Official: There will be M-Versions of the X5 and X6 models

BMWBlog submitted on 07/29/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 12:48 AM
from: www.bmwblog.com

Tags: bmw. bmw x6, bmw x5

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bmw x5

Official: There will be M-Versions of the X5 and X6 models

The German car-magazine auto-motor-und-sport published an interview with Ludwig Willisch from the BMW M GmbH today. He tells us some really interesting things, although I am not sure if I like all of them.

Willisch says that there will be no M3-Touring (E91), because there is no market for it. He says the same thing concerning the E92 M3 CSL, the 1-Series and any kind of a supercar like the M1 Concept shown some months ago. The M GmbH expects about 70% of the M3s delivered worldwide to be ordered with the new dual-clutch-transmission, but in the U.S. they expect only about 50% equipped with the M-DCT because many US-buyers prefer the manual transmission.

Future BMW-M-Models might well be turbocharged, but they will always offer higher rev-limits than normal BMWs. There are no plans for Diesel-cars from BMW M, but he does not say that Diesel-Ms are impossible. BMW M will offer ceramic brakes as option for some models in the near future.

There will not be an M-Version of the new F01 7-Series but the M GmbH, also responsible for BMW Individual, is expecting higher rates of Individual-7ers. The M GmbH is not sure if there will be an M-version of the next-generation Z4 since there is a small market for these cars and they are not sure if an M-version could bring in the costs of development. Well, they said this for the current E85/E86-Z4 for very long time too I remember…

The BMW M-division is currently working on M-versions of the BMW X6 and X5. They are expecting sales figures in the area of the M5-models. Willisch also says indirectly that these cars will feature a turbocharged V8-engine and, not a surprise, all-wheel-drive. He also assures the readers of the German magazine that these cars will offer a dynamic performance. He misses to tell us how a car that heavy complies with the idea of the M GmbH who’s “M” stood for “Motorsport” some time ago… Read Article

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HSCenterconsole - 7/29/2008 11:21:33 AM

+7 Boost

M versions of the X5 and X6? I know they had to do it to compete against the ML63 AMG and high powered Cayennes, but I feel like the Motorsports division at BMW just got watered down a little bit.

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mpwr - 7/29/2008 12:44:25 PM

+4 Boost

dido

M35MT - 7/29/2008 12:53:17 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

I agree, for some odd reason it just seems more acceptable for Mercedes to AMG their SUVs but it just doesnt seem "BMW-ish" Msport the X5-6.

HSCenterconsole - 7/29/2008 1:11:06 PM

+4 Boost

I agree M35MT. I don't get why they would "M" the X5 and X6, but not create an M7 to compete against the S63/S65 AMG's. Maybe they will continue to develop their relationship with Alpina.

sector - 7/29/2008 1:58:06 PM

-3 Boost

BMW watered down? haha, it's pure H2O my friend.

BMW = Bloated Motor Works = GMC of Germany.

JRobUSC - 7/29/2008 2:27:58 PM

+6 Boost

so let me get this straight. They're going to make an X5 M and an X6 M, two vehicles that don't match the stated philosphy of M whatsoever... but they're not going to make an M3 CSL, M Roadster/Coupe, or production version of the M1 Hommage, three vehicles that would fit M perfectly.

That sucks. And I'm not even an M homer. I'm glad they're making an X5 and X6 M to compete with the Cayenne Turbo's and ML63's of the world, and if it were up to me there'd be an M7 too. It's a business, the competition has them so go make your money. But there'd definitely also be an M3 CSL, M Coupe/Roadster, and a halo M car.

JRobUSC - 7/29/2008 2:13:36 PM

+8 Boost

you're starting to make me dislike BMW. And that's saying something.

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jpighetti - 7/29/2008 4:36:46 PM

+6 Boost

Dear ass clown,

Cayenne engines share no parts with the engines in the Touareg or Q7. They share platforms, but that's all. You can build a $2 million home or a $200,000 home on the same foundation. It depends what you build on top of it.

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Heyhuub - 7/30/2008 4:02:44 AM

+1 Boost

The base Cayenne engine is actually a VW engine.

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Bored - 7/29/2008 3:18:20 PM

+1 Boost

@ JRob,

I think it's just about official: amazinBimmer is the new king troll, replacing MT.

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JRobUSC - 7/29/2008 4:32:15 PM

+4 Boost

at least MT is "innocent" in his posts -- he just comes across as an ill-informed, naive kid (though I'm sure he's not one).

AmazinBimmer, Staar, auto001, and Teknik are the kings. When they post, I'm always tempted to quote my second favorite Adam Sandler movie...

"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."

In fact, from now on I think that's what I'll do. I'll just paste that whenever I see them post.

jpighetti - 7/29/2008 6:21:54 PM

+5 Boost

perfectly stated, JRob.

I'm often reminded of a favorite quote as well:

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt. - Abe Lincoln

Chip - 7/29/2008 3:45:59 PM

+3 Boost

I find this news rather depressing. Why is BMW losing focus on what makes the "M" brand so special? And why does their future lineup look a little bland?

