Spied: Twin Turbo V8 BMW X5 Running The Ring

Even after much speculation, BMW continues to deny the existence of an M-badged X5 and there is a logical reason why there never may be, its size. The guys at BMW explain that the SUVs size, weight, height, and packaging will never be worthy of the legendary tri tones of the M badge but as Autoblog puts it, “that doesn’t mean BMW can’t produce a hotter version of its biggie-sized SUV.”

Believed to be using the same 407hp,4.4 liter twin turbocharged V8 found in the recently released X6, BMW is apparently aiming squarely at the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Photographers from KGP were able to capture a handful of shots of the twin turbo X5 running tests at the ‘Ring and the pictures reveal an exciting element to the uber X5.

Sporting an aggressive stance, the front fascia takes all the normal cues from BMWs M division; huge air intakes, a gaping central air dam, and a set of quad exhausts framed within a new rear bumper. Our sources suggest that BMW will reveal the new X5 at this year’s Paris Motor Show which takes place in September, and judging by the lack of test tools and camouflage, we’re guessing it’s running its final tests, so Paris Motor Show in September could very well be the day that the Porsche Cayenne Turbo meets its biggest threat since the F-22 Raptor.