Autoblog

Next BMW X5 M snapped storming the Nürburgring

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

BMW is getting ready to launch the third-generation X5 next year, and not wanting to make performance-minded customers wait too long, the X5 M is expected soon after the standard models. As seen in the video we posted last week, the new M-powered X5 is putting down some punishing laps at the Nurburgring. Now we're happy to supplement that video with some new spy photos of that test car.

The shots show more detail of the souped-up crossover, such as the cross-drilled rotors, the blue brake calipers and the signature quad exhaust. We can't tell much about the new X5 M's design, but we expect the front fascia to have massive intakes to feed air to the twin-turbo V8 that's likely to be found underhood. Figure on least 560 horsepower - the power rating of this engine in the new M5.

Next BMW X5 M snapped storming the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Oct 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next BMW X5 M caught bludgeoning 'Ring, sounds fierce

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

The engineers at BMW's M Division have their magical finite element analysis machines working on the next-generation high-performance version of the company's popular X5 crossover, and they've taken a disguised X5 M prototype to Germany's Nürburgring to run the numbers. According to forum user Jason at Bimmerpost, the impetuous BMW CUV will begin the trend of M vehicles arriving more quickly after their progenitors. A pedestrian airbag and iDrive Touch Controller could be inaugurated with this model, too.

The production model is expected to utilize the same 560-horsepower S63Tü engine found in the M5, and blasting around the 'Ring in the video below, it's the X5 M's sepulchral bellowing that gets our attention well in advance of what looks like some ridiculous handling chops (note the tripod action in the corner above).

Continue reading Next BMW X5 M caught bludgeoning 'Ring, sounds fierce

Next BMW X5 M caught bludgeoning 'Ring, sounds fierce originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW pits M3 against X5 M at Laguna Seca in Zanardi-esque promo

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW

It's nice to see that someone at BMW apparently has a wry sense of humor when it comes to the X5 M. We are not shy about admitting that we find it hard to take the 550-horsepower SUV seriously - we famously called it a "2.7-ton Miata with a lampshade on its head and a serious coke habit," when we reviewed it back in 2010. But this little 30-second spot pairing it with the M3 has us tickled with nostalgic memories of the 1996 CART finale at Laguna Seca.

Sixteen years ago, there was no Mazda in the storied track's name, just a heck of a battle through all 11 turns of the final lap of the season. Rookie-of-the-year Alex Zanardi made one of the historic racing moves, passing Bryan Herta on the inside of the downhill "Corkscrew" turn, running through the dirt to make the lead change stick.

If you're wondering what this might have to do with the X5 M, click through the jump to see both the BMW ad and the vintage CART footage.

Continue reading BMW pits M3 against X5 M at Laguna Seca in Zanardi-esque promo

BMW pits M3 against X5 M at Laguna Seca in Zanardi-esque promo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 BMW X5 M is illogically sound

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Europe, BMW, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2010 BMW X5 M - Click above for high-res image gallery

No one ever said that evolution is pretty. Take the best-of-breed BMW M Division product: the E30 M3. Little more than a homologated race car, the first generation M3 was potent, nimble, and with its small displacement 2.3-liter inline-four fed by a retweaked M1 intake, it was light, too. Long story short, the OG M3 remains an ideal performance car.

Today, we have the X5 M. Looking at the bright blue truckish thing parked in the driveway, it's difficult - if not impossible - to see any sort of relation to BMW's vaunted and aforementioned M3 beyond its badges. You can't imagine what the missing link between the two might be. However, perhaps even mentioning the E30 M3 is being too puritanical. After all, very few vehicles could compare - let alone compete - with the street version of history's most winning road-race car. And you can bet your Roundel subscription that BMW will never competitively race an X5 M.

