When will the new "4.8is" be available
 

The new x5 looks great, but I currently own a 4.8. I would not buy the new 4.8. Does anybody have any info on when BMW will offer the 4.8is replacement?
TIA
Al

I would think at least another 2 years after introduction, similar to what BMW does for 3 and 5 series.

I sure hope it is a lot sooner than 2 years.

Its called the "is" version of E70, as the engine will be bigger than 4.8. Expect late 2007/ early 2008. Its in testing now.

It may even get the ///M badge if we are to believe Prof. Ulrich Bruhnke.

i think the replacement for the current 4.8is is to be a 5.0is

I understood that the sport version (is?) was to be a twin-turbo V8 of 4.4 litres, with 400+ hp. If so, the move to turbocharging is consistent with the twin-turbo 3.0 I6 design philosophy, and is likely designed to keep weight down, add power, and avoid the corporate embarrassment of a gas-guzzling 5.0 (which may be OK in an M5, but would be too much of a bad-news target for a vehicle intended to reach a broader audience).

Turbos would be great. =) I hope they make it more like 500 HP though to compete with the AMG ML and Cayenne Turbo.
The "is" version is not intended to reach a broad audience. It has a very limited target market like the M5 and M3. If you look at the past production volumes, I believe less than 1% of all X5's were 4.6is in 02-03. I'm sure it was similar for the 4.8is.

I agree that the "is" model wouldn't be targeted at a broad audience, but I think it would be lumped in with the standard E70 X5 in the eyes of many. The M5 is seen as a different car IMO, it isn't a 5 series with a V10. It is very low production. The fact that is gets 12 mpg is lost on the public, it isn't relevant. If the X5 had a similar hurdle to overcome (even worse, since it is heavier it could have worse mileage than the M5) then the news reports would talk about the 10 mpg BMW SUV, and it would carry the same stigma as the Hummer does, notwithstanding that most models would have the I6 or the diesel, and do much better on fuel economy.

The new engine for the 7 is a twin turbo V8, to be released in 2008 by some reports. That is the same engine that will make it to the X5is, after it comes out in the 7 series. BMW needs to not only improve mileage throughout the range, but it needs to be seen to be improving mileage.

All of the above is conjecture, but it is interesting to speculate none the less.