Captured by the Automotive Mike YouTube page, Munich’s rival for the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 remains hidden under excessive layers of black-and-white wrapping despite its shape being an open secret, although in M guise, it sports a reshaped front bumper with wider air intakes, a lower ride height, 21-inch alloy wheels, quad exhausts and uprated brakes.
Like the prototype X6 M spotted pounding the Green Hell last week, the X5 M will come equipped with bespoke M additions inside, such as sport seats, the M digital instrument cluster, leather and Alcantara trim and aluminium as well as carbon fibre inserts. Given its range topping placement, the X5 M will be fitted as standard with the Adaptive M suspension, Dynamic Damper Control system, Integral Active Steering and M Drive Selector, but unlike the normal X5, without the option of the Off-Road Package.
While BMW has not made any mention of the engine, reports are that it will be the same 4.4-litre bi-turbo V8 used in the M5, which will produce the same 441kW/750Nm with drive going to all four wheels via the eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. Expected to once again be limited to 250km/h, the alleged 18kW increase over the outgoing X5 M could see the newcomer complete the 0-100km/h sprint in under four seconds.
As per the amounts of disguise, chances are that the X5 M will only make its world unveiling in the mid-2019.
