BMW X5 M Spy Photos

Copyright by Lehmann Photo-Syndication / BMW X5 M Spy Photos
by Hans G. Lehmann & Brian Potter
July 25, 2007 1:25 PM
Filed Under: BMW, German, Spy Photos

BMW currently offers their X5 SAV with two engines, a 3.0 liter straight 6-cylinder making 272 hp and a 4.8 liter V8 making 355 hp. But these latest photos indicate that a new, even higher-performance X5 is on the way which is likely to be called an M model, in accordance with the usual BMW nomenclature of its high performance models. Engine is unconfirmed, but the next logical choice would be the big 6.0 liter V12 from the 760i sedan which produces 438 horsepower.

One indicator that this X5 has a more powerful engine can be seen in the huge exhaust pipe tips. They are noticeably larger in diameter than the exhausts on the 4.8 liter X5. Plus the front bumper is completely redesigned with larger air intake openings to allow better airflow to an extra-large radiator. The front bumper also appears to extend lower, making it more of an air dam, helping to prevent turbulent air from going under the vehicle, thus reducing drag, especially at high speeds.

The X5 is no stranger to a V12 power plant though. Back in 2000 BMW showed the X5 Le Mans experimental vehicle which had the legendary German racer, Hans Stuck, whip this 750 hp (514 kW) monster around Nurburgring in 7min 49.92sec. Video of Hans Stuck driving X5 Le Mans

Source: Copyright by Lehmann Photo-Syndication
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Comments

heat_fan1
July 25, 2007 5:26 PM
We know it's NOT going to be called an M model, just as the old 4.6is and 4.8is were not M models. BMW has stated that M models MUST have manual tranmissions (SMG included) and high-revving engines, neither of which this X5 will have.

Assuming it does get the V12 (and that's a big assumption), it would be the X5 6.0is. I'll take bets on that.

gabriel
July 25, 2007 5:52 PM
tyres seem to be small for a V12. front bumper is the same on the X6

DSC_OFF
July 25, 2007 7:00 PM
I'm with heat_fan1. It's always been a "is" designation before so I wouldn't expect that to change. Unless maybe they wedged the 500 HP 10 cylinder from the M5/M6 into it and added a manual. Is that possible?

JoeyRamone
July 25, 2007 9:53 PM
Rule out the 5.0L V10 due to its relatively low torque. If, in fact, this X5 is getting a new engine, then probably it is the X5 6.0is like heat_fan1 said but definitely no M badge!

GambitLeBeau
July 26, 2007 5:52 AM
"Rule out the 5.0L V10 due to it's relatively low torque."

Uh, since when has 383 lb/ft of torque been low? Especially since the 4.8 liter V8 X5 has 350 lb/ft - 33 fewer.

tom43
July 26, 2007 10:13 PM
The X6 will arrive with a new V8-Biturbo engine and 8-shift auto-transmission in spring 2008 (Germany) with about 420 hp. This engine will definetly get its way under the X5 hood...

The V12 engine is to be discontinued. There will be a new V12-Biturbo arriving in 2009 in the F01 760i.

MJG
August 14, 2007 12:28 AM
I hope it goanna e a X5 M, whonder how mutch it cost?

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