What then? It's not a newsflash, but the 2010 BMW X5 M doesn't remind you of sporty BMW products of yore. Of course, going back almost 25 years and looking at the first M3 through 1986-eyes, you would notice the hopped-up street car bears basically no resemblance whatsoever to BMW's hottie 1961 product, the Isetta 600. For those of you not up-to-date on your bubble car history, the Isetta 600 was a stretched, four-seat version of the 297cc, one-cylinder Iso-derived Isetta 300. The 600 featured a two-cylinder 0.6-liter moto engine and semi-trailing arm rear independent suspension. Actually come to think of it, the Isetta 600 and the E30 M3 at least shared a rear-suspension design. The X5 M then, in terms of BMW's history, is truly an alien from another world. A world where family haulers thrash muscle cars for pinks. But does any of that matter? Are companies not free to reinvent themselves, especially here in America, where the X5 M is built? Perhaps most importantly, is the X5 M any good, let alone worthy of the vaunted M badge? Make the jump to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 BMW X5 M

Continue reading Review: 2010 BMW X5 M is illogically sound

Review: 2010 BMW X5 M is illogically sound originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Video: 2011 BMW M5 undergoes 'Ring Taxi practice

Zach Bowman — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Videos, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW M5 testing at the Nurburgring - Click above to watch video after the jump

The 2011 BMW M5 has been caught on video doing its thing around the 'Ring, and by "doing its thing" we really mean shredding the life out of the rear tires. Judging from the quick video, the massive sedan seems to have no problem hustling through the banked curves of every automaker's favorite test track.

BMW has kept its lips sealed when it comes to what exactly is under the hood of the next-generation M5 or when the lowly public will be able to get their greedy paws on the finished product. Rumor has it the German automaker has ditched the big, naturally-aspirated V10 we all know and love in favor of the same twin-turbocharged V8 found at the heart of X5 M and X6 M. If true, that means the car is packing somewhere around 578 horsepower in its arsenal.

As for when we'll finally see this big beastie without its psychedelic camouflage, your guess is as good as ours. In the mean time, hit the jump to see the uber sedan tackle the 'Ring.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Spy Video: 2011 BMW M5 undergoes 'Ring Taxi practice

Spy Video: 2011 BMW M5 undergoes 'Ring Taxi practice originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M looking to be more youthful, get more affordable?

Michael Harley — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:39:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, BMW

BMW Concept 1 Series Tii - Click above for high-res image gallery

There was a time, not too long ago, when a BMW M-badged vehicle was feared. In the late 1990s, the E36 M3 Coupe was often regarded as the best-handling two-door on the planet and its sibling, the E36 M3 Sedan, was the fastest four-door in showrooms. The droptop M Roadster offered a viable alternative to a Porsche 911 Cabriolet, while the bad-to-the bone E39 M5 ran without peers thanks to its 400-horsepower V8 .

Today's M models offer excellent performance, but the bar has been raised so high that cheaper upstarts like Mitsubishi and Subaru can give them a run for the money on tracks, not to mention surging premium competitors like Audi and arch rival, Mercedes-Benz and their AMG offerings. Kay Segler, the new chief of BMW's performance-oriented M brand, has taken notice. However, instead of pushing the well-respected division to the head of the pack with even greater levels of performance, Segler says it is time to rethink what his division stands for - meaning BMW M may no longer offer the fastest or most powerful cars possible.

"The measurement of 0 to 100 (km/h) isn't as much a thrill anymore," Segler tells TheDetroitBureau.com. He goes on to explain that it's how a car feels via the driver's "butt-o-meter" matters more. Furthermore, he says the performance M brand needs to shift directions. "We want to make M young again." Segler's goal "is to go towards affordability and freshness." Those are big changes considering the current M lineup represents the flagship of each model range - priced accordingly - along with gigantic SUVs like the 5,368-pound X5 M. Undeterred by the news, we are still holding our breath for a production version of the Concept 1 Series Tii.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

BMW M looking to be more youthful, get more affordable? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW announces start-stop system and Competition package for M3, M Sport for X5

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, BMW

BMW M3 Competition Package - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW is hell-bent on incorporating its EfficientDynamics systems into every model in its line-up, and the latest recipient is the M3, which will come equipped with Auto Start Stop this spring. According to BMW, the system, which cuts the engine when the M3 comes to a stop, reduces emissions and fuel consumption by up to eight percent.

