EXCLUSIVE SPY PHOTOS:
BMW X5 M

© RoAnSa Carspy Photography and The Auto Channel. No reproduction or use of these photos is permitted without express written permission. Contact info@theautochannel.com for information.

TACH AUTO CENTRAL – February 16, 2008: For months there’s been many rumors circulating about the possibility of an “M” designated BMW X5 coming our way. While BMW, itself, once seems to have pooh-poohed the idea saying that no SUV (oops, sorry, that’s SAV in BMW lingo) could be worthy of an “M” performance rating, these latest photos help fuel the fires that the X5 M will soon be reality.

It's suspected that the vehicle will be outfitted with a V10 600bhp engine (other rumors suggest a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8).

These photos, taken in northern Scandinavia, show a very finished design with light camouflage on it.

The projected release date is late 2008. We wonder if we will see and hear more about the X5 M at the forthcoming 2008 Geneva Motor Show…Stay tuned to this channel.

General X5 (non M) Background
BMW’s class-leading Sports Activity Vehicle is now available with the world’s most powerful production six-cylinder diesel powerplant. The award-winning twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine has been brought to the BMW X5 range to cater for a growing demand for performance SAVs.

The BMW X5 3.0sd provides the driver with 286hp and a flat torque curve with a peak of 580Nm from a lowly 1,750rpm to ensure rapid performance. The X5 3.0sd is capable of accelerating from zero to 62mph in 7.0 seconds before going on to a top speed of 146mph.

Model / Price OTR BMW X5 3.0sd SE £42,630 BMW X5 3.0sd M Sport £47,6755

The drivetrain in the BMW X5 3.0sd is unique in its segment as it utilizes two differently sized turbochargers operating in sequential stages depending on driver inputs. The key to the engine’s smooth power delivery is that, despite the mechanics of two turbochargers providing variable power, they deliver a consistent 2.85bar pressure to the intercooler at all times. One smaller turbocharger provides near instantaneous power at low engine speeds, while a larger turbocharger provides the mid to top end power. The boost of both turbochargers is a regulated by an ECU and three control valves. This arrangement ensures optimum performance delivery from just above idle speed through to the red line and makes for impressive performance figures and an absence of turbo lag.

Power in the X5 3.0sd is transmitted to the road via a standard six-speed automatic gearbox and BMW’s renowned xDrive four-wheel-drive system. Complementing xDrive technology is the use of Dynamic Stability Control + including Dynamic Traction Control. DSC+ is the most advanced stability control system currently available on a production car and comes with four additional features above and beyond the original DSC system. DSC+ adds Hill-start assistant, Brake pre-tensioning, Brake fade compensation and Brake drying. Dynamic Traction Control, when engaged, allows for a degree of wheel slip to permit forward motion on slippery surfaces such as ice and snow. It also allows the keener driver to revel in the handling characteristics of the X5 without the DSC+ interrupting the flow unless the situation becomes critical.

Diesel power accounts for more than 90 per cent of X5 sales in the UK and the new X5 3.0sd is being introduced to satisfy the wishes of some existing X5 owners who asked for an even greater level of performance. To cope with this the X5 3.0sd features uprated brakes compared to a standard 3.0d and comes fitted with thicker and larger diameter disc brakes for greater retardation. For a subtle and discreet visual differentiation between the two diesel X5 models the 3.0sd also has a chrome kidney grille with titanium vertical slats.