These are the first pictures of the new BMW X5, claimed to be an even sharper drive than the last one – the engine and gearbox have been located lower and further back in the chassis to lower the centre of gravity and help weight distribution.

Available optionally is Adaptive Drive, which controls the anti-roll bars hydraulically to further tighten the handling, and there’s also Active Steering, an advanced variable- ratio set-up.

Top engine for the moment is a 4.8-litre 350bhp V8; a hybrid version is also planned. A six-speed auto is available for the first time, said to reduce the shift speed by half over the current car's five-speeder.

Longer and wider than its predecessor, the new X5 has a seven-seat option for the first time. First UK cars are due next spring.