New BMW X5 & 8-Series Coupe Caught on Shots in Slovenia, Both Will Be Using the Company`s New CLAR Platform
While the upcoming BMW M140 from the 1-Series is still getting its hard testing on the Ring, other test mules like the new X5 SUV and the long-awaited BMW 8-Series Coupe were seen spotted for some road tests in Slovenia.
Thesd are not the first spy photos with the two models, but it is definitely a premiere seeing them cruising together and still wearing heavy camouflage. That means that both of them are still faraway from their official unveiling next year.
Just as expected, both new models will be sharing the same CLAR modular architecture, also underpinning the new 5-Series and 7-Series, meaning more lightweight materials and a wide range of engines underneath their skin. The same platform will also allow for a Convertible and a hardcore M8 variant in the 8-Series.
Following latest spy shots in Copenhagen this spring, the all-new BMW X5 is back into the spotlights with its final shape. It looks refreshed with the much larger kidney grilles, more accentuated shark nose and smaller taillights.
Inside, the cabin is also likely to borrow the technological suite from the new 5-Series, while in the engine department we will see a wide range of petrol burners and diesels. Thanks to the same CLAR platform, the new X5 SUV will also shed off around 300 kg, improving the car`s handling characteristics and fuel economy.
As for the upcoming 8-Series, the model will take its design language from the 8-Series Concept, but the heavy camouflage won`t reveal its final shape; at least not just yet. Inside, the cabin of the 8-Series test mule is also likely to borrow the Concept`s technological goodies and design. Thus, we expect to see at least the same gauge cluster or button configuration.
As for the future M8, the top range model is set to “be built on the genes of the 8-Series and augment its DNA with added track ability and generous extra portions of dynamic sharpness, precision and agility,” as BMW M chief Frank van Meel, once declared. The engine lineup technical details for the new 8-Series and M8 remain hidden at the moment.