2010 BMW X5 M SUV spied

By George Skentzos | January 27th, 2009

With BMW having previously released an ‘official’ teaser video last month at the Nurburgring, our spy photographers have come across a prototype version of the forthcoming BMW X5 M SUV undergoing winter testing.

Having previously preached never to add the BMW SUV range to the M division line-up, the remarkable ability of these latest generation soft-roaders makes them more than qualified for a performance revamp.

At first glance this may appear to be just another X5, although the quad exhaust tips and slightly disguised trademark side vents reveal its true performance heritage.

Like its forthcoming X6 M sibling, the potent X5 will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine which should develop more power than the current V10 engines in the M5 and M6.

This could mean up to 373kW of power and a remarkable 700Nm – more than enough power to scare even the most conceited performance coupe driver.

Sam

Looks like the same car but squinting.
Alan

Whilst this new engine is likely to have more power and torque yet is more fuel effcient than the V10 from the current M5/M6, i can’t help but feel sad to see the end of naturally aspirated BMW M cars
Mick

I agree Alan, sure these twin turbo engines are powerful and fuel efficient. But like the saying goes “Theres no replacement for displacement”
And anyway is there really a need for a X5 M? All that power just to be driven around Toorak by mums picking up the kids from school?
Mitchell Oke

Competition for the Porsche Cayenne Turbo perhaps?

And yes it’s a bit sad that they have moved to forced induction, but I guess since it means even faster M cars it can’t be all bad
Bavarian Missile (.)(.)

700Nm -FARKKKKKKKKKKKKKK ! Is there an option box for that in any of the rest of the range we can tick ?

Porsche Cayenne needs to go on a diet from memory !