BMW is looking to expand its line-up and its compact X3 and full-sized X5 SUVs could be next in line for a power-hike, compliments of the acclaimed M Division . . .
BMW is looking to expand its line-up and its compact X3 and full-sized X5 SUVs could be next in line for a power-hike, compliments of the acclaimed M Division…
Apart from the SUVs, the 5 Series station wagon could also receive the M call-up, following the huge successes of the M3 and recently released M5 and M6 models.
“If we were asked to do such a model, (an M-powered SUV) I am convinced we could do it,” said the division’s chief executive Ulrich Bruhnke. “We have great potential to go into new segments with M models.”
Notwithstanding the powerful X5 4,8iS, Bruhnke feels that there is room at the top of the X5 range for an M-powered model. He assured though, that even with the expansion of the range, the new vehicles would not just be higher-powered versions of existing models.
“We don’t do labelling and M models are not just variations. Handling and dynamic behaviour are as important as linear acceleration,” Bruhnke told .
He stated that the division is tasked with offering cars that deliver agile handling and performance, while providing a proving ground for new BMW technologies and applications.
In 2000, BMW showcased a V12 concept X5 at the Geneva Show which, according to Bruhnke, “showed what an M car based on the X5 could look like.”
The concept’s V12 powerplant produced 512 kW of power and peak torque of 720 N.m to power the SUV from zero to 100 km/h in 4,7 seconds. According to BMW, its astronomical top speed was rated at just under 280 km/h.
However, Bruhnke maintained that BMW had not yet reached any conclusions regarding the future of its high-powered M division, adding that it was “comfortable having more ideas than capacity”.