Spy Shots: BMW M-tuned X5 and X6 in Spartanburg
Click above for high-res gallery of BMW X5 M and X6 M spy shots
Despite earlier assertions to the contrary, all indications are now that BMW is preparing its first batch of M-tuned sport-utilities, including an X5 M and X6 M. Advanced-stage test mules for both have now been spied by a keen photographer right here in the United States, at BMW's Performance Center test track in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The prototype X5 and X6 M have enlarged air intakes with white LED headlamps up front and aerodynamic rear bumpers with quad pipes poking out the back. The trademark M division side gills have been camouflaged, but the exhaust notes are a reported dead giveaway: the X5 M prototype sounding like a twin-turbo V8, while the X6 M sounds more like a V10 or V12. The appearance of the M-tuned crossovers on American soil instead of on the Nurburgring gives us an idea of just who BMW will be targeting with these performance sport-utes. Check out all the spy shots in our gallery below and hit up the source for two spy videos. Mad props to PalBay for the tip and the shots!
Gallery: BMW X5 M and X6 M - spy shots
[Source: PalBay]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
allaman 11:03AM (8/26/2008)
How can we be sure that is really a BMW with the roundels covered in black tape?
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gone2sc 9:05PM (8/26/2008)
I have sent in this tip in to autoblog several times. I live about 5 miles away from this test center. There has been a RED test mule that has been cruzing around greenville and when it was at my store i talked to the driver and he let me take a look under the hood of a X6 that had a v10 twin turbo there is also a black v8 twin turbo as well he stated. he also told me that I was not to even try to take any pictures of the car.
and there are plenty of bmw SUVs here
Swede 11:08AM (8/26/2008)
Yes I'm quite sure it's a Lada. I can tell, having seen quite a few Lada's in my time.
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tankd0g 11:18AM (8/26/2008)
Funny, I thought they said they would never do this.
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3seriesisking 12:02PM (8/26/2008)
I wish they had stuck with that philosophy.....
Mike 11:38AM (8/26/2008)
I would not say this is a sign of the apocalypse but It definitely is not in the tradition of the M badge. I do not really see where these type of vehicles fit into the market.
I understand people want utility as well as speed, but I would think those that could afford the probable $100,000 + for these vehicles would also be able to afford an M3 and as well as something else that would give them the utility they are looking for.
In the end; however, choice is never a bad thing and as long as BMW keeps churning out quality M cars I do not mind having these misfits toss on the badge as well
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Jason 11:30AM (8/26/2008)
I know these ridiculously expensive SUVs will be bought by people that could care less about the cost of fuel to feed that twin turbo V8 or V10... but I was getting the feeling that the days of purchasing large fuel hungry SUVs were on the sharp decline (for now). The middle and lower class stopped buying them for economic reasons and the upper class stopped buying them for perception reasons. Add this to the fact that BMW already said there would be no M SUVs and it dilutes the M brand. Lame across the board.
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joe 11:38AM (8/26/2008)
so the company that builds "the ultimate driving machine" can research and develop high performance versions of their SUV type vehicles, but can't come up with a competitor to the R8 because they want to research hybrid tech etc... how IS BMW being run these days...
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fobunited 11:56AM (8/26/2008)
What do you think costs less? Developing high end versions of cars that already exist with proven platforms or develop a brand new car from scratch?
rmc 12:28PM (8/26/2008)
Who told you they CAN'T, they just do not NEED.
And guys at AutoBlog - who told you it will be M not simply IS?, - they never had any problems pushing 4.6's and 4.8's.
Matt 12:43PM (8/26/2008)
I hope they go with the X5 with 'is' at the end of it instead of whoring out the M nomenclature the way AMG does. It will be a sad, sad day seeing an X5 M or X6 M on the road.
Not to say that it isn't already sad enough seeing the regular X6es around town. They look terrible.
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Isuzu32 12:46PM (8/26/2008)
The X6 looks like a turtle.
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JF 1:10PM (8/26/2008)
They both sound like V8s to me.
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Egon 1:40PM (8/26/2008)
Okay, let's play word association. I'll go first:
X6...Aztec.
Uh oh, I don't think that's what BMW was hoping for, but I'll be damned if that isn't what springs to mind when I see one of those misshapen lumps.
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Chase 3:49PM (8/26/2008)
I'm nearly 100% certain that if BMW is making an M version of the X5 and X6, they will be sporting the same engine... use your common sense.
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MONTE 4:04PM (8/26/2008)
Oooh oooh, BMW, can you please make this overpriced and pointless, not just pointless? Please?
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Tony 6:51PM (8/26/2008)
I would be all over the X6 if it was more fuel efficient. I can see myself driving to work or taking kids and some crap around town. I think I need to see it in person and next to my wife's MDX.
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Justin 11:55PM (8/26/2008)
X6 < 5 series wagon.
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George 9:56PM (8/27/2008)
Looks like BMW is finally exiting the side repeater lights in the fender era, and putting them into the mirrors the way they should have years earlier like MB. This could very well be just a 2009 or 2010 X6 with styling updates...
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