BMW will also begin offering a Competition Package for the M3 coupe and sedan in Europe, which includes 19x9-inch wheels, a suspension lowered by 10mm and a revised Sport traction control setting. A carbon fiber rear spoiler and front apron flaps are included in the package, and can be ordered separately for older M3s.

A new M Sport package for the X5 will debut alongside the Competition M3 at the Geneva Motor Show, comprised of a 19- or 20-inch wheels wrapped in specially developed tires, a new front fascia with larger air intakes, "satinized aluminum" window surrounds, M leather steering wheel, footrest and a few interior tweaks. All the details, along with new Individual packages for the X5 M, X6 M, 5 and 7 Series sedans, are available in the press release below the fold.

Gallery: BMW M3 Competition Package

Continue reading BMW announces start-stop system and Competition package for M3, M Sport for X5

BMW announces start-stop system and Competition package for M3, M Sport for X5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Videos, Audi, BMW, Land Rover

Why the whole world loves Top Gear - click above to watch the video

If you're like us - and odds are very good you are - you have an evergreen problem. Namely, getting your significant other to feel one-tenth of the excitement about cars that you feel. Sure, you've tried explaining that while you almost drove off the freeway, it's okay because you were trying to catch up with a 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Indy Pace Car. Or that waking up at 5:30 am on a Saturday to stand around in a parking lot drinking coffee and gawking at old cars is a perfectly normal family activity. You've probably even suggested that she might be happier driving to work in a Citroën DS. Maybe that last part is just us. But maybe not.

Well friends, we have found the solution. The following ten minute clip of Jeremy Clarkson waxing extra poetic about three "mad" SUVs is practically guaranteed to delight even the most fervent, dyed-in-the-wool car hater. It's simply brilliant. Why? Because it's Jeremy at his very best. Yes, of course, he insults stewardesses, environmentalists and the mentally ill all the while powersliding around an abandoned air strip. But he does it all in his 100-percent totally lovable way that frankly we find impossible to resist. Even those spouses that think your big, fat V8, "sounds wasteful" are sure to become fast fans. How could anyone argue with "sliced dolphins?" Make the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Top Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged

VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond

Jonny Lieberman — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:23:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Crossover, BMW

G-Power Typhoon X6 M - click above for hi-res image gallery

We all know what the biggest problem with the BMW X6 M is, right? Not nearly enough power. Sure, 555 hp from a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 is 5 hp more potent than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, making the X6 M the most powerful production SUV on earth. Still, 600 hp is the new black, so a stock X6 M just ain't going to cut it. Thank heavens, then, for G-Power.

Meet the G-Power Typhoon. Thanks to 15% increased airflow to the intercoolers, G-Power was able to wrangle an additional 45 hp out of the Bimmer's motivator. Torque's up a bit, too. From 500 lb-ft to 516. G-Power claims the 0-62 mph dash is lowered to 4.5 seconds, too. One issue with that, however: Inside Line ripped off a 4.3 second 0-60 mph blast in a stock X6 M, meaning this here Typhoon should be three flavors of bonkers.

Then there's the matter of looks, always a sticking point when discussing modern Bimmers. Here's what we recommend. Go down to your friendly neighborhood BMW dealer with a folding chair. Locate an X6. Sit down in front of it and start staring. Meditate, let everything else you've ever known or thought about cars and car design melt out of your mind. This should take between five and seven hours. The salespeople won't mind -- honest. When you snap out of your trance with your doors of perception suddenly nailed open, the X6 will appear to you as it truly is -- pretty okay-looking.

