BMW X5

M's the word for flagship X5

BMW has given its big off-roader the M Sport treatment, and this is the result

Auto Express Car Reviews

Lowered suspension and big alloys hint at top-spec X5’s huge pace

08th June 2007

Featuring a bodykit with modified bumpers, wheelarch extensions and side skirts, along with 19-inch alloys, the new range-topping X5 certainly looks the part.


	With 90 per cent of buyers of the previous-generation model ordering their car in Sport trim, the new flagship spec is crucial for the brand

Inside, there's standard leather trim, sports seats, an M Sport steering wheel and anthracite-coloured headlining, while lowered and stiffened suspension makes sure the 4x4 has handling to match its looks.

With 90 per cent of buyers of the previous-generation model ordering their car in Sport trim, the new flagship spec is crucial for the brand. It will be available with 3.0-litre petrol or 3.0-litre diesel engines later in the year, although customers can get it now on the top-of-the-range 4.8-litre petrol X5. This features a V8 with variable valve timing. The unit is mated to a six-speed auto box, and has 355bhp and 475Nm of torque.

As a result, the X5 4.8i M Sport sprints from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and is capable of a maximum speed of 150mph. However, as you would expect for such a tall, powerful SUV, the new flagship isn't exactly environmentally friendly; it returns only 22.6mpg on the combined cycle and emits a huge 299g/km of CO2. There is nothing small about the price tag, either - the M Sport costs £53,440.