Here’s another sighting of the next-generation BMW
X5, this time in full-blown M guise, and in the frigid surroundings of Sweden
for cold-weather testing. The upcoming X5 will be underpinned by the BMW
Group’s CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform, which also serves as the basis
for upcoming models such as the BMW X7 and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
This particular model will be the sportiest of the
Group’s SUV lot, with its clear performance slant given its M division roots.
Starting from the front, tell-tale bodywork comprises air inlets in the front
bumper which are larger than on the test mule for the regular model, flanked by
pumped-up wheel arches compared to the regular X5.
These house larger wheel-and-tyre sets, which in
turn are home to M-specific brake kits. Though details are yet to surface,
complementing the rolling stock will be a set of X5 M-specific suspension
settings in order to make the best use of its contact patches – handy when
chasing the all-important Nordschleife lap time, even if it may be a family car
in this case. Quad tailpipes round off the performance intent of the X5 M.
Propulsion for all that mass can be expected to come
from the 4.4 litre biturbo petrol V8 which currently serves in the F90 M5. In
the super-sedan, the mill produces 600 hp from 5,600 to 6,700 rpm and 750 Nm of
torque between 1,800 and 5,600 rpm, but these could be tweaked for use in the
SUV.
Cr : Paultan