That settled, we'll admit to liking the G-Power's mods. For instance, you can't say the new front clip looks worse than the old one, can you? And who amongst you doesn't love 25mm profile tires riding on 23-inch wheels? There's all sorts of carbon fiber this and kevlar that available as well. The best part just might be that G-Power isn't leaving the X5 M -- the X6 M's ugly duckling sibling -- out in the cold, as there's a Typhoon kit for it, too. You know what word comes to mind? Nifty, all of it. Highly entertaining press release after the jump.

Gallery: G-Power X6 M and X5 M

[Source: G-Power]

Continue reading G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond

G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: More details on BMW's rumored M1(s)

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:22:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Europe, BMW

BMW 1 Series Tii Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has the mid-engined R8 (now available with a 525-horsepower V10). Mercedes-Benz now has the AMG SLS (with more power than the R8 - 563 horses). BMW has... a 500-horsepower V10 in a 4,000 pounds M6. Not exactly competitive in the supercar department these days. Well, according to everyone's favorite British Buff Book (EVO), BMW will be releasing a new supercar. Probably something resembling a mashup between the M1 Homage Concept and the Vision EfficientDynamics Hybrid Concept. However, it might not be called M1. Or, it might be.

Here's the thing - BMW is also believed to be working on a buffed out, super version of the 135i (based on the Tii Concept) that semi-logically could be called the M1. Check out the supposed stats on this little puppy: a reworked twin-turbo 3.0-liter motor good for 400 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque, a 150 pound weight reduction, seven-speed dual-clutch tranny, the M3's suspension and torque-vectoring rear end. Where do we sign up?

The issue is that some people within BMW feel the semi-sacred M1 moniker should be reserved only for a car that replaces the 1978 M1, the first car BMW's Motorsports Division ever made (even if Lamborghini played a roll). They do have a point, as among us gearhead types the M1 is a pretty reverential piece of machinery. However, what would you call an M-caliber 1 Series?

Autoblog's advice is this: nothing's sacred. Call the hopped-up 135i the M1. No one cares except for a few old timers within BMW and a few fanatics on the outside. Besides, the aforementioned old timers have sat idly by as the fabled M Division has arguably diluted its once lofty rep by releasing the X5 M and X6 M. It's all water (and money) under the bridge anyhow. And by freeing themselves from this false dilemma (because really, who cares?), BMW is free to name the new supercar the M8.

Failing that, just name the mighty 1 Series the Tii (confusing almost everyone) and reserve M1 for a proper supercar. We don't really mind, as long as both cars go on sale. And no matter the name, it sounds like the range-topping 1 Series should see the light of day in 2011 and the new supercar - which will pair BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with two electric motors - should come online around 2012. Color us excited.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

Gallery: BMW M1 Hommage

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

[Source: EVO]

REPORT: More details on BMW's rumored M1(s) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW X5 M caught in South Carolina... but will it debut in NY?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, Performance, SUV, BMW

BMW X5 M spy shots - Click above for gallery

Two alert readers caught these latest snapshots of BMW's forthcoming X5 M near the company's Spartanburg, South Carolina facility. With that stance, six front intakes, and that enormous rubber, it looks like the perfect vehicle for a group of Bavarian hitmen, albeit in silver. Some cyber sleuthing revealed terms like "550 bhp" and "Twin Scroll Twin Turbo" on the X5 M and X6 M microsite, but the countdown is only at 4 days and a bit, so we probably won't see particulars until then.

Interestingly, BMW has confirmed that its slant-backed stablemate, the X6 M, will definitely debut at next week's New York Auto Show, so we're looking forward to checking it out. Officially, however, there's no confirmation that the X5 M will make it to the show - but we suspect it will make an appearance just the same. You can read all about BMW's Big Apple showings in the press release after the jump, and check out the gallery of X5 M spy shots below. Thanks to the ClayVon and Eddie, who took these great photos for us!

