BMW has its own grammar rules. For instance, M and X cannot appear in the same car name. So while a BMW sport-ute/crossover (or whatever they want to call it) can for all intents and purposes be an M vehicle – that is, top-of-the-line sport model with all the go-fast components and power to spare – it can never wear the vaunted M badge. That is, for the most part, just semantics. BMW's solution for the 'Ring-running versions of its taller vehicles is to slap an S on there instead.
With those rules laid down, we bring you these spy shots of a BMW X6 M 5.0iS. While the name might have you thinking that BMW has shoehorned in the M division's highly praised 5-liter V10 to the X6, sources suggest otherwise: the same twin-turbo version of Munich's 4.4-liter V8 producing in excess of 500 hp is expected to feature in the next M5. Information indicates a release in about a year from now, complete with all the extra dressings you've come to expect from a performance-oriented Bimmer. You didn't think Bavaria would pass up the opportunity to create a high-performance version of the strangest segment-buster yet, did you? Certainly not when the opportunity to further confuse us with its nomenclature is just so tempting.
[Source: World Car Fans]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael @ Jul 28th 2008 7:59AM
I find the X6 strangely appealing.
Mobius_1 @ Jul 28th 2008 8:10AM
The X6 is pretty awesome as a car in terms of dynamics, comfort, luxury etc, but it begs the question "why?", besides BMW just trying to fill a niche that never really existed, and I don't think it is exactly pretty either
Rant over...
geo.stewart @ Jul 28th 2008 8:14AM
So, let me see. BMW wants to build a sports vehicle. Their approach is to take a vehicle and 1) raise the center of gravity 2) add 1500 weight in excess of a 335ix sedan and 3) provides less interior and trunk space than a 3-series sedan.
Who are the idiots who buy this crap?
Johnnie @ Jul 28th 2008 9:16AM
....People who see their ads and hear "The ultimate driving maching" and actually believe it.
Khalid @ Jul 28th 2008 11:28AM
People with more taste than idiots who buy Cayennes.
Santiago Rollandin @ Aug 27th 2008 8:40PM
I don´t Think you are well informed about the x6 my friend. It is true that it is strange looking at the beginning. The first time I so an SUV, I thought it was funny looking as well because it was a new concept. Today, many people drive SUV s and love them.
I use to drive a Cayenne S, I decided to sell it and buy an X6 50i. It is by far the best SUV (If you want to call it) I ever driven. The X drive and the 407hp 450p/t really make you feel the car is ´t that heavy.
Also you mention the space being the same as a BMW 330, again you are wrong. The 330 has a cargo space of 12 cubic feet. The X6 has a cargo space of 25.6; If you fold the rear seats you get a cargo space of 60 cubic feet, that is more than an X5 (24 , 54.) From 0 to 60 the X6 equals the time of the 335. The big difference is you are not worried about hitting something with your front spoiler.
Finally you said “Who are the idiots who buy this crap?” The same idiot that has a Ferrari F430, a Porsche turbo, and an m3.
Jeff @ Jul 28th 2008 8:22AM
I'll pass and keep my Q7, thanks anyway!
Ian @ Jul 28th 2008 10:37AM
Well no crap you can't meet 'unrealistic' CAFE standards when you're making vehicles like this.
Gooch @ Jul 28th 2008 10:45AM
The more I see the X6, the more I like its styling. While there are many people who don't get it about the X6, I simply don't try to categorize it. It is impossible, so why try? It exists; I take it for what it is.
That said, how fat will the rear tires be on the "s" model? The V8's already at 315mm wide and 20" diameter, right?
george @ Jul 28th 2008 11:59AM
I absolutely swear that I saw this car while in St. Petersburg Russia this past week although that would make no sense. Any idea how it could have been there?
turbo-quattro @ Jul 28th 2008 12:04PM
it still cant outrun its ugly.
mkM3 @ Jul 28th 2008 12:06PM
Should this be "X6 xDrive50is"?
I really doubt BMW will drop the (ridiculous, yes) "xDrive" branding from the model name at this point, especially since it has migrated to the 3 series and 5 series now too.
ken_aisin @ Jul 28th 2008 12:14PM
Another hideous design from BMW.