Spy Shots: The Brute Brothers of the X Line

A busy year for BMW means a busy year for the car spies. Today they have been particularly busy as shots for the M variants of both the X5 and X6 have ended up in my inbox. Both of these brutes share the current generation’s powerplant, which is a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. That means we can expect somewhere around 550 hp and 500 pound feet of torque – give or take depending on how the Bavarians tune them.

It seems BMW is going to focus its attention on increased weight savings with the X5M, which is expected to be based loosely on the F10 5 Series platform. This should assist the new model in improving its currently dismal fuel economy (combined 14 MPG), and cut down on its 0-60 time (currently 4 seconds).

The X6M doesn’t seem to be getting a whole lot changed. The spy shots show some slight tweaks to the front end, including changes to the kidney grilles, front bumper, and headlights. The rear end, which was probably one of the most polarizing parts of the current model, will be redesigned. The rear will be sporting a new fascia and taillights.