BMW's new generation X5 SUV, expected to be coded F15, is proceeding steadily along the developmental path, as these photos taken near the company's Munich headquarters by spy pic specialists at Carparazzi indicate.

Not unexpectedly, the big new BMW will grow in size to offer extra interior space, including a third row of seats – something that has so far eluded the X5.

Apart from the overall shape, there is not a lot to be interpreted from these ice-bound photos. You could plaster a current X5 with psychedelic cladding and make it look pretty much the same.

However a larger C-pillar window granted by the extra body length is in evidence, and could be necessary to help mitigate any claustrophobic tendencies in third-row passengers. Wheel arch shapes, front and rear overhangs, windscreen and rear window rake all look very similar to the current X5.

The stuck-on, round tail lights are a strange distraction, but everything else about the back of the car – licence plate, window line - is essentially the same as ever.

However it would be silly to expect the next X5 not to follow similar styling directions to the new X1 and X3 vehicles, so bolder character lines along the side, coupled to a bigger, stronger front end featuring LED lights could be expected, as could a bolder rear-end treatment.

Carparazzi says the test mule was clearly a V8, although the current range of petrol V8s and petrol and diesel six-cylinder engines is expected to be supplemented by an ActiveHybrid version utilising a diesel engine when the new X5 launches on key markets in 2013.

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