Click above for a high-res gallery of the twin-turbo V8 BMW X5.
BMW has continued to deny the existence of an M-version of the X5, and by all accounts, it's true. The blokes from Bavaria maintain that the 'ute's size, weight, height and packaging won't warrant the tri-tones of the vaunted M. But the doesn't mean BMW can't produce a hotter version of its biggie-sized SUV.
Using the same 407 hp, 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 found in the recently released X6, BMW is taking aim at the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. KGP was able to snap off a handful of shots of the turbo'd X5 running the 'Ring, and despite the lack of a factory-approved M on the hatch, it's looking decidedly more aggressive than its siblings. The front fascia is taking all the normal cues from BMW's motorsports department, with massive air intakes and a gaping central air dam, while a set of quad exhausts are framed within a new rear bumper. There's no word on when the hotter X5 will debut, but with the Paris Motor Show right around the corner, BMW surely has a few things up its sleeves.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Xcountryflyer @ Jun 26th 2008 7:56PM
I am not sure why anyone needs a M-Series X5, just like a Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Money would be better spent buying a CUV and getting a sports sedan or coupe. These are vehicles for people with more money and ego-stroking requirements than brains.
RayJ @ Jun 26th 2008 8:02PM
Of course it is not American so no one will even take note of how much fuel it will suck. Personally I think, for the most part, the target buyer can afford it but I notice when BMW or Benz does this everyone hoots and when American companies does this it is a sin.
TyWright @ Jun 26th 2008 8:14PM
Just because they have an ego, doesn't mean they can't have fun and KILL Cayennes. Right? Who are you to deny that right to them ego-folk?
If I had the money, I'd find it in my ego to justify buying this truck. Oh yes I would.
CarbonBlack @ Jun 26th 2008 9:40PM
RayJ, I don't believe american companies get more $hit than competitors.
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/26/greenpeace-vs-porsche/
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/greenpeace-builds-cayenne-and-m-class-bulldozers-for-some-reason/
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/31/greenpeace-s-gas-guzzler-anti-suv-campaign/
CarbonBlack @ Jun 26th 2008 9:44PM
Cont.
http://www.autoblog.com/2005/05/16/greenpeace-protesters-break-into-land-rover-plant/
http://www.autoblog.com/search/?q=greenpeace&searchsubmit=
American companies are responsible for a significant portion of the SUV's, yet I would argue that they get a free pass.
""I notice when BMW or Benz does this everyone hoots and when American companies does this it is a sin."" I Disagree!
SOhp101 @ Jun 27th 2008 2:38AM
Most people who purchase M vehicles do it for the prestige/name, not for the performance.
IK47 @ Jun 27th 2008 6:27AM
completely wrong
just because you don't like something, doesn't mean it has no purpose.
if people are buying sedans with 400+ HP, why shouldn't there be a quick SUV too?
remember, people don't buy SUVs to go offroad. They buy them because they are more comfortable, seat more people, hold more cargo, and are safer to drive.
For many people, 260HP powering a 4650lb vehicle doesn't cut it.
And to ask them to get 2 different cars instead is just ridiculous.
Terry @ Jun 27th 2008 12:22PM
I agree with Xcountryflyer. There is absolutely no need for performance SUVs in this day of age. Forget the gas issue for a moment. As a regular at my local track I have yet to see one of these monsters (including the ML55, Cayenne Turbo, and the like) run the quarter mile. I certainly don't see any of them autocrossing, either. Not to say that there aren't any across the world that are being raced, but not enough to warrant their existance.
IK47, while I understand your point, I have to disagree with your argument. I'm pretty sure this X5 being tested only seats 5 people, albeit just as comfortably as a 5-series would. This SUV may be able to hold a bit more cargo, but not enough that it would need a 400+ hp motor. And as far as being safer, I highly doubt it. From what I've read and seen the majority of SUVs need a longer stopping distance then most cars, and because of their center of gravity they are more prown to roll-overs, not to mention they are full of blind spots.
And back to the fuel issue for a moment. Just because someone can afford to purchase one of these vehicles does that give them the right to be more environmentally irresponsible? Remember, the issue regarding our dependency on oil isn't just about cost to our wallets.
B @ Jun 26th 2008 7:59PM
is that an RS6 following?
Quattrofan @ Jun 26th 2008 8:11PM
Its rush hour on the Ring.
TyWright @ Jun 26th 2008 8:12PM
Looks like an RS6 to me. Good eye. I like the air dams in the front bumper on this X6.
Tsunami Racer @ Jun 26th 2008 8:13PM
yep, and if i wasn't convinced the RS6 would break down, i'd say the X6 needs to get out of the way.
Tsunami Racer @ Jun 26th 2008 8:15PM
i mean X5. who's counting anyways ;P
CarbonBlack @ Jun 26th 2008 9:30PM
The Audi isn't following.....It is preparing to lap the X5! :-)
Michael @ Jun 26th 2008 8:21PM
BMW MX-5?
Tourian @ Jun 26th 2008 8:33PM
Yeah right. Mazda would love that.
Will @ Jun 27th 2008 8:52AM
I was thinking they could call it the XM, but then no one would take it Siriusly.
Smeagle @ Jun 26th 2008 8:37PM
Any ideas about the cable looking thing on the right rear?
Bart @ Jun 26th 2008 8:44PM
It's a measuring device for things such as suspension travel, tire pressure/heat. It's something to keep an eye on with a 2 tonne plus 'performance' SUV.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Jun 26th 2008 9:31PM
Yes. This is exactly what the market demanded. An SUV that uses even more gas.