MotorAuthority

Spy shots: BMW X6 M SUV spotted in white

Posted Wed Feb 4 2009 1:49 PM by Ralph Hanson

These new spy shots of BMW's X6 M reveal the latest in the car's development

Currently sitting atop BMW’s X6 range is the xDrive50i but as these latest spy shots and previous rendering attest there will be a new top dog in the X6 lineup soon, likely wearing an M badge. After witnessing Porsche and AMG rack up thousands of sales with their respective Cayenne and ML models, BMW is now primed to launch its own high-performance version of the X6 SUV.

The newest photos reveal that little on the exterior of the X6 will change for the M model, though the usual adjustments to the aerodynamic elements at front, sides and rear will reflect a more aggressive demeanor. The real changes will lie under the hood, and at each corner. More power and more focused handling will offer even more performance for the large 'sports activity coupe' (SAC), as BMW styles the X6. The new spy photos come just a week after similar shots of the upcoming X5 M, expected to make a similar offering for the X5 lineup around the same time as the X6 M.

Speaking last year with Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport, the boss of BMW’s M division, Ludwig Willisch, revealed a host of new plans and some very odd omissions. In regards to an M variant of the X6, Willisch confirmed that performance models of the both the X5 and X6 were currently in the works and that BMW expected sales numbers to rival those of the M5.

A prototype for the performance SUV has previously been spotted testing outside BMW’s Spartanburg factory in South Carolina where the X6 range of vehicles is manufactured. Those images, courtesy of PalBay in upstate South Carolina, reveal the new bumper design for the future model as well as its enlarged brake discs and quad exhaust tailpipe arrangement.

While still powered by BMW’s new 4.4L V8 twin-turbo engine, output is expected to be higher than the current 400hp (298kW) and 450lb-ft (600Nm) torque in the xDrive50i. The AWD configuration will also remain.

According to Willisch, the new M X6 will make its debut early in 2009, making the Geneva Motor Show a likely candidate, since it is set for March 5-15. The slow economy could result in a slight delay, however, pushing its arrival later in the year. For more on the upcoming X6 M, check out BMW's own look behind the scenes at the vehicle's development.

Story Tags:

• BMW
• Spy shots
• SUVs

Reader Comments

• Fri Jul 4 2008 9:45 AM

  Dann says

  so an X6 xDrive55i that's a mouthful, I reckon they will put the new V12 in it too and it will be the X6 xDrive65i

• Tue Jul 8 2008 4:29 PM

  gino says

  How unfortunate looking.

• Sun Jul 27 2008 3:40 PM

  ver says

  looks ok

• Tue Jul 29 2008 5:09 PM

  Andrew says

  BMW, have you not learned a lesson from Chrysler (Avenger, Sebring, Patriot, Compass)? Stop making copies of worthless vehicles!!

• Tue Jul 29 2008 8:22 PM

  Guber says

  Soon the M won't be as desirable like the AMG once was.

• Tue Jul 29 2008 10:26 PM

  NoNameDenton says

  Stop doing perfomance SUV's, make light weight perfoamnce cars, light shedding some weight on the M3 (Like the CSL).

• Wed Jul 30 2008 7:48 PM

  Nike G says

  Having M model for X6 is great idea. Don't forget those BMW fans which need much more space for their sport accessories. At least having M doesn't mean you have to race left and right. Having M model is style! There are a lot of people out there looking for stylish and safe car people for whom gas price is not an issue.

• Wed Jul 30 2008 10:20 PM

  NoNameDenton says

  They could just bring the M-tuned wagons here to the States.

• Mon Aug 25 2008 1:24 PM

  Renton says

  This car will completely kick arse.

• Wed Feb 4 2009 6:33 PM

  azlan says

  i dont know why they botheres with this car... it will be pretty cool, but M cars are pretty much cheap racing cars. i dont see a 4wd going around a track very well i dont care how fast it is or what technology they have put in. its great they are trying new things but someone who wants a 5 seat M car will get an m5.

• Wed Feb 4 2009 7:27 PM

  Bummer says

  ^Not me. How dare you assume, Azlan.

• Wed Feb 4 2009 10:34 PM

  WizardsLore says

  i wish that BMW would just make the next gen of 1 series the 2 series and then bring in a genuine 1 series. everything is getting bigger. By the time the next 5 series comes around it will be 7 series size just like the 3 will be 5 series size. so its time to shift the naming up.
  im rambling i know but BMW are starting to annoy me, as they charge sooooooo much money. 320i standard is AU$65,000

• Tue Feb 17 2009 12:32 PM

  lvmytoyotatruck says

  a performance SUV???? give me a break...why don't u just call it by it's real name..
  
  an overpriced hatchback that goes really really fast..