High-performance BMW X5 mule spy photos

[Mark]

BMW's high-performance X5 mule has hit the 'Ring again, this time
showing some interesting changes compared to earlier prototypes.
While prior prototypes always had a more aggressive front bumper, the
headlight design remained pure X5. On this newest prototype, the
headlights appear to have been switched out with X6 headlights. If
there are any changes to the X5's deeper front bumper, we can't
discern them through the camouflage.

This latest prototype also features a new rear treatment. Earlier
prototypes used the standard X5 rear valance, mocked-up to accommodate
its new M-style quad exhaust set-up. The X5 shot yesterday, however,
gets a new, larger rear bumper that wraps around to the middle of the
rear wheel well. The rear fascia on the new prototype looks like a
more-finished production applicatin compared to the initial test mules.

This hotter X5 prototype still remains something of an enigma. Three
scenarios have been suggested: Is it an X5 M, a new X5 5.0is, or is
it a mule for a V-10-powered X6. The application of a new production-
looking rear bumper lends credence to the argument for a hotter X5--
most likely the new 5.0is. The addition of the X6's headlights
muddies the waters a bit more. Will this sportier X5 adopt X6
headlights while lesser X5s keep their normal lights, or will all X5s
get X6 front lamps as a mid-cycle facelift?

While we can't say with certainty exactly where the X5 lineup will
head in the next two years, it's clear that this hotter X5-based
prototype is progressing toward a more finished product.

[da91]

sorry if it's a dumb question, but why isn't there (or hasn't there been) an M version of the X5?

[Palbay]

Originally Posted by da91

sorry if it's a dumb question, but why isn't there (or hasn't there been) an M version of the X5?

It's coming very soon.Along w/ X6"M" as well.Both are now testing over here in the states as well.Thanks. PalBay

[shenard]

Originally Posted by Palbay

It's coming very soon.Along w/ X6"M" as well.Both are now testing over here in the states as well.Thanks. PalBay

Now all we need is for you to catch a few clips of one while they are testing!!

[Palbay]

Nice pic's!!!!I caught a short, very poor quality vid of a very weird looking X5 at the PC track.I need to post it up.It's real bad.My point is this,it was either an X5 "M" or X5 Hybrid (new prototype maybe?) or an X6 "M" or Hybrid w/ the X5 body to throw everyone off.It's the only time I've ever had anybody hassle me from BMW from the vantage point I shoot most of my pic's and vid's from at the PC.That's alot of hours I've stood at that point and no one has ever said BOO to me. I stand on public property anyway,but BMW sent an X5 out to the area I stand to try and scare or intimidate me to leave.Whatever I saw go down the PC track that day,BMW WAS NOT a happy camper about me seeing it on the track.This X5 or whatever it was made one pass and did not return.I'm on the hunt for that vehicle,whatever it was.Thanks. PalBay

[d3l0n]

5 Liter V8 Sport Package??

[BMWPower06]

Originally Posted by Joey Babs

Nice They need to have an answer to the super charged Range's and Porsche trucks. An M would do just the trick. Front valance looks very M'ish, kinda like the M5. Well from what we can see anyway....

The X5 4.8i is already quicker than the SC Range

[NovaBimmer]

its probably the Twin Turbo V8 from the X6

[a burrito]

Originally Posted by BMWPower06

The X5 4.8i is already quicker than the SC Range

very true. my EX car was a 4.8is and that is significantly quicker than any RR Supercharged. Much more raw too. I just wish that they could've made this sooner... i miss my 4.8is

[hellrotm]

Originally Posted by Palbay

It's coming very soon.Along w/ X6"M" as well.Both are now testing over here in the states as well.Thanks. PalBay

Actually I heard the opposite, that BMW won't use "M" on an suv ever.

The M badges are exclusive to their performance cars only. They will not go the route of AMG.

But there is a high performance X5 coming, it just won't carry a "M" badge.

[M-Nuts]

What is the wire attached to the rear wheels?

[mapezzul]

Originally Posted by BlackJetE90

Actually I heard the opposite, that BMW won't use "M" on an suv ever.

The M badges are exclusive to their performance cars only. They will not go the route of AMG.

But there is a high performance X5 coming, it just won't carry a "M" badge.

You are correct. It will be something different.

What this could be is the twin turbo V8 being tested for suspension rates, since the are using the measuring tool for suspension. The added weight of the twin turbo engine requires re-calibration of the spring rates and dampers.

The twin turbo V8 will replace the current 5.0 in all applications very soon.

[NM27]

i Don't know why, but it seems to me that the rear wheel in these pics look smaller, do you guyshave any clue about it?

[NM27]

Originally Posted by mapezzul

What this could be is the twin turbo V8 being tested for suspension rates, since the are using the measuring tool for suspension. The added weight of the twin turbo engine requires re-calibration of the spring rates and dampers.

I will stick with this possibility...

[Imola.ZHP]

X5 tii
X6 tii

????

Supposedly they are bringing a "tii" version of the 1er and the 3er, just passing the thought along...

Looks great!

