BMW X5 facelift spied

These are the clearest pictures yet of the facelifted BMW X5, which was captured by our spy photographers around a plant in Germany.

Sporting only minor camouflage, the spy pictures show its new X6-style front headlights and the familiar kidney front grille similar to the one seen on the recently launched BMW 5-series GT.

The front bumper is almost identical to the one found on the BMW X6, with larger air intakes and new front fog light surrounds.

A new bumper at the rear features, while other additions at the rear include new lights and a trapezoid-shaped exhaust system.

Interior deisgn tweaks have not been captured yet, but a next-generation iDrive system and a larger LCD display screen are expected to feature.

The engine range is expected to remain relatively unchanged, although BMW’s new 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel, a revised straight-six 3.0-litre turbochraged petrol unit and 4.4-litre V8 unit from the BMW X6 xDrive 50i could all be added to the range.

No release date has been confirmed, but expect the new BMW X5 to be launched at the Detroit motor show next year before going on sale later in 2010.