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.
Reader Comments
Tue Aug 26 2008 11:34 AM
mlevere1992 says
I would rather see them come out with the hybrid version before the high performance version.
Tue Dec 23 2008 1:33 AM
bigslim says
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".
Tue Dec 23 2008 3:43 AM
Jezza P says
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.
Tue Dec 23 2008 7:23 PM
HECTOR says
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.
Sun Dec 28 2008 1:48 AM
Steve740 says
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?
Thu Jan 29 2009 9:20 PM
NoNameDenton says
Anyone remember when BMW denied doing this to their SUVs
Fri Feb 13 2009 9:13 PM
franck says
Am i the only one that notices that the X5-M has new headlights or the X6 headlights? Its pretty cool.
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