the LED's underneath the headlights like the 6 series.

[chris719]

Why are European city drivers unable to avoid hitting pedestrians or vice-versa?

I'm mostly joking but come on...

[gunnerxq]

The front right tire looks under-inflated.... just saying

[vladberca]

It s going to be great