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Spy photographers have captured a second round of images of what could be a prototype for a BMW X5 M. Spotted first in Munich, the BMW prototype has now been seen testing on the Nürburgring. The mystery X5
- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER sports a new front bumper with revised front air-intakes designed to send more air to the engine bay and brakes. At the rear, there are four prominent exhaust tips mounted much lower than on a
- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. The four exhaust tip treatment is a key 'M' design element.
Another clue that this could be a X5 M prototype is that the wheel and tire package appears to be slightly wider than on a
- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. The engine remains a mystery, although the V10 found in the M5 and M6 remains a possibility.
BMW executives have repeatedly stated that the X5's packaging just doesn't lend itself to creating an M-version, so it's possible that BMW is cloaking an all-new model under the body of the mysterious X5.
Our sources indicate that the X5 seen testing could represent two other new models. The first possibility is that the SUV could be a prototype for an X5 5.0si, which would fall just short of the full-fledged M-treatment.
The second possibility is that the SUV in question could be a mule for an
- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER M, which would likely use the aforementioned V10. The X6 seems to lend itself better to BMW's M-treatment as the crossover has more of a "coupe" look and a lower center of gravity.
Whatever the case, it appears as though BMW will be injecting a little more performance into its SUV lineup. Check back for more details as we continue to follow the mystery SUV's development.