{"id":82741,"date":"2025-06-03T10:09:24","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T14:09:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=82741"},"modified":"2025-06-03T10:09:24","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T14:09:24","slug":"bmw-x5-m60e-sounds-like-v8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=82741","title":{"rendered":"The V8 Lives! New BMW X5 Heard Making Angry Noises"},"content":{"rendered":"

BMW won\u2019t start production of the next-generation X5 for another year or so, but more and more prototypes are being spotted on the open road. A large fleet of \u201cG65\u201d test vehicles was seen in what appears to be sunny Spain. Of all the camouflaged cars, the one featuring a license plate ending in \u201c4569\u201d caught our attention the most. Despite having a quad exhaust, it\u2019s not a full-blown M car but rather an M Performance model.<\/p>\n

We believe it\u2019s called the X5 M60e because, yes, it\u2019s a plug-in hybrid. Notice how BMW failed to hide the charging port on the driver\u2019s side front fender? We had expected the electrified luxury SUV to use an inline-six in this M Lite flavor. However, the noises it\u2019s making seem to come from a larger V8. If our assumption is correct, it would be a pleasant surprise, considering the M760e<\/a> makes do with a smaller six-cylinder mill.<\/p>\n

The jury is still out on whether Europe will get any sort of V8-powered X5. Adding a plug-in hybrid setup increases the odds of seeing the \u201cS68\u201d engine on the Old Continent, but we can\u2019t be entirely sure. If it doesn\u2019t happen, BMW could sell the eight-cylinder X5 M60e only in markets with more relaxed emissions regulations, such as the United States. We\u2019re still holding out hope for some M-ness in the EU, but don\u2019t be too surprised if the formula includes only a six-cylinder engine.<\/p>\n

Having two identically named models with different powertrains depending on the region doesn\u2019t sound right. If this X5 M60e isn\u2019t coming to Europe, then BMW is likely planning to sell something different. Adding to the confusion is the strong possibility of a mild-hybrid V8 version, though that has even fewer chances of making it to European countries. It\u2019s also unlikely that an X5 M with eight cylinders will be sold in Europe after the current generation.<\/p>\n

The fully electric X5 M<\/a> (\u201cG95\u201d) we mentioned recently is definitely coming to Europe. Logic suggests BMW won\u2019t force customers to go electric if they want a sportier version. A gasoline-powered option may still be in development. Whether it features six or eight cylinders, with or without M Performance branding, remains to be seen. Whatever the case, the next X5 will offer something for everyone, including diesel fans, thanks to a 40d xDrive variant.<\/p>\n

Video: NCars \/ YouTube<\/p>\n