Next Gen 2015 BMW X5 M (F15) Begins Testing! [Updated with Video]

[Minimization]

Scott, please tell us that at least the new X5M/X6M will get the new torque-proof M DCT found in the M5/6.

I just can not respect any M vehicle with a traditional torque-converter automatic. If we wanted that, we would go to AMG.

Also, you mentioned a second version of the old M5 V10. Will you be developing such an engine with biturbu to replace the V12 in the future 760Li/M7? It's consistent with the cylinder/displacement reduction plus forced induction trend.

[singularity]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The sight of the X5M testing is purely testament to how successful the current E70 X5M has been on the market. And for M.

Dubbed by many as the "Antithesis" of M , because it was an SAV.
BMW Could not stand by and watch the growth of other competitors in which BMW have reigned in a substantial customer base aswell as a significant profit margin even with sales outselling other M.vehicles such as the previous M3 Sedan.
In some markets X5M and X6M are the best selling M vehicles.
And even in the face of increased competition both X5M and X6M are still huge sellers. The continuation of the X5M is strategically important especially as the SUV begins to define the luxury segment thanks to growth in new and emerging markets as well as traditional markets.
Which paves way for BMW to expand their SAV range from an entry X1 right up to an upcoming ultra-premium X7.

The next generation X5M will appear a year after the initial F15 Production.
The window for launch is now closer than the E70, The next generation X5M and X6M will run the "Phase II" of the S63TÜ engine found in the M5 and M6 models. "Phase II" takes power up to a ceiling of 580HP.

Because of the current and future alignment between X5 and X6. There will be a next generation X6M model as both are the byproducts of success.
Initially BMW had only planned for an X6M having carried out tests with the next step of the previous V10 engine. But the close relationship between the X6 and X5 proved to be an opportunity not to be missed.

The same relationship exists between the X3 and the forthcoming X4.
And although BMW have said no X3M they said that about X5.
If the opportunity arises. It would not be difficult to develop.

Indirectly, the conclusions I make from your post are:
1) M6GC will have S63TÜ Phase II, as will X5M and X6M
2) Next generation M5 will introduce a completely new engine

[vladberca]

X7 will be a rival for Merc GL..

The future M models (X5 and X6) will remain the best in class if there will be an important weight drop

[xDrive35i]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

this looks sick... can't wait for the f15.. loving the shorter intro time for the M models...

ideal world for the f15 - longer wheelbase, improved rear leg room (which hopefully spawns a legit 3rd row) and a 400-500 lb weight drop.

I know that sounds overly optimistic, but they can definitely drop 400# off a 5000# vehicle. Porsche did it with their new cayenne. The engines and trannies are great as they are - no change needed there.... except putting the 8AT on the diesel model to really kick up the performance/efficiency.

Can't wait - coming soon - MY 2013 is the last run on the E70.

The 2013 Range Rover is 400-800 pounds lighter than the previous model--depending on which engine and trim level you get.

[xDrive35i]

Originally Posted by e92miami

Another big BMW with tinny little wheels. Why can't they make the wheels/tires size proportional to their cars like Audi and MB?

Too true.

[DASHOCKER]

580 hp! Jesus Christ!

[positiveions]

beefy brakes

[ATX78703]

that's awesome that it is only 6 month follow time on ring testing for the f15 M! I think the main criticism of the F10 is that the platform/steering is so much "softer" than the E60. I do NOT think that will be a complaint with F15. This is def a BMW model, which I have been eagerly anticipating (pls don't screw it up BMW!)

[krnnerdboy]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

this looks sick... can't wait for the f15.. loving the shorter intro time for the M models...

ideal world for the f15 - longer wheelbase, improved rear leg room (which hopefully spawns a legit 3rd row) and a 400-500 lb weight drop.

I know that sounds overly optimistic, but they can definitely drop 400# off a 5000# vehicle. Porsche did it with their new cayenne. The engines and trannies are great as they are - no change needed there.... except putting the 8AT on the diesel model to really kick up the performance/efficiency.

Can't wait - coming soon - MY 2013 is the last run on the E70.

