Any ideas or news about what the "is" model will be?
 

I know it's speculation at this point but my lease expires a year from November. If I'm lucky, that will coincide with the release of the X5is model, which is usually released a year after the "i" model.

Like when the 4.6is came out
then the 4.8is..

Since the new engine will be 4.8 on the "i" model, what are your thoughts about what the "is" model will be? Maybe the 6 liter? Probably the 5.5is I would guess.

If your reading this BMW.... PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE.. GIVE ME THE OPTION OF A 6-SPD MANUAL. Not a SMG but a Manual.. I promise you, you will sell these vehicles in a foot/clutch vehicle as well.

The 4.8is replacement will be V8 turbo (or bi-turbo if its ready by then) with HP anywhere between 400-460. Doubt it will be manual, we don't even have the manual E60 M5 yet(I know its coming). Will be lucky to have the DCT/ZSG from new M3.:tsk: But X6 will be more sporty with V8 bi-turbo and dynamic x-drive. Expect late next year and it will be followed by hybrid X5 in 2008 and X6.
More info here

Considering the fact that both the cayenne turbo s and the ml63 both have over 500hp with 0-60 times of about 4.8 secs, I think BMW will need to make the "is" model more powerful than 460hp, unless they can make the "is" just as fast or they're planning on coming out with a "M" model for the X.

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.

The mazda theory is not true:trustme: . Look at naming of Z4 M coupe. If there will be an X5 with ///M badge it will be X5 M.

So it is possible that the upcoming 4.8is replacement will be a V8 turbo (rather than bi-turbo) and with no dynamic x-drive whereas the X6 will surely have a V8 bi-turbo with dynamic x-drive. Will the release of the X6 be around the same time as the 4.8is replacement? If so, why make the X5 second class compare to the X6?

Because the X5 will be second class compared to the X6. The X6 will be positioned above the X5 in price and features. If they weren't going to do that they would have called it the X4.

I agree

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

Yea but there is no X7 to compare it to if there was the X7 would be even better than the X6.