Photo: Autogespot
The 2015 BMW X5 M was just spotted near Nurburg, Germany, the place where all performance models go to be tested on the famous Nurburgring. The M SUV will soon be making its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, scheduled for next month.
Prototypes of both the X5 M and the X6 M were spotted before but none of them were so camo free like one we have here, pointing to a release happening real soon. So, what do we know about them so far?
New dual-clutch transmission
Up until now, the E70 X5 M and the E61 X6 M used a 6-speed automatic to get around. That gearbox worked flawlessly and few people complained about it. However, for the new models, the 7-speed DCT unit in the rest of the M cars will be implemented.
That means we’ll get to see at work, for the first time, the xDrive all-wheel drive system in concordance with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Could this point to a future all-wheel drive M5? Rumors certainly say so but we’ll have to wait and see.
Less weight, better engine
Following the same principle of the F80/F82 M3 and M4 duo, the new X5 M (and its brother later on) will be shedding weight as well. Don’t expect miracles, however, as these are SUV-sized cars and they will show it on the track or on the road.
At the same time, the S63 engine on the previous models will be replaced. The old one was the first turbocharged plant the M division made and it was rated at 555 HP and 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque. On the new models, we’re expecting to see the S63B44T2 engine at least.
That’s the one used on the M5/M6 duo that’s good for 560 HP and the same amount of torque. However, we could see an even better version used too, one with around 600 HP. That’s yet to be confirmed.
New colors and new options will be introduced with the new models, amongst them the Long Beach Blue and Donnington Grey paints. Production is set to begin this December with deliveries starting next year.
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