Does it have the 8-speed transmission?

As much as I'm trying to hate this car, I'm completely sold on the car from a rear 3/4 angle, absolutely amazing. The front give me mixed feelings and could have been more sinister looking.

You are right. So S65 in 2008, N64 in 2009.
Since I'm not sure N64 will be able to qualify for 2008 (since debuting in April).


N64 engine:
X6,
X5 (as "sports" edition - similar to 135i; yet it's very possible US market might get 3.5i & 5.0i instead of 3.0 & 4.8 ),
F01/2 7er, (mind that the new V12 will be much more powerful than the current one)
F10/1 5er, (mind that S85 engine will be upgraded!!!)
F12/3 6er, (^^^)
F5
new 8er (getting V8 & V12 engines only)
new Z8 (if not getting M-engines as the latest Z8 did)
not sure about baby Rolls - modified engine based on N64 possible


Regarding M-package: I have no detailed info when it is coming, nor in what markets will it be offered (US?).


Another interesting info: current N54 & N64 are just a phase 1. Both turbo engines (upcoming I4 bi-turbo as well) can be easily set to produce even more power & torque! So, 306HP & 407HP are just the initial values which will increase during the engine lifecycle. And it is also inevitable some models will get "uptuned" , some "standard", and some "detuned" versions of bi-turbo engines.

With these engines BMW have an enormous room for manoeuvre.




PS: the X6M, M-package, Hybrid version, 8-speed gearbox, DCT gearbox, extensive FlexRay use, air-suspension ... these were the features being on my mind when saying some would be disappointed because expecting too much too soon. Some of these stuff are coming later during the E71 lifecycle.

V5/F5, yes.
8er/Z8, no. Those cars are supposed to get ONE engine only, and I don't think that will be the V8 TT


Nothing new here too, since the 135tii has been announced and will feature the 3.0 I6 TT with 340 hp
And a detuned version of the 335i is not even possible, because the 330i is too close then.

Not true! Won't be one-engine models only!


What about this: what if the current N54 & N64 versions already ARE the DETUNED versions.

This is this the best looking BMW i have seen in many years. Well done.

Wonderful car. Only little disappointment – it’s not a family car, so I stay with my X5. Great performance. I got some figures to compare.

Fuel economy figures in mpg (Imperial not US)
xDrive50i - 22.7
xDrive35i - 26.0
xDrive35d - 34.2
xDrive30d - 34.6

By way of comparison;
X5 4.8i - 23.5
X5 3.0si - 27.7
X5 3.0sd - 34.4
X5 3.0d - 34.9

Also torque figures for the X6/X5;
xDrive50i - 600Nm (443lb/ft)
xDrive35i - 400Nm (295lb/ft)
xDrive35d - 580Nm (428lb/ft)
xDrive30d - 520Nm (384lb/ft)

By way of comparison;
X5 4.8i - 475Nm (350lb/ft)
X5 3.0si - 315Nm (232lb/ft)
X5 3.0sd - 580Nm (428lb/ft)
X5 3.0d - 520Nm (384lb/ft)

Accaleration, 0-62mph 6.7sec (=35i), 5.4sec (=50i), x5 3.0si (8.1sec), 4.8i (6.5sec).

It is obvious to me that both the N54 and N64 are detuned, or would I say pegged at their current rating.
We have seen what tuners have done with the N54, so we know there is a potential to improve the HP by 30% and the Torque by 50% without a hardware modification.
The N64 is pegged as well, and I make this assertion based on the the supercharged version of the same engine from Alpina:500+ HP, and 500+ ft.lbs of torque.

So yes, there is plenty of room for this engines and I think they will serve the company well. The cost of engine development will be significantly reduced if they play their cards well.

Turbo charged engines are in general very easy to jack up in power without any hassle. But manufacturers like Porsche, Audi and BMW care more about balance and efficiency than power. More power = More Turbo lagg. So they are really not detuned in anyway, BMW picked a out put that would satisfy the consumers while at the same time stay true to BMW philosophy.

I´m with you,Luw,on this matter..It seems that BMW has bite in turbo apple seriously..I just hope this new strategy remains focused on regular(non M) models!!