Gallery: BMW X5 M Reader Spy Shots

Continue reading Spy Shots: BMW X5 M caught in South Carolina... but will it debut in NY?

Spy Shots: BMW X5 M caught in South Carolina... but will it debut in NY? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW X5 M and X6 M get official teaser site, source code reveals 550 bhp

John Neff — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, BMW

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]

Continue reading BMW X5 M and X6 M get official teaser site, source code reveals 550 bhp

BMW X5 M and X6 M get official teaser site, source code reveals 550 bhp originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW's 2009 unveiling schedule?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossover, BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce

BMW Blog has trained its spyglass on what it says is a list of BMW rollouts for 2009, and it will begin next month with the brand spankin' new Z4 showcased at the Detroit Auto Show. It is March, though, that will bring year's first real bounty. At Geneva, BMW will be showing off a concept version of the Progressive Activity Vehicle (half 5 Series, half X6), the Concept eDrive (an electric 1 Series or 3 Series), a Z4 Individual, and the Rolls-Royce 102EX (otherwise known as the RR4). Then in April, BMW's taking the show to Shanghai with the 760Li.

Post-Shanghai, you'll get a few months to digest. Then at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, BMW is expected to have the production-ready Progressive Activity Vehicle on display and the MINI Crossover. It is there, perhaps, that they'll also trot out a show pony speedster they call the Vision-Z with eDrive, their idea of "progress of sports cars for the future." And sprinkled on top throughout the year come launches of the 7 Series xDrive, 7 Series Hybrid, X5 M, X6 M, and X6 Active Hybrid. For bimmer lovers, 2009 is going to be a jubilee year.

[Source: BMW Blog]

BMW's 2009 unveiling schedule? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW M-tuned X5 and X6 in Spartanburg

Noah Joseph — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, BMW

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]

Spy Shots: BMW M-tuned X5 and X6 in Spartanburg originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW X5 M

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, BMW

The proud parents at BMW just can't stop adding new runts to the litter. The latest, which looks to be a rather large runt, is what could be a BMW X5 M. Spotted on a car hauler somewhere in the Fatherland, the modified X sports quad pipes that don't emerge from their usual slots, but are spaced further apart than the usual M arrangement. It's also got a note inside informing drivers not to let the engine run for more than thirty minutes, which could have something to do with the blacked-out camo job covering the front spoiler.

Some folks bet it will be powered by the 5.0-liter V10 from the M's 5 and 6. BMW has said, though, that that engine is reserved exclusively for those two cars. If not that, then it could be a twin-turbo V8 with 430 HP. That would be a 70 HP jump over the normally aspirated 4.8-liter V8, slotting the X5 M between the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, and putting it 80 HP down on the Mercedes ML 63. Frankly, we don't think that sounds very M, nor anything like The Ultimate SUV. Stay tuned.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Spy Shots: BMW X5 M originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW M X5 spotted

Siddharth Raja — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, SUV, BMW

BMW has consistently argued that a vehicle like the X5 is not fitting with the whole 'M' philosophy of increased performance through reduced weight but despite this spy-photographers have recently come across a new X5 prototype rolling around the streets of Munich with some very distinct M styling cues. The test-mule was seen sporting a new front bumper with much larger intakes than usual, while the back of the car was adorned with a quad-tailpipe arrangement sitting lower than the usual V8 models.

A further clue to this mule being a high-performance version was the sound of the engine. The photographer claimed it sounded very different to any of the X5's current powerplants, suggesting that it could be a new V10 version or possibly a twin-turbo V8 set-up. The final giveaway is the prototype's performance tires, signalling that we may have a new M car on the way.

We can picture the purists around the world shedding a tear at the thought of BMW adding an M badge to an SUV but if Porsche can get away with selling a sports off-roader, and AMG can pump up the Mercedes M-Class than we suppose BMW could too.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: BMW M X5 spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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