Watch The BMW X5 Show The Nurburgring Who's Boss

BMW is one busy car company. Fresh off the introduction of the refreshed X7 and the all-new 7 Series and i7 luxury sedans, the brand is readying the facelifted X5. We've seen the luxury SUV undergoing cold-weather testing and even caught a glimpse of the fire-breathing M derivative, a high-performance riposte to the GLE 63 AMG.

Now, we get to see the X5 tackling the Nurburgring. Wearing a rather attractive shade of blue, this M Performance variant tackles the famed circuit with impressive dynamism, racing across the tarmac with the prowess of a far lighter (and smaller) sports SUV. Then again, BMW's high-riding athlete has always been adept at handling.

Based on the exhaust note in the first few seconds of the video, this particular prototype appears to be a diesel-powered derivative, which is unlikely to arrive in the United States. Still, buyers situated stateside will be able to choose from a variety of powertrain options. Expect the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 under the hood of the M50i and X5 M, and a 3.0-liter straight-six in the 40i derivative.

Naturally, a PHEV will also be made available. Regardless of which engine you select, it's set to be an engaging SUV. Bar some body roll in the corners, the Range Rover Sport rival appears to corner pretty well, gripping the tarmac with tenacity. BMW is also putting the final touches on the hydrogen-powered X5 and, while it seems promising, we're not holding out any hope for a local introduction.

What we're most thankful for, however, is the design. While we can't see much currently, it looks like the X5 LCI will receive the same grille treatment as the X7 and 7 Series. Thankfully, it seems to have escaped the split-headlight treatment - although they look far slimmer than before.

The rear will also benefit from redesigned taillights and we expect them to mirror the intricate items found on the facelifted BMW X3. The X5 M will boast far more aggressive styling, though.

First seen in 2019, we expect the fourth-generation facelift to make its official debut next year, possibly as a 2024 model. We will likely catch an official glimpse before then, though. The company's high-performance M division is celebrating its 50th anniversary and we're guessing the Munich-based brand will at least want to include the new X5 M in the festivities.