Spy Shots: BMW X5 M close ups

Spy Shots: BMW X5 M close ups
Currently sitting atop BMW’s X5 range is the 4.8is but if these latest spy shots are anything to go by there may be a new top dog in the X5 lineup and this one could get an ‘M’ badge. A performance SUV doesn’t really fit in with the M philosophy of increased performance through reduced weight but the allure of the two-ton sports market could be too strong even for BMW and its famed M division to resist.


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 X5 SUV. We now have images of a prototype version of such a car being offloaded from a truck in Germany.

The test-mule was sporting a pair of quad exhaust pipes, which suggest it’s a new high-displacement model. Other details revealing there’s a new powertrain being developed included a funny warning message spotted inside the car to remind drivers that running the engine for longer than 30 minutes will cause it to go ‘kaput’.

There are two schools of thought on which engine will power the new car. Some suggest the 5.0L V10 from the M5 could make its way into the X5 but officials have previously stated that engine would be reserved for the M5 and M6 only. The alternative is a new twin-turbo 4.4L petrol V8 engine currently in development with a rumored output of around 430hp (331kW) and 600Nm of torque.


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SHOWTIMESHOWTIME - 10/15/2007 3:15:41 PM
-1 Boost
I don't get it! They'll make an M division X5 but they won't make an M 7 Series. Whyyyyyyyyyy?


GTR35GTR35 - 10/15/2007 3:25:25 PM
+1 Boost
Alpina B7.


SHOWTIMESHOWTIME - 10/15/2007 4:12:00 PM
+1 Boost
My point is why can't the M devision get involved in the 7er when they do on the X5? Alpina B7 looks cartoonish to me anyway...aspecially that rear spoiler.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 10/15/2007 5:13:26 PM
+1 Boost
The Alpina B7 is sold directly through BMW dealers. The two vehicles would conflict too much.


SHOWTIMESHOWTIME - 10/15/2007 8:53:10 PM
+1 Boost
Yes I get that, but why involve an aftermarket company in the first place when BMW could have built their own 7er M model just like they did with the previous and upcoming X5. Let the aftermarket companies sell them independently just like the rest (Hamann, Schnitzer,etc).

I know their philosophy with the weight issue but if they're messin with the X5, then why not the 7er?


DaHarderDaHarder - 10/15/2007 3:25:31 PM
0 Boost
The X5 is brand spankin new, and the 7-Series is due for redesign any time now, so why not wait for the next generation?


SHOWTIMESHOWTIME - 10/15/2007 4:15:17 PM
+1 Boost
If that was the real answer, I'd agree with you. But as far as I know I don't think they have any plans for an M7.


07mcs07mcs - 10/15/2007 4:16:30 PM
+1 Boost
you have a point, plus Alpina already does a B7. It makes more sense to make a M7 with the new 7 series.


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 10/15/2007 3:51:04 PM
+2 Boost
it'll be the twin turbo V8. One, ignoring the fact that they aren't going to use an M engine in a non-M vehicle (and BMW won't build an X5 M) the high revving V10 doesn't suit the character of a two ton SUV. For that you need brute force (torque), and the twin turbo is perfect. Two, we already know BMW is using the twin turbo V8 in the X6 that shares its platform with the X5. It would not make sense financially to engineer a way to fit the V10 in there when they already have adapted the V8 TT to fit. And my guess is 430hp is low, it will also have more like 450hp+ to keep it within shouting distance of the ML63 and Cayenne Turbo S, and enough torque to put it on a level field performance-wise.



JRobUSCJRobUSC - 10/15/2007 3:57:18 PM
+2 Boost
oh, and one more reason I'm pretty sure that'll be a twin turbo V8, not the V10 -- that transmission lever is for a conventional automatic transmission, not for an SMG. No way BMW matches up that V10 with 8250RPM redline with a conventional automatic.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 10/15/2007 5:15:38 PM
+1 Boost
JRob is right, there will not be an X5 M. AND THERE IS NO X5 4.8IS. It's just the V8 model, replacing the 4.4i, NOT the 4.8is--they just both happened to have 4.8L engines. The most likely out come is that this will be called the X5 4.4is, or even 4.4it.


SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 10/15/2007 6:09:03 PM
+1 Boost
"The alternative is a new twin-turbo 4.4L petrol V8 engine currently in development with a rumored output of around 430hp (331kW) and 600Nm of torque."

That's the one and it will be called X5 4.4Ti.


EL34EL34 - 10/15/2007 6:21:44 PM
+1 Boost
Utility and sporty all in one package!

Can't get that in a Lexus :)


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 10/16/2007 5:23:03 PM
0 Boost
Well, then, what would you rather have, GS??? Reliability or performance??? How about both? Then get a BMW or Audi!


Agent63Agent63 - 10/16/2007 4:39:30 AM
+2 Boost
There is no reason for a M7 anyways. BMW is not in the horsepower war with the S65/63 and S8 models. The B7 is a rare car I don't know too much about it but I'm not a fan of the rims that they offer with it.

As for the X5 M and what justifies them building one. It's the same thing as saying "WHY DID THEY EVEN BUILD A PORSCHE SUV?"

It's because they can and people will buy it regardless of what we think.

- I mean the top of the range X5 comes with great amenities and everything you'd expect from an expensive luxury-sport SUV. An M would give the driver more thrill with the power and grunt.

It's like the ML63, i've test driven that thing and oh my it gets my adrenaline going quick. So i'd expect the same from the X5. More aggressive styling with sportier traits but maintaining that traditional X5 feel on the inside.


SHOWTIMESHOWTIME - 10/16/2007 12:08:00 PM
0 Boost
Nobody is saying to build an M7 to compete with S63,S65, and S8. Just build it for the simple fact that there is demand for it just the way you stated,

"It's because they can and people will buy it regardless of what we think."

So if Porsche built an SUV just because they can, and BMW has their X5 M cuz they felt like it, then what's wrong with an M7 when you know plenty are out there who will buy it?



S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 10/16/2007 5:24:34 PM
0 Boost
I don't think there is much of a demand for it. The current 7 Series isn't a terribly appealing platform. The M5 would be a better car for most people than an M7.


2ndbimmer2ndbimmer - 10/16/2007 11:07:47 AM
+1 Boost
I think the supercharged 4.4L V8 that is in the Alpina would be a nice fit of the X5 because because the torque is 516. Nappa leather should be standard. No 3rd row available to save some weight. I think it would need to sit lower for better cornering and should be standard with 20's. They should use more of their lightweight thermoplastic on the exterior to save weight. It could truely be a monster.


SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 10/16/2007 2:58:34 PM
+1 Boost
BMW doesn't like supercharging. However using an Alpina engine is not new for BMW. They did this is the first X5 4.6iS. And boy that engine made such a good noise..


jochetjochet - 10/18/2007 6:41:00 PM
+1 Boost
I own a 2007 4.8 X5 which is fast and furious,not to mention comfortable and fun. However as much as I like fast, I'm not so sure this car would be safe powered by a 500HP motor. BMW are built to handle which for an SAV this car does, but I would worry about that much power. Also, BMW has not offered an M car with a conventional Automatic, if they did like AMG or Porsche, they would sell a lot more cars but BMW has resisted. Now if the new twin clutch is smooth that might work, but an X5 is not a sports car, just a sporty luxury SAV/truck.
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