2014 BMW X5 M Spy Shots

By Nelson Ireson

Nelson Ireson

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2014 BMW X5 M spy shots

Why? Because the current X5 M is a beast. A 555-horsepower, twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V-8 beast. What, exactly, is in store for the next version is still hazy, but we expect BMW to improve on the formula.

Unique front and rear bumpers, larger brakes, quad exhaust outlets, and wide, meaty tires give this camouflaged X5's secret away.

Like the standard 2014 X5 it's based on, the X5 M will benefit from the next-generation design with weight savings of up to 450 pounds--improvements related to the F10 5-Series platform, which is expected to be the (loose) basis for the 2014 X5.

As with all M vehicles, the 2014 X5 M is also sure to get a specially-tuned, track-worthy suspension, wheel, and tire package. The current model's grip, composure, and balance is phenomenal considering its 5,500-pound mass. With the next X5's weight-saving strategy, the next X5 M could improve on the formula even if powertrains just tread water.

Holding steady on power output may be just what BMW chooses to do, too. With 555 horsepower and 500 pound feet of torque rocketing the current model to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds and up to 171 mph with the M Driver's Package, there's not really much need for more grunt--especially if the next generation manages to shave the weight down to the 5,000-pound-flat region.

Weight savings could also aid one of the X5 M's few weak spots: fuel economy. Gas mileage in the single digits in real-world use has proved common in our time behind the wheel of the X5 M, if only because it's just so fun to drive faster than you need to. Getting the EPA figures up from the low teens into the mid- or upper-teens could help sell more units, even if the X5 M's $90,000-plus price tag puts it into the I've-got-money-to-burn category anyway.

The next-generation X5 M may not arrive around the same time as the 2014 X5, and could in fact be delayed a full model year behind its base variant, debuting as a 2015 model. We'll keep our eyes peeled for more shots and details, and as always, you'll see them here first.