Completely changed BMW X5, buried in snow during freezing test..New Powertrain Eyes
Feb 12, 2025
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An unexpected accident occurred during the recent complete change X5 test. The BMW X5 prototype, which will be unveiled next year, was caught in deep snow when it slipped down the bank during a driving test on a test track near the Arctic Circle in a harsh climate.
This accident occurred while BMW was conducting tests near the Arctic Circle to verify extreme driving performance. A test driver fell into the deep snow as he drove a 2027 X5 prototype off the track and down the bank. Fortunately, the driver was not injured, but the vehicle was buried deep in the snow, making it impossible to escape on its own.
At first, I tried to tow using another X5 vehicle, but the accumulated snow was too deep to pull the vehicle out. In the end, BMW had to use an excavator to dig out the vehicle. In the process, the test track has been closed for a while, and BMW's test schedule has also suffered significant disruptions.
This accident became an interesting example of how BMW's X5 performs in harsh climates. The X5 is not a model for off-road driving, but BMW is conducting extreme experiments in various environments for durability testing. The accident is expected to be recorded as one of the unexpected situations that occurred during the test process.
The 2027 BMW X5, which received attention for this accident, is a model that reflects BMW's next-generation design language and is expected to adopt innovative design elements different from the past. In particular, it features a front design inspired by BMW's futuristic concept car, "Noye Clase X Concept."
The new X5 is expected to feature a slimmer Kidney grill than before, along with an LED light bar across the front of the vehicle body. A large air intake port is located in the center, and a wide opening is added at the bottom. These changes are expected to increase aerodynamic performance and serve as elements to highlight visually future-oriented images.
The change at the back of the A-pillar is relatively less pronounced, but as confirmed by previous spy shots, smoother body design and minimal door handles are likely to be applied. This is similar to the design elements seen in the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The rear design will maintain the design language of the X5, but there will be changes such as the position of the license plate moving from the existing tailgate to the rear bumper.
This 2027 X5 is predicting a significant change not only in design but also in powertrain. There is a high possibility that a pure electric vehicle version will be released as well as existing internal combustion engine options. BMW is rapidly expanding its electric vehicle lineup recently, and the X5 also seems to be trying to secure competitiveness in the eco-friendly vehicle market by adding electric vehicle models.
In particular, it is worth noting that BMW is considering the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. BMW has announced plans to launch its first mass-produced hydrogen vehicle in 2028, and the model will reportedly be based on a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain co-developed with Toyota. Hydrogen cars are expected to play an important role in BMW's eco-friendly strategy in the future as they have the advantage of securing a long mileage without any emissions.
The accident experienced by the test vehicle of the 2027 X5 in harsh environments became an opportunity to verify how the model can perform in extreme driving environments. BMW is expected to adjust the vehicle's performance more precisely through additional tests in the future. In addition, it is highly likely to secure more robust driving performance by using the data obtained from this accident.
BMW X5 is a model that has long led the luxury crossover market. This generation is expected to continue its reputation through innovative technologies and designs. In particular, as the possibility of introducing electric and hydrogen cars increases, interest in BMW's future lineup is also growing.
This test accident was a bit of a surprise, but it created an interesting story about BMW's technology and vehicle development process. The 2027 X5 is a next-generation model that has captured design, performance, and eco-friendly technologies, and attention is being paid to how it will be evaluated when it is released in the future.
Editor Kim Tae-won tw.kim@carguy.kr
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
