Spy Shots: BMW X5M

Thanks to an intrepid Autoblog reader, we now have some images of the upcoming M-edition BMW X5 sport-ute, which was caught testing near the BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

It is not known when the high-performance X5 M will debut, but we do already know a bit about what's going to be under the hood.  Thanks to BMW not being very good at the internet,we can surmise it will have a tweaked version of BMW's fancy new twin-turbo DI V8, boasting twin-scroll ball bearing turbochargers and a claimed 550bhp.

That much power in the X5 will make a genuine competitor for other hot-rod SUV's like the Cayenne Turbo S, Mercedes ML63 AMG and the Audi Q7 V12 TDI.  I'm not quite sure why BMW is putting an entrant into what is a dying, already pointless niche, but you know it's gonna be a fun car.

For those not in the know, twin-scroll turbochargers have two different inputs from the exhaust manifold, splitting up the load and allowing much faster spool-up.  They're mainly used in high-tech applications, although Mini employs one to great effect on the newest Cooper S/Clubman S models - almost no lag at all, even with more than 100bhp/l from a 1.6L engine.

Rumor has it this engine will also find it's way into the X6... uhh... SUV Coupe?  (What are we calling it today?)  Although it simply strikes me as more niche filling, who's really going to complain?

The X5M mule shows some clear body modifications (hidden behind that rather chic camoflage!) to allow for additional heat extraction, of which a lot is probably needed... considering the BMW V8's turbos sit inside the V of the block (and yes, the intake manifolds are on the outside, which sounds like a great plan.)

It's possible the X5M will debuting at the New York Auto show in the next few days, but we have no confirmation yet.  Stay tuned!