An observation about the ///M

[B-Line]

I have been excited about the prospect of an X5 ///M since I bought my first X5 (E53) 4.4i in 2001.

Truth be told, they could wrap the car in dog poo and I would probably still love it.

But secretly something has been bothering me about the X5 and X6 ///M and I think I just realized what it is.

First, lets look at a picture.



While I really like the lines of this car, for some reason, it doesn't look like the nicest X5 I've ever seen. Not even the nicest E70. But I think I figured out why:



Take a look at the 4.8i above. Then take a look at the //M.

Does it pop out? The issue?

The 4.8i looks more aggressive. And I think it's because:
1) The wheels
2) The step up bars
3) The roof rack

I know it might sound silly but I think the ///M is missing some trim features that would really give it more presence. And since those items are standard on the 4.8i, I'm a little surprised they don't exist on the ///M.. Maybe they will be added before delivery or an option?

Now start to imagine the ///M with the step up bars and roof rack and it seems to be, a little more complete...

Am I making sense here?

[bmwman3241]

The M sport Package doesn't come with running boards, so they would never put it on the X5 M. For the roof rails, it makes sense not to put them, but you could always put the individual ones that come with the current M Sport package. As for the wheels, I like them and others will, but for the people that don't, their may be additional wheel options, accessory wheels, or the current E70 wheels.

I might add the individual roof rails, and if their is a nicer wheel option available especially for the X5 M I will choose it, but I like the car the way it is. Only thing I don't like is the way they put the standard hood on this car. They should put something more aggressive like Porsche did with the Turbo Cayenne's.

[X5 Meister]

The contrasts that exist on the 4.8i, and do not on the M model, make the 4.8i visually more interesting. Aluminum & black running boards, black bumpers, black rubbing strips, black wheel well trim, dark roof rails, etc. all add to a more visually distinct look that the all-one-color X5 M just doesn't have. I still think the 4.8i and even the sport model looks better then the M.

[MrX]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

The contrasts that exist on the 4.8i, and do not on the M model, make the 4.8i visually more interesting. Aluminum & black running boards, black bumpers, black rubbing strips, black wheel well trim, dark roof rails, etc. all add to a more visually distinct look that the all-one-color X5 M just doesn't have. I still think the 4.8i and even the sport model looks better then the M.

I agree. The contrast makes all the difference in the X5 4.8. I would never buy the M package for the X5 4.8 since it is all-one-color looks boring and not interesting. It is a waste of money. I believe the solution is to wait to see some pictures of a X5 M in black or another very dark color such as monaco blue to see if it improves its presence.

[brian5]

I would DEFINITELY take an X5 M over the X5 4.8i but, you're right, the styling of the X5 M is not great.

Here's a picture of the Space Gray with Aero Kit...

[Barcius]

Originally Posted by MrX

I agree. The contrast makes all the difference in the X5 4.8. I would never buy the M package for the X5 4.8 since it is all-one-color looks boring and not interesting. It is a waste of money. I believe the solution is to wait to see some pictures of a X5 M in black or another very dark color such as monaco blue to see if it improves its presence.

I agree. The X5 looks weak as the M sport package does. The contrast between black and other colors makes the X5 looks aggressive and differentiate it from other boring one color vehicles such as other SUVs. The SAV concept from BMW is unique and the black trim is an essential part of it.

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by B-Line

The 4.8i looks more aggressive. And I think it's because:
1) The wheels
2) The step up bars
3) The roof rack

I know it might sound silly but I think the ///M is missing some trim features that would really give it more presence. And since those items are standard on the 4.8i, I'm a little surprised they don't exist on the ///M.. Maybe they will be added before delivery or an option?

Now start to imagine the ///M with the step up bars and roof rack and it seems to be, a little more complete...Am I making sense here?

[Juanted]

You're absolutely right, man. The 4.8 looks better -- even "meaner." I actually think the wheels on the //M are ugly... and, the car should be lowered an inch or two.

[Bozz]

Absolutely agree with you, The X5 ///M has a lot missing in the style features and the air scoops just make the front ugly. I dont think the design team did enough work and just copied the porsche. I would have expected to see a car that would stand out from the normal X5 range for what BMW are expecting us to pay for it. The performance is fantastic but the styling is crappy.

[vinuneuro]

Agree 100%, didn't want to be a downer in the M release thread. The Aero kit equipped X5's look a ton more aggressive than the M and M sport's mono-colored body. That along with no roof rails, the new front end and wheels make it look like an X3. But who cares, it'll fly and handle stupendously.