Spy Photos of the High-Performance BMW X5 M...This Version Could Have a V12 with 438HP

It will be interesting to see how they optimize the 5-Series chassis to handle the V12. An "M" X5 just doesn't make sense to me though. I'd be much more interested in an "M7."

There is an M7- it's called and Alpina B7

It's not the same. It's definitely not an M car. Think of it as a BMW 7 AMG. (automatic transmission, supercharged V8, a lot of torque,..etc)

Of course there is no actual M7. Because the M7 doesnt fit within the M philosophy, it was left to Alpina to make a high performance version of the 7 series.

time for an upgrade...... ;)

Nah, Im planning to keep my car for about 2 years.

Why not. Audi has the Q7 v12 TDI waiting in the wings with 550hp and something like 750lbs/ft worth of torque. MB has all those AMG versions of their SUV's. BMW "needs" one too don't they?

BMW being a follower? Piss-poor excuse to all the BMW fanboys...

The previous X5 had high-performance versions as well. Remember the 4.6iS (with Alpina engine) or the 4.8iS?

Although most are built on car chassis, the BMW X series is not. There is not a single model that shares another's platform--other manufacturers do this because it is a compromise to save money. The X5 and X6 series are as close as it gets, but are not the same.

Thats why they handle like better than most cars on the road, much less than other suv's.

Only the Q from Audi can hang with the X5. I have driven the Porsche, Audi, merc, Lexus, and Acura at Spartanburg, and I can tell you NOTHING but the Q comes close to the driving experience the X5 offers.

"Only the Q from Audi can hang with the X5. I have driven the Porsche, Audi, merc, Lexus, and Acura at Spartanburg, and I can tell you NOTHING but the Q comes close to the driving experience the X5 offers."

I disagree here. The Q7 is impressive but the Cayenne still is more sporty. The Cayenne is still the best handling SUV on the planet. (post-facelift models with PDCC)

Qwazywabbit:
I was under the impression that the X3 was based on the 3-series chasis & the X5 chasis was initially based on the 5-series (wagon) chasis. But I could be misinformed.

It's fairly late in "the game" for a hi-po version of the X5, but should be well accepted. I do agree with Neverfollow's comment---M-B & Audi already have uber verions of their SUVs. BMW needs to contiue to compete head-to-head. Hell, VW's Touareg V10 tdi is really nice too. And I've read that the V12 Touareg tdi is slick also.

Now that an X6 (sporty SAV) will be coming to market, the X5 should get the option of a higher-level performance model.

Why would you want a high performance SUV?

Why should you want a high performance car?

There will never be an M version of the X5. It doesn't fit in their heritage and philosophy.

Instead what you seeing here is the BMW X5 4.8si or iS. Or perhaps the upcoming 4.4 V8 TT?

You are spot on.
There will be no X5-M.
It is an X-5 with the 4.4 litre TT N64B44O1 engine

Finally someone with a bit common sense and intelligence.

@dumpsty

A car and a SUV aint the same thing, a SUV isnt made for bends and high speed cornering.

The X5 is. Especially the 4.8 with Sport.

I was under the impression that the xDrive AWD system was made for cornering & stability in most any road condition...which would include higher speeds on dry pavement. The application of this SUV was to offer utility in a package that can be driven like a sports car/sedan/wagon.

It lapped the Ring in under 8 minutes I believe.

old news

What you might be looking at is the new V8 TT engine.
It is not a V12.

What we need is a v12 or v16 something that can burn oil faster than we cat get it up from the ground.

Buy a touring, avant a stationwagon drives better, and does use less fuel than an SUV.

I hope THIS one beats the cheap ass SRT8 Cherokee performance numbers. (unlike every other ultra expensive performance SUV)

I love performance cars but the logic on super fast SUV's escapes me. Maybe my penis is too big.

Maybe this mule is for an upcoming hybrid version of the X5. Isn't BMW working with GM & DCX for the dual-mode hybrid transmission system?

I wouldn't rule out an X5- "M" version. BMW is missing out on sales that go to ML55 AMG and Cayanne S-turbos, etc.

I'd buy one if it handled a notch more aggressively than the X5, which, IMO, is the best handling SUV out there. Also a 6 speed manual option would be sweet too, or, as a second choice a SMG II.