Most of that weight was from removing the low range transfer case. Which was a big downgrade IMHO

[iceman335]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

The Cayenne is smaller and tighter inside. The X5's extra room appeals to the 95% of models sold, the non M ones.

Nonetheless, the E70 X5M just beat the current Cayenne Turbo and ML 63 in a recent comparison in Car and Druver! And it's much older than both of those so.......

Not a single chance bro, C&D actually prefer the new Cayenne Turbo instead of the E70 X5M. The E70 X5M is a good powerful SUV, but no where near the Cayenne Turbo in terms of balance, handling and weight, not to mention the interior as well.

Though between the previous Cayenne Turbo(08-10 model) and X5M, they picked X5M. If F15 X5M can lose ~400-500lbs just like the Cayenne did, I am sure the result will be changed again.

And yes, the interior of X5 is not as good as Cayenne, but it's just about right.

[flightz71]

Originally Posted by krnnerdboy

Most of that weight was from removing the low range transfer case. Which was a big downgrade IMHO

Yes because 99% of the people who buy these cars actually utilize the low range transfer case...

Actually more so, it went Jenny Craig but to the new chassis being a unibody instead of a body on frame "truck".

Point being people are just buying these cars as status symbols instead of using them for what they are intended. Nothing wrong with it, very smart business oriented product managers is what it is.

Back on topic... love the sound of this new X5 M. Those turbos sound phenomenal. Not that the majority of the people who can afford these cars actually will tap even 50% of the power, but still cool nonetheless

[Jason]

Updated first post with the first ever video of the next gen X5 M.

Impressive sounding and fast!!

[Beemw335]

I dont know if its just me, but it look sort of like a Range Rover. Its gotten more square, especially the roof and back of the car...
Hopefully it looks better once the vinyl is taken off..

[yuyue]

0:37, sound not bad from a modern bmw

[kozzi]

Great video. Love the way it moves on the track and it sounds like it's gonna be a beast. I don't think it looks like a range rover but it does seem to have gotten more square. When can we expect to see some camo come off?

[AndreyATC]

Originally Posted by Jason

Updated first post with the first ever video of the next gen X5 M.

Impressive sounding and fast!!

Thank you for the video Jason
This thing sounds unbelievable !
I would say better than most BMWs to date
It looks super fast as well on that track
Just wow

[SoCali E90]

Looks so stable on the turns. Almost no body roll!

[kozzi]

Originally Posted by iceman335

Not a single chance bro, C&D actually prefer the new Cayenne Turbo instead of the E70 X5M. The E70 X5M is a good powerful SUV, but no where near the Cayenne Turbo in terms of balance, handling and weight, not to mention the interior as well.

Though between the previous Cayenne Turbo(08-10 model) and X5M, they picked X5M. If F15 X5M can lose ~400-500lbs just like the Cayenne did, I am sure the result will be changed again.

And yes, the interior of X5 is not as good as Cayenne, but it's just about right.

Not a single chance? I remember the C&D article from 2010 where the Cayenne Turbo finished 2nd to the X5M. Here is the 2012 review. Good read. Don't know about 2013...couldn't really find anything.

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...on-test-review

1st Place 2012 BMW X5M
2nd Place 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG
3rd Place 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
4th Place 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

[JasonCSU]

Originally Posted by krnnerdboy

Most of that weight was from removing the low range transfer case. Which was a big downgrade IMHO

Agreed. I prefer 'true' SUV's with low range gearing that can be used when four wheeling, though I'm definitely the minority on that compared to the general SUV driving public.

[Jblack4083]

Sounds somewhat tame compared to the M6 and even M5

[Rich@GTBPerformance]

Poor tires... They are not having a good time.

[iceman335]

Originally Posted by kozzi

Not a single chance? I remember the C&D article from 2010 where the Cayenne Turbo finished 2nd to the X5M. Here is the 2012 review. Good read. Don't know about 2013...couldn't really find anything.

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...on-test-review

1st Place 2012 BMW X5M
2nd Place 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG
3rd Place 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
4th Place 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

My bad bro, it's from MT: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...n/viewall.html

But like I said if the F15 X5 can indeed drop 400lbs I am sure it will be the king again, no question!(at least before the next Cayenne comes out).