Intriguing patent images have emerged online showcasing what could be the upcoming BMW i5.

Recently registered by BMW in Japan, the detailed computer-generated images show a crossover model with styling traits eerily similar to those of the BMW i3 and i8, indicating that it could be the much-discussed third model in the marque's range of i models.

At the front, the vehicle pictured includes BMW's customary kidney grille and angular, horizontal headlights baring a striking resemblance to those from the i8. From the side, the four-door layout and design reminds us of the Tesla Model X with the front and rear door handles combined to look like one.

The rear is also immediately identifiable as a BMW due to the similar rear quarter panels as the i3 and the familiar taillights. When viewed from directly behind, the vehicle essentially looks like a bloated and slightly larger i3.

Earlier in the year, BMW confirmed that it is indeed investigating a third i model and that a final decision on the body style was still to be made. With that being said, the company said that the model would be catered towards families and given the popularity of crossovers and SUVs, it's certainly possible that BMW has decided on such a vehicle.

Alternatively, there's a chance that the vehicle revealed in these patent images is a concept, possibly previewing the next i model in near-production spec.

Following the emergence of a series of revealing patent images earlier in the month, the crew at Indian Autos Bloghave rendered how the upcoming BMW i5 will look.

Set to become the third model in the brand's i family of models, the i5 will slot between the small i3 and the i8 sports car and appears to have adopted a large hatchback design making the model slightly smaller than Tesla's Model X crossover but much roomier than the i3.

While BMW has yet to confirm the i5, it has previously revealed that the next i-brand model would be catered towards families and that seems to be exactly what we have here.

The styling similarities between the i5 and the i3 and i8 siblings are hard to miss. At the front is a headlight and kidney grille design very similar to the i8 while the C-pillar and rear quarter of the car look just like the i3 albeit on a slightly larger scale. Other key exterior elements are the vehicle's four large doors and high windshield.

There's a strong chance that BMW will preview the model in concept guise before it is given the thumbs up for production towards the end of the decade. If this is the case then we may have our first glimpse at the car next year.