X5GuyinLA,

I believe the "is" model is "sort of" the ///M series X5.
My understanding is, because of the mazda MX-5, BMW can not use that designation.
-- There used to be a criteria that was the basic requirements for a car to be issued a ///M badge from BMW. That criteria included a manual w/foot clutch transmission, high-output engine, etc.
That criteria has changed since the inception of the SMG and Auto ///M cars and a few other technology blah blah blah.

I tell you all this because I truly believe, the continued reason the 4.6is and 4.8is have not been called ///M cars (despite the fact they have all the ///M trims like body kit, high hp, gauges, steering wheel, wheel's, advanced handling, etc.) is because of the Mazda. I have been in many E46 M3's and can tell you, the 4.8is is their suv counterpart.

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