The X"M"'s will have the abililty to throw 100% of torque to rear wheels......in essence become a rear wheel drive vehicle under certain situations.I'm not sure at this point if the torque apportionment can be controlled by the driver or the xDrive system takes over.Working on finding out that info right now. Thanks! PalBay

Very nice pic....thanks for posting!!!! PalBay

From Auto Express in UK:

Watch out Porsche Cayenne! This mighty machine is BMW's X5 M – a range-topping performance flagship SUV that boasts a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 producing around 500bhp.

Targeting the Cayenne and other hot SUVs like Mercedes' ML63 AMG, the new model goes on sale later this year. Development is gathering pace as this prototype, which was spied undergoing winter testing, shows. With quad exhaust pipes, covered-over M-style side vents and larger frontal air-intakes, it's clearly no ordinary X5.

The finished version will carry a host of M-badging too, and along with the prodigious powerplant – which should rocket the SUV from 0-60mph in around five seconds – the newcomer will get stiffened and lowered suspension, uprated brakes plus wider tyres.

Expect a price tag of around £60,000 when sales start later this year with a similarly powerful, X6 M arriving in 2010.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/..._300650_25.jpg

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/..._300649_25.jpg

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/..._300648_25.jpg

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/..._300647_25.jpg

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/..._300646_25.jpg

<drool>.. delivery in what month?

:wow: Even wider wheels! Thanks palbay and lemansx5 for the updates.

... :popcorn: ...

I would be SO down with the LCI using X6 lights. I LOVE the front of the X6, but not the Prius-like ass...

And maybe thats why there is a 2 week hiatus on tours... building prototypes?

X5M Testing in Munich
 

Pic's of the X5"M" testing in Munich via WorldCarFans. Thanks! PalBay http://www.worldcarfans.com/9090130....eets-of-munich

This picture gives a good comparison between X5 M and regular X5 front, especially the X6 style headlights.

I am sure there will be lot members here getting X5 M bumpers /front fenders on their X5s. ;)

http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/1/l...-in-munich.jpg
http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/1/l...n-munich_1.jpg
http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/1/l...n-munich_2.jpg
http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/1/l...n-munich_3.jpg
http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/1/l...n-munich_4.jpg

It still doesn't seem to be really aggressive. Maybe it is because of the color and the coverings. Right now I think it would be hard to tell it apart from a normal x5 4.8i.

Thanks again LemansX5 and Palbay!