Originally Posted by xdrive

For some reason, I don't see the 6-series being second class to the 7-series. Maybe I am wrong.:dunno:

Originally Posted by B-Line

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.

Originally Posted by JCL

Driven a 660 lately?

The model ranges overlap somewhat, but the branding concept is that you start at the one series, and end at the seven series.

Originally Posted by x5GuyInLA

"is" or "M", I just hope they make it as fast, if not faster, than their competitors. Even the AMG version of the RL is reportedly faster than the current "is" model. Granted it probably doesn't handle as well, but who wants to be beaten by Suzy Homemaker on her way to the supermarket?


If the 7 series is the top of the line, what about when BMW had the 8 series? Was that the top of the line then? I would think that the M6 would be the 660 equivalent considering there is no M7. But I don't know...all I know is that MB AMG showcases some monster cars and BMW has an answer for most of them (c55 vs. m3, e63 vs. M5, cls63 vs. M6), but is seriously lagging when up against the ml63. just my .02. BTW, is MB known to be conservative or ambitious with their 0-60 estimates? I ask because I thought the cls63 and the e63 were at 4.5 sec, but on the website it says they're 4.3, which is faster than both the M5 and M6. If they're ambitious, then the 4.8 sec for the ml63 they claim might not be realistic.

Originally Posted by DINANM3

I heard the new top model X5 will be an IS not an M. and it will have a 5.0 liter twin turbo pushing out 500hp and 500lbs of torque. It will hit 0to60 in under 5 sec for sure. Top speed 185 limited to 155.

as far as single turbos bmw will definately never do a single turbo because of the extra turbo lag associated with a single turbo. The entire idea of this new twin turbo motor and brand new design was to totally eliminate all turbo lag. Drive the 335i and you will know what i mean. You cant even hear the turbos and there is no lag what so ever. Bottom end torque is what the X5 needs and the twin turbos will deliver tons of it right off idle. Its gonna haul ass for sure.

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

...and the base price will start at $80k.;)

Originally Posted by xdrive

I remember someone said the 4.8i with all options will cost about $79k. If the X5 M is going to cost $80k, then maybe it is a good idea to wait for this monster since the M should have all the essential options which will only be $1k over a fully equiped 4.8i.