BMW's third-generation X5, revealed today and due to go on sale in South Africa in the first quarter of 2014, is more of an evolution than a revolution (you were expecting a space-ship?), its family lineage clearly visible but with some new styling tweaks that'll make it instantly identifiable, especially from the front.
New twin circular headlight clusters extend into the kidney grille, an eye-catching swage line over the wheel arches stretches the silhouette, and strong horizontal lines tighten up the tailgate.
And neatly inset where they'll do the most good (aerodynamically speaking) are air curtains, air breathers and aero blades for the rear window.
Bespoke is the new premium, say the auto-fashionistas, and BMW has kept the new X5 on trend with new Design Pure Experience and Design Pure Excellence packages, as well as a wealth of M Sport options - and you can mix and match from all three catalogues in almost any combination.
IT IS A SPACE SHIP
What they all have in common, however, is a feeling of increased spaciousness, thanks to raised seating positions and a low-set instrument panel with horizontal lines extending into the door trims.
The rear-seat backrest now splits three ways - 40:20:40 - for improved load-carrying versatility, while boot capacity has been expanded to 650 litres (or a cavernous 1870 with the rear seats folded.
The tailgate can now be opened and closed remotely, either by the key fob or from the driver's seat control and from the driver's seat, while rear comfort seats and an additional third row of seats are both available as options.
POWER HAUS
Three engine choices will be available at launch, starting with the xDrive30d, which has a revised version of BMW's superb 2993cc straight-six common-rail turbodiesel with variable inlet geometry, t8uned in this application for 190kW at 400rpm and 560Nm from 1500-3000rpm.
BMW quotes 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds, 230km/h flat out and an average of 6.2 litres per 100km and 162-164g/km of CO2.
Then there's the M50d M Performance Automobile which has the same engine, but with no less than three high-pressure M Performance TwinPower turbos boosting power to 280kW from 4000-4400rpm and torque to 740Nm from 2000-3000rpm, at a claimed cost of 6.7 litres per 100km and 177g/km.
A 0-100km/h sprint takes 5.3 seconds and top speed is stated as 250km/h.
BARKING MAD
But the big dog of the new X5 family is the xDrive50i with a new generation of BMW's hotshot, direct-injection, twin-turbo 4395cc petrol V8, good for 330kW at 5500rpm and 650Nm from 2000-4500rpm.
It'll hit a hundred in five seconds flat and top out at (a limited) 250km/h, while slurping 10.4-10.5 (depending on what tyres you order) litres per 100km and breathing out 242-244g/km of CO2.
In December 2013 the xDrive40d, xDrive35i, xDrive25d and two-wheel drive sDrive25d (with CO2 emissions of only 149g/km) will join the line-up.
No matter what your choice of motorvation, you'll get an eight-speed automatic gearbox with idle stop; Eco Pro mode, including coasting function and proactive driving assistant is also offered.
Also standard is BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system (except on the sDrive25d, of course), with a new xDrive status display to tell you exactly which wheels are doing the work. Dynamic performance control is available as part of Dynamic and Professional adaptive suspension packages.
The standard-fit driving experience control switch tunes the throttle and gearbox responses to the driver's mood; Comfort, Dynamic and Professional adaptive suspension packages and Adaptive M suspension can be specified.
Electric power steering is standard, active steering an option.
BELLS AND WHISTLES
The head-up display now has a full spectrum of colours and new display content while the night vision function now detects human and animal target and highlights them with a dynamic light spot.
The active cruise control's Stop & Go function now includes braking to a standstill, the traffic jam assistant has active speed and steering angle control without driver input, a new parking surround view gives a 360-degree display, and a new parking assistant with longitudinal and lateral guidance is planned for December 2013
There's an extensive range of mobility and internet-based services such as concierge services, remote services, intelligent emergency call, real-time traffic information and internet access with in-car use of Facebook and Twitter.
Optional extras include a freestanding 260mm control display for the iDrive, a touch-sensitive controller for the optional navigation system, a Bang & Olufsen surround sound audio system and a new rear-seat entertainment system with two displays.