What Car? Q&A - When is the new X5 on sale?

Q: I currently own a BMW X5 and was wondering if you knew when the new model will be released?
Paul Davidson

A: The second-generation X5 will probably make its first appearance towards the end of next year, so expect to see it in UK showrooms around spring 2007.

As with any future model that's more than six months away, it's best to treat these timings with a measure of flexibility.

The key thing is that it's coming much sooner than later. Plenty of cars have already been spotted in spy photographs undergoing BMW's tests, and show that it's bigger than the current model.

Like the new Audi Q7 4x4, which goes on sale next summer, it'll probably be a seven-seater instead of the current five.