BMW X7 and X5 Go V8

BMW’s big SAVs (their acronym, not mine) aren’t slow, particularly the ones we get in Australia – we don’t mess about with the slow ones. I drove an M50d for carsguide at the X5’s launch and I thought, “Yeah, this will do.”

Well, clearly, it hasn’t done for some people. So BMW has dropped the twin-turbo V8 from the M850i M Performance flagship into the X5. And, as it turns out, the X7.

Both are obviously fully-loaded, so pretty much the only thing these cars are missing is a time-travel function. When we get our hands on the pricing and specifications, we’ll run up a story.

Drivetrain

If you’re not already across this glorious N63, it delivers a deeply handy 390kW (530PS) and 750Nm. I don’t care how big and heavy either of these cars are, you are not any danger of not boogeying in these 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8-powered bricks.

Like other M Performance SAVs (say, the X3 M40i), you get the eight-speed auto hooked up to BMW’s performance-focussed version of its all-wheel drive system. Which also means you get launch control.

Both cars also get the usual electronic limited slip differential at the rear.

Chassis

As you might expect, both cars get the M Performance treatment, with modded double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rears. Specific damper settings deliver a bit more bite and stability. In the X5, the suspension automatically drops 20mm when you reach 138km/h (85mph), or you can hit the button to get the same effect.

Both cars roll on 21-inch light alloys and you can up-spec to 22s with mixed tyres front to rear.

And the blue brake callipers remind you of the M Performance brake package also fitted to help rein things in.

When and How Much?

Later in 2019 for Australian customers and that will vary by region, of course.

How much? No idea yet, but pricing will shortly be available – BMW are pretty good at softening us up, but from past experience, M Performance SAVs are well-priced.

Peter Anderson

Peter Anderson is the Editor and founder of the theredline.com.au. He’s been writing about cars for years and finds it difficult to talk about anything else.