The X6 TT-V8 is fast enough (Not to mention, pretty expensive) The X5 could also use that twin turbo V8 to maximize performance. I doubt that in today's economy, very few people (even the rich) will drop $100,000+ for a suped up SUV. I barely ever see Turbo Cayenne's and to this date haven't seen an ML63 on the road.

Also, I'm shocked they're not going forward with the BMW M1. Do they not realize what Audi's R8 has done for the brand? And what is BMW's answer to cars like the S63, S65 AMG and S8? No V-12 in the new 7-series yet, and now no M7. This is all baffling to me. They better bring on the CS/8-series ASAP.

And one of the greatest missteps of all...no CSL M3 ???? Sad day for BMW fans.

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JRobUSC - 7/29/2008 4:47:05 PM

+3 Boost

I agree with everything you said, though I still am fine with BMW having an X5 and X6 M since Porsche and Mercedes have hi-po versions of their vehicles. I've seen plenty of them around, it's about time BMW got their piece of the pie. As for the 7-Series, I guess BMW figures for now that 0-60 in 4.6-4.8 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 13.0-13.3 (my guess for the likely test results based on how the 600lb heavier X6 did with the same engine) is enough to satisfy the power hungry folks in the class. That won't be far off what the S63 does. I'd still like them to M it though, just to have a real halo version of the 7-Series. It doesn't need to be $180k like the S65 AMG but there's certainly plenty of room in between the $90-100k 750Li and that.

PlanB - 7/29/2008 4:38:10 PM

+3 Boost

An M7 would've made sense.

"Maybe" the X6 too.

And X5 M? I can't picture it. But like others have said, MB has AMG models of their trucks so I guess it was just a matter of time for BMW to do it too.

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MunichRob - 7/30/2008 1:56:57 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Personally I'm getting less & less excited about BMW's future, the first blow was no doubt the 7-series design which I still don't like, & now this news of no new M-roadster & no plans for an M7 or M halo car.

I'll always be a devoted BMW fan no doubt, but so far the future over at Audi & Mercedes looks more exciting than BMW's...We already know Audi would never screw up the new A8 with the Asian like styling cues found on the new 7.

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jpighetti - 7/30/2008 7:18:12 PM

+1 Boost

You're still a loser.

How pathetic that you have nothing to fall back on but material possessions. You have no substance and no class. You call yourself educated? Please. If Wharton knew their educational process resulted in trash like you they'd shut their doors out of embarassment. Fortunately for them I'm sure you're the exception, not the rule.

Karl Marx said that "religion is the opiate of the masses", meaning that even when people have nothing - no property, freedom, rights - they can still have their religion. I read the rubbish you spill and the arrogant, self-centered manner in which you continuously attepmt to convince yourself that you're something more than a vapid shell and truthfully, I feel bad for you. Being so intensely aware of your own insecurity must be horrible to have to deal with every day. It's easy to see why you constantly feel the need to brag about your cars and degree and tax returns; you have nothing else. Your possesions are your opiate. You've figured out how to convince yourself that having a BMW is an acceptable substitute for class. Hey, if that's what it takes to keep the shotgun out of your mouth, keep it up.

The only people impressed by the cash and cars are those as shallow as you are. There's people on here that need a year of busting their asses to make your monthly salary, and there's people on here that can buy and sell you. It's irrelevant. Do you notice that nobody but you brings it up or uses it in an attempt to substantiate an point? Having a higher than average salary is your ace-in-the-hole. Not intelligence or wits; just cash. You overcompensate for clearly glaring social (and probably physical) deficiencies not by owning a big BMW, but by constantly reminding everyone that you do. It's pathetic. Pathetic.

But you seem happy. The kind of articificial happy that comes from putting other people down. 5th grade bully kind of happy. You put people down because because that's the only way for you to feel halfway decent about yourself. What a terrible way to go through life.

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MunichRob - 7/30/2008 9:25:51 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

"amazinBimmer" What's your beef with Jeep? Actually what's your beef with every car company that isn't BMW? There are other good cars that are not BMW's, if this wasn't the case BMW would be making an absolute killing!

I own one of the coolest trucks on the road today which happens to be a Jeep, an SRT-8.

I also own a 650i which I've raced against my Jeep with the result being the Jeep was ahead until about 100MPH or so then the Bimmer slowly pulled away. This is a $45,000 SUV giving a $80,000 premium GT a serious run for its money.

I don't expect you to hear my point but just know this, I don't own a "high ned BMw" I own a high end BMW & I'm successful...not "sucessful."

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Imola48isX5 - 7/30/2008 10:53:47 PM

+1 Boost

I own a X5 4.8is. which was BMW's "M" version of the E53 X5. I just dont think they could have said MX5 so they did the 4.8is, which was a good high performance version of the X5. They need to stick with that concept rather than make a "MX5"

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