New BMW X5 M Hides 600 Horses Behind Those Massive Nostrils

The BMW X5 M helped to usher in the high-performance crossover craze and the company is preparing to introduce the next-generation of the popular model.

Recently caught undergoing testing in Sweden, the all-new X5 M has a bold appearance as it adopts a significantly larger double-kidney grille (or shall we call them nostrils?) which appears similar to the one used on the X7 iPerformance concept. The front end also features large air intakes and new headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights.

The bodywork is covered by camouflage but the crossover appears to have softer curves and a gently sloping beltline that is no longer straight. Other notable features include a longer rear spoiler and a traditional four-tailpipe exhaust system.

Like the standard model, the X5 M will ride on the CLAR platform that underpins the 5- and 7-Series. This means we can expect some significant weight savings and some rumors have claimed the model could drop as much as 300 kg (661 lbs).

Power is expected to be provided by the same 4.4-liter M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that resides in the new M5. It produces 600 PS (441 kW) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque which would be a modest increase over the current model which has 575 PS (423 kW) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. Thanks to the extra power and weight savings, the X5 M might even crack the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in under 4 seconds.