BMW X5 M and X6 M get official teaser site, source code reveals 550 bhp
The teaser site's tag line reads, "M. Welcome to the next chapter." The now official X5 M and X6 M will certainly be something we've never read in the book of BMW high performance vehicles. Recent chapters have featured high-horsepower, rear-wheel-drive cars like the M3, M5 and M6 as their main protagonist, but these new Ms will be big, weigh over 5,000 lbs apiece and use all-wheel drive. In addition to the new teaser site that rounds up all available info on the two newest Ms, BMW has released a first official teaser video in which the M division's Bernd Limmer reveals that the X5 M and X6 M will be powered by versions of the existing twin-turbo 4.4L V8, likely tuned to around 500 horsepower. Being an M car has always required more than just high horses, however, and we can expect the X vehicles to feature heavily tuned suspensions and all-wheel-drive systems with a rear bias for better handling. Throw in better brakes, bigger wheels and tires and subtly revised styling, and consider the next chapter of M read until the official reveal takes place in early April. Follow the jump to watch BMW's official teaser for the X5 M and X6 M.
UPDATE: Jalopnik noticed that the source code of the minisite revealed a tag cloud with such interesting tags as "550 bhp", "Twin Scroll Twin Turbo", "V8" and, our favorite, "gills".
Gallery: BMW X5 M and X6 M - spy shots
[Source: BMW]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Alex 3:36PM (3/05/2009)
*pbbt*
hi-po SUVs sould be left to Dakar.
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AMcA 11:50PM (3/05/2009)
Wow, BMW's going the way of General Motors. Debasing its best names, robbing them of all their meaning.
"M" officially no longer means serious sports car.
Dumb.
Expect a BMW bankruptcy about 25 years down the road.
M 4:37PM (3/08/2009)
I agree that putting an M badge on an SUV isn't enthusiast-kosher, but saying that BMW will be bankrupt for it is just ignorant.
Look at what the Cayenne did for Porsche sales. We have to remember they are running a BUSINESS.
Serge 3:42PM (3/05/2009)
What is this world coming to???
Cayenne Turbo S - 550hp
Range Rover Sport SC - 510hp (new Jag engine)
X5 ///M - 550hp
So much for CAFE...
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Serge 3:44PM (3/05/2009)
In the spirit of competition GM needs to downsize the Escalade, call it Escalade Mini. Then proceed to shoehorn an LS9 into the engine bay...
SteveO 12:59AM (3/06/2009)
I believe it's called the SRX. And it would be kick a$$ with an LS9, make it an SRX-V.
mapoftazifosho 3:42PM (3/05/2009)
Agreed! I need these like we needed the Pontiac Aztec.
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ZedCar 3:47PM (3/05/2009)
Prepare to water down M branding.
Liquidation sequence initiated.
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P.V. 5:53PM (3/05/2009)
I really don't see what the big deal is about making an (BMW terminology alert!) M SAV. If Mercedes-Benz can do it for AMG, BMW can do it for M.
Jei 4:00PM (3/05/2009)
There is a market for high performance SUVs. M-B, Infiniti, VW/Porsche has definitely known this for years. As the jagged line blurs between SUVs, CUVs, wagons, and sport tourers; there will be an unending need to offer something more powerful and luxurious.
The industry should take the Aston Martin SUV concept seriously. GM's Cadillac brand has provided proof that you can throw in an hybrid powertrain and more than make up the costs to provide it.
A few years back, there were rumors that, then DaimlerChrysler was going to make a Maybach SUV using the GL-class platform. Now that we know the dual-mode hybrid transmission works on big SUVs and that a diesel can be mated to that same hybrid system, a Maybach SUV isn't totally improbable.
Also, who knew Lambo wanted to create a 4-dr raging bull? Well, they did it, and next they'll conjure up an exoticar SUV to match it in their next generation line-up.
SUVs aren't going away. But they'll get more luxurious and efficient.
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Mazda FTW! 4:24PM (3/05/2009)
"As the jagged line blurs between SUVs, CUVs, wagons, and sport tourers"
You're right. That's why cars like this are big blobs with 600HP. Great for people who don't like cars but want lux badges on ego-boosting sized vehicles with a lot of HP so they can let the neighbours know they have powerful vehicles.
We actual enthusiasts know the future lies in speed3s and Focii STs. Small, light, powerful small engines and rally/track-bred handling.
Kitko 5:27PM (3/05/2009)
My friend Mazda is right, this is yet another ego/penis extension from a company that likes to answer questions nobody asked. I bet X6 estate cabriolet is already in the works.
Scott 10:40PM (3/05/2009)
Mazda, did you purposely leave out the 135i or do you not realize BMW also plays in that market, and you could say kind of invented it with the original 3 series?
sshyourmom 4:57AM (3/06/2009)
Absolutely. I now own a 1986 BMW 325i after a string of Focus', Fiestas and 1 Series' and I believe that is the future: 170 BHP, 1200 Kg, no traction control (but ABS), space for 5 and I can actually work on the car myself.
Jason 1:00PM (3/06/2009)
Yeah, a 3200 lb FWD nose-heavy, heavily-boosted Mazdaspeed3 is totally a track car. Way more than 3400 lb, 50/50, NA-feeling, RWD 135i.
Anyway, if you really think about it, this isn't big news. The M5 and M6 already weigh 4000 lbs. The M6 vert is 4400 lbs. Not exactly autocross material.
The X6 already handles great with the torque vectoring AWD system. Expect ///M to take that a step further. Add to that the fact that the X5 and X6 have the widest track of any BMW, ///M tuned suspension, better rubber.
Aki 4:04PM (3/05/2009)
SUVs aren't going away, but they're not going to sell in droves like they used to. Which means these monstrosities could very well flop. The X6 is a waste of space--even moreso with the X6 M.
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Emeka Diribe 4:05PM (3/05/2009)
What is all that power supposed to be for? You don't want to race your overpriced toy the one weekend you have time in 4 months since you are afraid to crash it. When will you ever use all that power? Such a waste. Sheesh.
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Coolio 4:30PM (3/05/2009)
X6 - the Aztec of BMW's...
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Dave 4:39PM (3/05/2009)
I still prefer the original muscle SUVs. The GMC Typhoon and the Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9L. I had a 5.9L and it was a great car for the late 90s. Gas was cheap, it was loud, had a great rumble, and I could put 5 friends and skis to go to VT. Not so fuel efficiant, but it was still a cool regular SUV.
Caddy should shohorn an LS9 into the SRX just for kicks as a concept.
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[1er] Bimmer Boy 4:57PM (3/05/2009)
I, for one, cannot wait to see what they make of my favorite SUV's from Bavaria!!! I don't see the reason for all the hate...
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