Photo: autoevolution
The launch of the new BMW X5 M model was postponed long enough. The F15 X5 was released over a year ago and we’re still lacking an M model to complete the line-up. Things are about to change in November, though, according to the latest rumors.
According to the organizers of the LA Auto Show, the new X5 M will be finally unveiled at the event they will host later this year alongside the X6 M which will basically share everything in terms of technology, excepting the body style.
The X6 was just launched earlier this year and it isn’t even on sale, the market opening up in December. Even so, considering that the two will be sharing the engine, transmission, brakes and even chassis, launching them together seems appropriate enough.
The worst case scenario implies the usage of the S63Tu engine which is basically the one from the F10 M5, with an upgraded VANOS system that sips less fuel and makes 5 HP extra. That’s also the most likely one to come true.
The best case scenario sees the two cars use an upgraded version of the 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo mill making around 600 HP and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. The same engine was used on the limited-run BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition, the fastest car the Germans ever made.
Premiere for the DCT-xDrive combo
This will also be the first time we’ll see the double-clutch BMW 7-speed DCT gearbox hooked up to the xDrive all-wheel drive system. Rumors claimed that the upcoming M5 will get xDrive as an optional feature, but the combo will be introduced for the first time on the F85 X5 M and the F86 X6 M.
The news was confirmed by a set of spyshots showing us the interior of the X6 M prototypes tested around Nurburgring. The DCT gearshift knob was present, replacing the old 6-speed auto.
With the new power, transmission and all-wheel drive the cars could very well post a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time dangerously close to the 4 second barrier, despite the 2-ton weight of the duo.
The X6 was just launched earlier this year and it isn’t even on sale, the market opening up in December. Even so, considering that the two will be sharing the engine, transmission, brakes and even chassis, launching them together seems appropriate enough.
What to expect from the new M models?
Early spyshots and info points to a couple of updates for the uber-SUVs. The 4.4-liter V8 will be upgraded and replace the old S63 units making 555 HP and 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque. There are a couple of different scenarios at play here, though.The worst case scenario implies the usage of the S63Tu engine which is basically the one from the F10 M5, with an upgraded VANOS system that sips less fuel and makes 5 HP extra. That’s also the most likely one to come true.
The best case scenario sees the two cars use an upgraded version of the 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo mill making around 600 HP and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. The same engine was used on the limited-run BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition, the fastest car the Germans ever made.
Premiere for the DCT-xDrive combo
This will also be the first time we’ll see the double-clutch BMW 7-speed DCT gearbox hooked up to the xDrive all-wheel drive system. Rumors claimed that the upcoming M5 will get xDrive as an optional feature, but the combo will be introduced for the first time on the F85 X5 M and the F86 X6 M.
The news was confirmed by a set of spyshots showing us the interior of the X6 M prototypes tested around Nurburgring. The DCT gearshift knob was present, replacing the old 6-speed auto.
With the new power, transmission and all-wheel drive the cars could very well post a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time dangerously close to the 4 second barrier, despite the 2-ton weight of the duo.
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