Spy Photos: BMW X5 M

Spy Photos: BMW X5 M
The so rumored, denied, reconfirmed, BMW X5 M was recently photographed again near the BMW Plan in Spartanburg. As mentioned many times this week, our friend Palbay is slowly becoming an important spy photographer and he does an amazing job covering all the current and future BMW models tested in Spartanburg.

Once again, he was able to snap some photos of the BMW X5 M and he has some interesting observations to share with us.

These are the first published pic’s of the X5M showing the camo’ed “M” side gills or slits. None of the test mules in the desert or at the Ring had the gills. Same as on the X6M the rear bumper looks production ready and the huge front air intakes have picked up the white LED’s found on the X6M.

The roof rails look much more like the X6 roof rails. They are more integrated into the roof itself. I’m just not sure about the engine.The X5M does sound more like the TTV8 in the 50i X6. Deeper louder roar than the X6M, but the X5M DID NOT have the high pitch exhaust note of the X6M though.

I am still wondering how the BMW world and die hard fans will react to the M Sport version of the X5 or the X6. While I do see the X6M being a more perfect fit for the Sports Activity Coupe that BMW launched recently, I believe the X5M might not turn out to be such a “hot” sale.
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350zdon17350zdon17 - 8/23/2008 3:24:48 PM
-2 Boost
complete waste...I love the X5, I had a 2002 very solid reliable truck...with the SUV market hurting the way it is the X5 M edition is a waste BMW just stay with the M series cars please...I am sure the X5 3.0's aren't flying out the lots, no reason for this vehicle


WorldofLuxuryWorldofLuxury - 8/23/2008 11:11:15 PM
+1 Boost
Nonono...no way. The worst you can say is that they're wasting their money.

You see, the M people are just doing their usual business to make BMW live up to what it is best known for...sporty versions of ordinary yet very good cars.

The people dealing with fuel efficiency probably don't have enough connections with the M people to be affected by this car. (I probably shouldn't mean that literally 'cause I'm not quite sure, but you guys should know what I mean.)


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 8/23/2008 3:26:07 PM
+6 Boost
If Porsche can sell Cayenne Turbo & Turbo S's and Benz can sell ML63's, I am sure BMW can sell X5 and X6 M's. They're not volume cars, but there's certainly a market for them.


Agent63Agent63 - 8/23/2008 7:42:36 PM
+4 Boost
The X5, ML, and Cayenne are beautiful SUV's (especially the Turbo, and ML63 models)


QuantumMatrixQuantumMatrix - 9/18/2008 7:24:44 PM
+1 Boost
Just like Lexus has ruined its hybrid image by slapping a h on most of its models.

Lexus Loser Statement again made by Teknik.


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 8/23/2008 5:05:25 PM
+8 Boost
yeah, I'm sure it's the most environmentally friendly 13mpg vehicle on earth.


mscottc1mscottc1 - 8/23/2008 7:16:51 PM
-1 Boost
MT/Huu/Staar/etc, don't you have something better to do like mixing up that batch of cool-aid?


Agent63Agent63 - 8/23/2008 11:12:07 PM
+4 Boost
MT,

Lexus has no SUV that is in competition with the ML63 or the Cayenne Turbo so what's the fuss about? You still think Lexus is a contender in all categories? they barely pass the mark of just an expensive Toyota in some parts of the world.

The LX is a land cruiser (which has been awesome throughout the years). But it's no X5 M, ML63, or Cayenne Turbo. You bring up the hybrid thing because that's all that Lexus has to offer. Other than that their boring.


Agent63Agent63 - 8/24/2008 4:50:27 PM
+3 Boost
I wouldn't call this a POS. I guess you've never driven one or even sat in it before.


MBKingMBKing - 8/23/2008 6:14:17 PM
-3 Boost
it's about bloody time


darzavdarzav - 8/23/2008 8:08:04 PM
-4 Boost
About time this car came out. Its such an amazing machine! Cant wait till it comes to Australia.

Ive asked this question several times but no-one has answered me. Have X5's always been built in the States? Were they ever built in Germany? A friend of mine who owns a 4.4i X5 from 2005 thinks his car is built in Germany. I know the engines are builit there while the assembly is done in the States. He is boasting about how his is "better" than my 4.8i from this year.

Please tell me which is true. Cheers.


palbaypalbay - 8/24/2008 12:47:06 AM
+2 Boost
The X5 has always been built in the US.Never built anyway other than the plant in South Carolina.X6 is now built in SC and 2nd Gen X3 will start production in 2010.Thanks! PalBay


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 8/24/2008 1:42:07 PM
+1 Boost
I still don't understand "high performance SUV" but i sure it will sell.


Germancar_fan01Germancar_fan01 - 8/24/2008 7:43:02 PM
+1 Boost
cayenne turbo killer


sectorsector - 8/24/2008 9:32:52 PM
-1 Boost
"wondering how the BMW world and die hard fans will react to the M Sport version of the X5 or the X6"

BMW = Bloated Motoren Werke

BMW is the GMC of Germany, their fans need to come to grips with this reality sooner or later.




M53RM53R - 8/25/2008 10:26:43 AM
+1 Boost
The only time I've seen you say something smart was on a thread that turned politcle. So it's either than you're an adult who has nothing better to do than bash BMW in every thread because of your beloved Lexus, or you really do have nightmares about BMWs.

Grow up.


M53RM53R - 8/25/2008 10:28:10 AM
+1 Boost
I personally think that the X5M and X6M will share the same engine. It doesnt make sense if BMW develops 2 different engines for each vehicle.

Im estimating about 500hp and a light enough wieght to make the Cayenne Turbo start sweating.


B7FANB7FAN - 8/25/2008 11:24:54 AM
+1 Boost
Now this is something I have been waiting to see since the first GEN X5 this is going to be something to look for. It would be nice if they put a twin turbo V10 on that truck that would make it exclusive but I hope to see this model in the near future


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