BMW X5 M Spotted Again

BMW X5 M Spy photos / Copyright AUTOMEDIA

X plus V = M

By Frank
September 24, 2007 2:59 am
Filed Under: BMW, German, Spy Photos

X plus V = M

We have been aware of a BMW X5 M prototype since it was innitially spotted in the Death Valley in July but news has been sporadic if not completely absent. Multiple rumours about the engines have been surfacing like a twin-turbo V8 (which seems to be finding its way to the next BMW M5). But it is still a safer bet that the V12 engine from BMW's 760i delivering 438 bhp will be powering the X5 M, which would still blow the 272 bhp 3.0 liter in-line six and 355 bhp 4.3 liter V8 found in the regular X5 out of the water. Proof is the 2000 BMW X5 LeMans experimental vehicle which sported the 700 bhp 6.0 liter V12 from the 1999 winning LeMans race car.

And how we can be so sure that this is the BMW X5 M and not just another X5. The two sets of twin exhaust tips are a dead give-away and the front bumper has bigger air-intakes ensuring more efficient colling of both brakes and the engine.

Source: AUTOMEDIA, text by Frank

Comments

heat_fan1
September 24, 2007 9:43 pm
Stop calling it an X5 M! It's not an M! BMW has said there would never be an X5 M because an M model must meet several criteria, including a manual (or sequential manual) transmission and high-revving engine, which this car does not! I would be VERY surprised if BMW makes this an M model. More likely - if it is in fact the V12 - it will be called an X5 6.0is.

Ferrariguy
September 25, 2007 9:47 am
BMW has no choice, competition is stiff and enthusiasts are only 1 percent of the equation. Profit is a must, and this is not like the old days. Now it's about "marketing," and sales. Can't blame BMW though.

Ferrariguy
September 25, 2007 9:50 am
BMW also didn't believe in forced induction either in any of thier newer vehicles. Now look at the 535, 335 and soon to be released 135. Also I wouldn't be surprised if they use forced induction on thier new M models as well. Never say never. Profit is key to the competition and the times are changing. BMW is headed towards a new direction.

mako001
September 26, 2007 2:30 am
The old X5 was the best designed midsize luxury SUT/SUV till they redesigned it, now it looks like the old MB ML. It's just a thing with a higher center of gravity (than midsize cars) It's LAME. I wouldn't care if they put a 700hp engine in it.

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