[mapezzul]

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

X5 tii
X6 tii

????

Supposedly they are bringing a "tii" version of the 1er and the 3er, just passing the thought along...

Looks great!

Not quite... the tii info you are quoting is not true and even if it were, there would be no chance the X models would get it, it is to be lightweight and sporty, not your SAV material.

The tii rumor was released to introduce the tii parts that just happened to be released the next day after those rumors began to circulate.
The tii model will be released in the distant future more of a CSL idea, it may also be just cutting the weight on the //M.

[Imola.ZHP]

^ interesting, I wasnt under the impression that "tii" would replace or be equal to "CSL," I was under the impression that "tii" would be similar to "ZHP," which would be a good fit for the package we are see'ing in these pictures. "M" bits and more power, but no actual "M" badge...

I would actually prefer them to bring back "ZHP" to the 3er and if its a good fit, for other models as well, but I guess I'm partial...

Regardless of what its called, it will be sweet to see...

As for the comments above about "M" never making it to an SUV, who knows, the also said they would never FI an "M" vehicle, and the rumor is they are reconsidering it as well, so maybe they will release an "M" version of the x5/x6. Exciting nonetheless...

And as for me "Quoting something untrue," I believe my disclaimer was the "supposedly" I placed in front of the statement, meaning, well, Supposedly, not "they are defiantly bringing tii versions of the 1er and 3er" but "supposedly." I guess I don't know of any other way to state that I wasn't trying to quote a fact I thought to be true, but to state that it was a rumor I had read. And as for "lightweight and sporty" not being for SUV's, I dont know so much about that, maybe not the "lightweight" part, but x5's have always been "sporty" to me, and I think "sporty" is the point of the x6...

[mapezzul]

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

^ interesting, I wasnt under the impression that "tii" would replace or be equal to "CSL," I was under the impression that "tii" would be similar to "ZHP," which would be a good fit for the package we are see'ing in these pictures. "M" bits and more power, but no actual "M" badge...

I would actually prefer them to bring back "ZHP" to the 3er and if its a good fit, for other models as well, but I guess I'm partial...

Regardless of what its called, it will be sweet to see...

As for the comments above about "M" never making it to an SUV, who knows, the also said they would never FI an "M" vehicle, and the rumor is they are reconsidering it as well, so maybe they will release an "M" version of the x5/x6. Exciting nonetheless...

And as for me "Quoting something untrue," I believe my disclaimer was the "supposedly" I placed in front of the statement, meaning, well, Supposedly, not "they are defiantly bringing tii versions of the 1er and 3er" but "supposedly." I guess I don't know of any other way to state that I wasn't trying to quote a fact I thought to be true, but to state that it was a rumor I had read. And as for "lightweight and sporty" not being for SUV's, I dont know so much about that, maybe not the "lightweight" part, but x5's have always been "sporty" to me, and I think "sporty" is the point of the x6...

My bad... it has been a longgggg week.

Let me rephrase. The tii will indeed be a ZHP, but it is supposedly going to be more like the Mini GP edition, making it lighter.

Let me elaborate: BMW had used the John Cooper Works branding as a test case for this tii concept but in the Mini. BMW actually went from a partnership to buying out the JCW brand b/c it was a cash producer and a great concept... offer performance parts at the dealers and then come out with the occasional special edition that is factory built, limited, lighter, more power and a large price tag... the difference with the BMW tii concept is that it will initially focus on parts, then models ie the 1 and the 3. It will have to be less than an //M but more than stock... ala Audi and the S vs. RS.
Sources I have have indicated that the US can expect a performance version ala ZHP as 2010 model. We also have indication that the e-diff from the 1 will indeed make its way into this model and a milder DCT as well (lose the drivelogic).

There is a lot in the plans for the next two years on so many levels.

I was told specifically that BMW will not //M an SAV (yet) until they can get the weight down a bit more, this is not AMG, it is //M I was told. With the torque vectoring x-drive it will handle great..... the difference with the BMW setup (ZF) is that even when you let off the gas it still sends the torque to the outside wheel, unlike the Honda/Acura Super handling AWD.
I will be writing about this in more detail next week....
Bimmerfile.com

[Imola.ZHP]

^ awesome, no offense taken, well a little, but it is the internet, lol, I just wanted to stress that I wasn't trying to pass the info around as "fact."

Great info!

[mbdurham]

Maybe it is their answer to the upcoming 500hp RR sport which is supposed to compete with the cayenne turbo

[a burrito]

Originally Posted by mbdurham

Maybe it is their answer to the upcoming 500hp RR sport which is supposed to compete with the cayenne turbo

i really dont think even a 500 hp rr sport can compare to a current ctt. thr RR Sport weighs the same as the RR Fullsized which means its stupidly heavy.

[mbdurham]

Originally Posted by a burrito

i really dont think even a 500 hp rr sport can compare to a current ctt. thr RR Sport weighs the same as the RR Fullsized which means its stupidly heavy.

It is roghly 600 lbs heavier than a Cayenne and 200 lbs lighter than the RR