Now hear this! There will be no M version of the BMW X5
Since July of last year, we've seen several spy photos of a BMW X5 mule making an appearance all over Europe. The quad-tipped, camouflaged prototype has always been assumed to be an upcoming M version of BMW's SUV, but according to the crew at BimmerFile, it isn't going to happen. The mule that's undergoing testing will be a "sport edition" of the X5, similar to the 4.8is, but it won't be equipped with the M5/M6's V10. Instead, it'll be packing the twin-turbocharged V8 currently found in the new X6, producing 407 hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque. Expect some tweaked bodywork and a revised suspension to convey the new 'ute's sporting intentions when it debuts later this year.
[Source: BimmerFile]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
DC 2:50PM (4/11/2008)
Good to see them (sort of) take the high road relative to Porsche and Mercedes, as the world certainly doesn't need another 500 hp hyper-barge, and anyhow it would be a disservice to the M. I don't want to see an X6 M, either. An eventual X1 M could be worth it.
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tgcg 2:51PM (4/11/2008)
Seems that BMW is quite content to up-power the X5 and leave M for more fitting vehicles. Even the 7-series is M-less. Judging by recent performance stats for the 135i and M3 4-dr (http://goodcarbadcar.blogspot.com/2008/04/0-60-in-car-may.html), there's not much need for X5 buyers to spend $80K on an M-X5 when an X5 3.0i and a 135i would do the trick.
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Fooman 2:51PM (4/11/2008)
And people wonder what the differences are between M and AMG...
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Yar 3:13PM (4/11/2008)
Isn't it about 200 lb/ft?
Peter 4:10PM (4/11/2008)
Completely agree. AMG 'jumped the shark' with the AMG version of the brick-like G-Wagen
BAMF 5:33PM (4/11/2008)
Actually, I think I love the AMG G-Vagen most of the SUVs (maybe because Hamster made it look so cool on Top Gear). Its all the others I could do without-- the ML, GL, and R variants tarnish the AMG image. Although I think an R AMG would be the ultimate roadtrip car.
Dick 2:54PM (4/11/2008)
I think this is because if they went with the same naming convention this would have to be a M5. should have picked a different number. Of coarse the Z3 has the M on the side like the pics too so whatever.
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Xcountryflyer 3:02PM (4/11/2008)
At least someone at BMW has the marketing sense not to dilute the M-brand by slapping it on two ton SUVs.
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Eddie 3:06PM (4/11/2008)
I agree with not building an X5 M version. I dont understand why they havent built an M7 to compete with the s63/65, S8, Quattroporte, XJR. Id imagine an M7 would do well.
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almost Dr. G.. 3:11PM (4/11/2008)
alpina b7?
i don't want to look to see if it's actually put together by BMW but feel free to correct me if i'm wrong.
CMS 5:47AM (4/12/2008)
Its called the 760.
And to the guy who said 200 ft/lb, funny how the MBs cant spank the Ms despite all that torque, especially in anything 0-60+. The real dif is MB = straight line, BMW = straight line and curve
BAMF 5:39PM (4/11/2008)
I've seen a few B7s floating around my side of town recently. Its definitely a badass machine, but nothing would be cooler than a proper M-Division 7er, with an M7 badge.
Drewboy 3:13PM (4/11/2008)
Hmmm MX-5... Where have I heard that name before...
OH! No wonder they won't make it!
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Jon 11:43PM (4/12/2008)
I think that probably was a bigger reason than most people realize...They wouldn't know what to call it.
MX5? M5? They're screwed.
Reuben 4:45PM (4/11/2008)
Could've called this, there is no way the torqueless (by comparison) v10 could power such a heavy suv.
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e90+335i 5:04PM (4/11/2008)
bmw is becoming more turbo-oriented
we're going to see turbo M cars soon
which means lots of torque
Reuben 8:19PM (4/11/2008)
True, the current gas prices and emissions standards basically require that hi-po cars go forced induction. I hope to see well executed m turbos soon. but as for the high revving v10...great engine, just not suited to an suv seeing as it has about 380tq at a relatively high rpm.
Omer 5:07PM (4/11/2008)
I agree this is a smart decision also. With the gas prices upward trend and more c02 emission sensitive society (atleast in EU, everyday folks in US don't even know what c02 is) this makes a whole a lot of sense. BMW has already proven that they can compete with any in high performance market and they don't need to spend $$$$ developing a high performance SUV which will have diminishing sales anyway.
Now only if they were smart and brought over 2.0 liter 4 turbo diesel or/and petrol engine and offered in 1,3,5, z4 and X3 they would see their sales go up dramatically. Personally I would love to have a 520d touring it would be perfect and they should try to offer it for sub 35K. Probably never happen.
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3seriesisking 5:37PM (4/11/2008)
No kidding. BMW has made some poor choices here and there but I don't think they would be dumb enough to make that kind of vehicle.
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Zane 6:11PM (4/11/2008)
How long before some poseur (or punka*s?) slaps a fake $25 badge on the back of his stripper X5 and calls it a rare "///M" edition?
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