According to the Autocar, the new X5 M and X6 M will feature an uprated version of the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 found in the current generation of the performance SUVs. Both power and torque are expected to be increased beyond the current rating of 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. Look for the power figure to fall somewhere close to the 575 horsepower of the latest M5 equipped with its Competition Package.
In addition to increased performance, the vehicles should offer better gas mileage thanks to weight savings brought about by the new chassis and perhaps an engine stop-start system.
As previous spy shots of the X5 M have shown, sharper and more aggressive styling will feature. Key elements will include larger air intakes, an M-style fender detail and quad-exhaust tips.
Note, overseas, BMW already offers a high-performance X5 variant for diesel fans. The vehicle is the X5 M50d, which features a triple-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six good for 381 horsepower and 546 pound-feet of torque. A similar X6 M50d should also be launched once the new generation of the X6 makes its debut.
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