Spy shots: BMW X5 M performance SUV
December 31st, 1969
Currently sitting atop BMW’s X5 range is the 4.8is but recent news from the boss of BMW’s M division, Ludwig Willisch, has confirmed that performance variants of both the X5 and X6 SUVs are in development. A performance SUV doesn’t really fit in with the M philosophy of increased performance through reduced weight but the allure of the two-ton sports market was most likely too strong even for BMW and its famed M division to resist. These latest spy photos reveal the car even more clearly than previous shots, showing an aggressive but restrained design and classic X5 styling.
The performance SUV, designed to challenge the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes Benz ML63 AMG, will pick up a new twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8 delivering more power and torque than the current 5.0L V10 in the M5 and M6 line of cars. Speaking with Auto Motor und Sport, an inside source revealed that output could be as high as 507hp (373kW) and 516lb-ft (700Nm) of torque – enough for 0-60mph times of less than five seconds and an electronically top speed of 155mph.
"In terms of overall performance, the new engine doesn't give anything away to the powerplant we run now, but it delivers much better consumption and lower emissions," the source explained.
In addition to turbocharging, BMW will likely add automatic stop/start and brake regeneration technologies to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions. To further differentiate the vehicle from the standard X5, expect to see trademark M features such as pumped fenders, side grilles, a sporty bodykit, and large diameter quad exhaust pipes.2010 BMW X5 M spy shotsBMW X5 M renderingOfficial BMW X5 M spy video
Currently sitting atop BMW’s X5 range is the 4.8is but recent news from the boss of BMW’s M division, Ludwig Willisch, has confirmed that performance variants of both the X5 and X6 SUVs are in development. A performance SUV doesn’t really fit in with the M philosophy of increased performance through reduced weight but the allure of the two-ton sports market was most likely too strong even for BMW and its famed M division to resist. These latest spy photos reveal the car even more clearly than previous shots, showing an aggressive but restrained design and classic X5 styling.
The performance SUV, designed to challenge the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes Benz ML63 AMG, will pick up a new twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8 delivering more power and torque than the current 5.0L V10 in the M5 and M6 line of cars. Speaking with Auto Motor und Sport, an inside source revealed that output could be as high as 507hp (373kW) and 516lb-ft (700Nm) of torque – enough for 0-60mph times of less than five seconds and an electronically top speed of 155mph.
"In terms of overall performance, the new engine doesn't give anything away to the powerplant we run now, but it delivers much better consumption and lower emissions," the source explained.
In addition to turbocharging, BMW will likely add automatic stop/start and brake regeneration technologies to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions. To further differentiate the vehicle from the standard X5, expect to see trademark M features such as pumped fenders, side grilles, a sporty bodykit, and large diameter quad exhaust pipes.
Spy shots: BMW X5 M performance SUV
February 13th, 2009
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February 13th, 2009
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February 13th, 2009
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BMW’s M Division will release performance variants of both the X5 and X6 SUVs this year
Enlarge PhotoThe performance SUV, designed to challenge the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes Benz ML63 AMG, will pick up a new twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8 delivering more power and torque than the current 5.0L V10 in the M5 and M6 line of cars. Speaking with Auto Motor und Sport, an inside source revealed that output could be as high as 507hp (373kW) and 516lb-ft (700Nm) of torque – enough for 0-60mph times of less than five seconds and an electronically top speed of 155mph.
"In terms of overall performance, the new engine doesn't give anything away to the powerplant we run now, but it delivers much better consumption and lower emissions," the source explained.
In addition to turbocharging, BMW will likely add automatic stop/start and brake regeneration technologies to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions. To further differentiate the vehicle from the standard X5, expect to see trademark M features such as pumped fenders, side grilles, a sporty bodykit, and large diameter quad exhaust pipes.
2010 BMW X5 M spy shots
BMW X5 M rendering
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Comments (8 total)
Meet the top commenters on the LeaderboardBy mlevere1992 #1, Posted: 8/26/2008
I would rather see them come out with the hybrid version before the high performance version.
anyone remember when bmw said they would "never" make a "m" suv. the reason was that it was opposite of the "m" philosophy. i also remember them saying that the m3 csl was here to stay. but that's gone because of lack of interest. even though the "m" division is posting record sales. seems as though bmw has lost its way. maybe too much pressure from an up and coming audi, who's clearly lookin for the top spot? i've seen one X6 here where i live in seattle, and that was an early dealer demo. they're retooling the r-class competitor cause that was a flop. whatever bmw puts out will be a flop also. what happened to the original thinking that made bmw the top german make? bmw needs to get back to basics. they've "sold out".
Agreed, although I think that BMW may not badge it specifically as a M model. Performance SUV sales are pretty good for Porsche and Mercedes, and remember that BMW is a business first.
An *official spy video*? Isn't that a contradiction in terms?
And I would agree with bigslim more if I wasn't too busy thinking of ways to bomb BMW for their other abortions like the 1 series, the X1, the Mini SUV, etc, etc, etc. Compared to those... automotive sins this M-X5 is not that bad.
Not only has BMW lost their way but I just don't know what they're thinking! Where is this "allure of the two ton sports market?" Yes, gas prices have fallen through the floor recently but that's because no one has the money to buy cars that seem to be priced by the pound (SUV's) so everyday commodities have to be cheap. When people finally start making money again the gas prices will jump straight through the $4 barrier and make a fast break for the $5 line. The only people who don't mind high gas prices are buyers of M cars because they realize the price they pay for performance. SUV buyers on the other hand want a day to day people carrier that has a bit of pep but these people will run for the hills and unload these things faster than a Brittany Spears wedding in Vegas. This will send their overall X5 sales (and value) plummeting. BMW I beg you please go back to what you're good at! Do the right thing, build the M3 CSL, make that supercar based off the M1 concept (yes, green if you must) but just make the cars we loved you for!
P.S. What is the point of sending a brand new M3 racer here if you're not going to give the hardcore performance fans something to get them in your dealer's doors?
Anyone remember when BMW denied doing this to their SUVs
Am i the only one that notices that the X5-M has new headlights or the X6 headlights? Its pretty cool.
By oamclean #8, Posted: 9/8/2009
I think this move by BMW is brilliant. As a SUV fan, I've been dissapointed that the faster SUVs I'd have to choose from are trucks I don't really like... like the Cayenne, the ML63AMG, or perhaps the Jeep Cherokee SRT8.
Now a fast BMW SUV is wise on BMWs part because it gives us fans what we've wanted all along, without having to go to another automaker.
As is typical, the people who can't afford one, are the ones complaining the most. And BMW just released a fabulous diesel version of the X5 so that pretty much covers the "hybrid" "fuel efficiency" thing.
Look, most people aren't going to drive this SUV as a daily driver. This is for weekends down by the beach, or evening dinner with the wife and friends.
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