The only real advantage of the M is that it is a few tenths faster in a straight line, so...:dunno: We are still talking about an X6 here, so no matter how fast the M is, you still can't outrun it's looks.

I'd be all over this in a X5 version. I thought about a X5M when our 4.8 lease was up but couldn't live with the mileage (~12 mpg with the 4.8) and so got a 3.5d. Our lease is up next November and a X5Md would be perfect...

Is the difference between the Europe and USA in terms of diesel fuel consumption because of the diesel's cheaper price in Europe? It is certainly not the case here in the USA.

As far as tuning, both engines are very tune-able.

Then, go for it!

And please write up your review of the car, as I am sure a lot of people would be interested to hear.

Diesel being 10% cheaper than gasoline. Especially when gasoline is around 8 USD/gallon.

They have to sell it in the US first. My 35d lease is up late next year - I'm hoping there is an X5 version and it is available. The X6 version is a no go for me. With our stable of cars, we need one with real seating and cargo capacity. Also the X6 just looks awkward to me.

I doubt BMW will go through effort of releasing this engine in a X5 which is nearing its end of model tenure. The third generation X5 is around 18-20 months away. X6 version will hit the market by spring 2012, when the last model year of E70 X5 will be out. We have not even heard of X5 version yet. It will most probably be the 3rd gen X5.

According to this website Daily Fuel Gauge Report--national, state and local average prices for gasoline, diesel and E-85. the current national average price of diesel is almost 40 cents more per gallon than premium gas.

Premium is $3.48 and diesel is $3.84. Without trying to figure out the exact % difference the diesel is roughly 10% more expensive than premium.

While I agree that X5M is a fuel guzzler (though no gas guzzler tax!:thumbup:), I am doubtful that the M diesel with 380hp is going to be a fuel miser and will certainly consume more diesel fuel than the 35d.

All this brings me back to the question of what is the niche for this vehicle?
Is it the fuel conscious driver? If so, then this vehicle is not exactly an answer. With diesel being more expensive in the US and this M diesel car probably not getting a great mileage, then who did BMW marketing group ask or poll for the need of this vehicle?

Thinking out loud on the logic of this creation... :dunno:

My guess is this is more for Europe and rest of world than US. BMW also has a M5 version with same engine in process, so they must have done some homework.

I think about 70% of all BMWs in Europe are diesels.
Gasoline just does not make sense here, but I understand why you in the USA would not consider it.
Starting price of X5M in my country is 217.000 USD and premium is 8$/gallon.