BMW X5 4.8i M Sport

BMW is introducing the M-Sport packaging option to their X5 range for the first time ever. The M-Sport options have been available on much of the remaining BMW range for some time now and is a way of adding the Motorsport bling for those who don’t want or can’t afford the Motorsport zing.

BMW Australia have not yet announced the M-Sport option for Australian delivered X5’s but for now we will assume that it will become available on Australian X5’s in the not too distant future. As soon as we hear more we will report.

The BMW X5 4.8i M-Sport rides on standard 19-inch ‘M’ light alloy wheels and sports tuned suspension. It also receives an ‘M’ styled body kit as well as unique interior detailing that includes upgraded sports seats, Anthracite headlining and an ‘M’ leather steering wheel.

Unique exterior detailing includes a matt aluminium surround to the side window frames, high gloss shadowline roof rails and if the wallet permits buyers can upgrade to 20-inch ‘M’ light alloy wheels.

The BMW X5 4.8i M-Sport will be available in six colours that include Titanium Silver (pictured), Space Grey, Monaco Blue, Alpine White, Carbon Black and Black Sapphire.

Mechanically, the drivetrain remains unchanged which means it is fitted with the standard (and more than adequate we might add) 4.8-litre petrol V8 engine. The V8 includes BMW’s Bi-Vanos and Valvetronic variable valve hardware for an output of 260Kw and 0-100km/h in around 6.5 seconds.

Sales of the new X5 are booming for BMW with virtually all of 2007’s production already pre-ordered. It’s not hard to understand why when the X5 is a class leader perhaps only trailing the Porsche Cayenne Turbo for outright performance ability. The big difference is that the BMW X5 goes about its job with a George Clooney debonairness, while the Porsche Cayenne is big and tough and rather Shrek like …