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      07-04-2012, 09:11 AM   #24
SCOTT26
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The sight of the X5M testing is purely testament to how successful the current E70 X5M has been on the market. And for M.

Dubbed by many as the "Antithesis" of M , because it was an SAV.
BMW Could not stand by and watch the growth of other competitors in which BMW have reigned in a substantial customer base aswell as a significant profit margin even with sales outselling other M.vehicles such as the previous M3 Sedan.
In some markets X5M and X6M are the best selling M vehicles.
And even in the face of increased competition both X5M and X6M are still huge sellers. The continuation of the X5M is strategically important especially as the SUV begins to define the luxury segment thanks to growth in new and emerging markets as well as traditional markets.
Which paves way for BMW to expand their SAV range from an entry X1 right up to an upcoming ultra-premium X7.

The next generation X5M will appear a year after the initial F15 Production.
The window for launch is now closer than the E70, The next generation X5M and X6M will run the "Phase II" of the S63TÜ engine found in the M5 and M6 models. "Phase II" takes power up to a ceiling of 580HP.

Because of the current and future alignment between X5 and X6. There will be a next generation X6M model as both are the byproducts of success.
Initially BMW had only planned for an X6M having carried out tests with the next step of the previous V10 engine. But the close relationship between the X6 and X5 proved to be an opportunity not to be missed.

The same relationship exists between the X3 and the forthcoming X4.
And although BMW have said no X3M they said that about X5.
If the opportunity arises. It would not be difficult to develop.
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The M850i is evidence that BMW have got their mojo back when it comes to dynamic sports cars...
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