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When you take your car for styling and tuning to HAMANN -Motorsport in Laupheim, Germany, the end result will always be amazing. This also occurred when customizing the BMW X5 M and turning it into the HAMANN Flash Evo M. Whether you need a bodykit, light alloy wheels, increased performance or visual enhancement of the interior – HAMANN makes it possible.

The BMW X5 M rolls off the assembly-line already with many exceptional attributes that give it a sense of a sports car. HAMANN dresses up this genre, adding the newly developed Flash Evo M-Bodykit. From now on, a striking front spoiler will be fitted with two or four integrated LED daytime running lights, large air intakes that supply the engine as well as the brake system with fresh air. The carbon bonnet presents itself as a perfect match and contributes with its additional air inlets and outlets to optimize the temperature inside the engine compartment. Side sill bars connect the massive fender extensions and give the X5 M a considerably higher presence. The two central tailpipes of the sport exhaust system are integrated into the diffuser that is installed into the rear spoiler. The carbon roof spoiler adds to the necessary downforce. Even the exterior mirror heads present themselves in a stylish black carbon fibre.

Upon request, several 22 or 23 inch light alloy wheels amplify effectively the sporty appearance of the HAMANN Flash Evo M and skilfully fill in the wide wheel housings. The exclusive DESIGN UNIQUE FORGED “ANODIZED” rim, available in 23 inch with matt black anodized spokes, gives it a truly sporty appearance. The special forging technique applied makes the rim super light but at the same time offers a very high bearing load.

By using progressively wound suspension springs, HAMANN is able to lower the center of gravity of the BMW X5 M by 30 mm. This emphasizes even more the sporty appearance of the Flash Evo M bodykit.

HAMANN offers two performance improvement systems: First, the ECU is optimized by removing the factory-installed Vmax restriction of 250 km/h. Then, power is increased from 408 kW/555 hp and 680 Nm torque to an impressive 449 kW/610 hp and a torque of 780 Nm.

For an extra kick, HAMANN supplies the HM 670 sports kit. In addition to the optimization of the ECU, a rear sports muffler and catalyst replacement pipes are being used. This way, between 1500 and 5650 RPM, the torque is increased to 950 Nm. According to the data sheet, 493 kW/670 hp are also available and ensure that the HAMANN Flash Evo M can reach a top speed of 300 km/h.

Stopping at these speeds requires additional safety, for which HAMANN has developed a high-performance brake system, using 405 mm diameter brake discs in front and 340 mm diameter brake discs at the rear. 6-pot callipers provide the delay at the front axle, while 4-pot callipers do their work at the rear axle. Steal flex brake lines prevent the dreaded fading during high stresses.

When checking out the interior, the first thing one will notice is the HAMANN airbag sport steering wheel and the speedometer, indicating a top speed of 320 km/h. But this is only the beginning: Upon request, the in-house saddlery shop can provide you with two-coloured, quilted leather with decorative stitching and Alcantara, as interior finish. To round it all off, an interior package is available with appliqué made of visible carbon fibre and a stainless steel sill plate with an illuminated HAMANN logo. The feet of the driver may rest on pedals and a foot rest available in optional silver or black anodized aluminium. HAMANN floor mats and a trunk mat top off the luxurious appearance.

For more information about the extensive HAMANN tuning programme, please visit the web site www.HAMANN-MOTORSPORT.com .

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(from G-Power Press Release) First there was the “small” TYPHOON body kit; now here comes the “big” TYPHOON wide body kit for the BMW X5 M. Thanks to optimised air flow and up to 15 % more cooling, the G-POWER body kit clears the way for an increase in the base output of the 4.4 l V8 bi-turbo power unit of 170 hp to no less than 725 hp. Muscular flared wheel arches plus distinctive skirts and spoilers on the front and rear trimmed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency define the look of the G-POWER X5 M TYPHOON. The body kit in original equipment quality made from PU RIM was developed by G-POWER designers using state-of-the-art CAD technology. The base vehicle was fully digitised in-house with a 3D scanner.

The elegant sweep of the flared G-POWER wheel arches front and rear – which, of course, come with perfectly matched inner panels – give the X5 M seven centimetres more width, making room for extra-wide 23-inch wheels and tyres. The top-end version comes with G-POWER SILVERSTONE RS forged wheels developed specifically for the TYPHOON, with 11Jx23 format up front and 12Jx23 on the rear. Each corner sports 315/25 ZR 23 high-performance rubber from development partner Michelin, delivering optimum traction and sporty handling that is further enhanced by the G-POWER sports suspension and a 30 mm lower ride height.

Together with the flared wheel arches, the face of the exclusive SUV is distinguished largely by the G-POWER TYPHOON front skirt designed entirely in-house. The large air intakes not only improve overtaking prestige, they also guarantee optimum cooling of the engine and front brakes. Moreover, design refinements succeeded in reducing aerodynamic lift on the front axle.

The sills on the TYPHOON serve not only as aerodynamically efficient transitions between the front and rear flares, they also house five LED units on each side that illuminate the ground on each side of the vehicle when activated either by remote control or by pulling the door handle. Along the upper surfaces, stainless steel inserts integrate a G-POWER logo also illuminated in blue.

Like the front section, the rear skirt on the TYPHOON is conceived to completely replace the production-standard bumper. The diffuser has an imposing impact on the rear view, as do the two distinctive 114 mm tailpipes on the G-POWER stainless steel sports silencer. Together with the spoiler fixed to the rear hatch, which adds visual length to the roofline, minimal lift has been achieved at the rear axle, too. A further example of the detailed refinements in the design of the G-POWER TYPHOON Wide Version for the BMW X5 M is the four-part underbody panelling.

In keeping with the dynamic look, G-POWER offers a mighty power unit for the BMW X5 M. Thanks to the enlarged air intakes in the front skirt and the outlet vents in the bonnet, there is an improved flow of cooling air to the radiator and oil cooler at the front of the vehicle, increasing cooling performance by around 15%. This establishes the basis for a thermally balanced performance increase achieved by electronic optimisation developed by G-POWER and involving changes to the engine mapping including removal of the top speed limiter. On the exhaust side, a fully stainless steel G-POWER system delivers the necessary reduction in exhaust back pressure featuring a set of sport catalytic converters and most important a set of flow optimized G-POWER exhaust manifolds connecting the turbochargers. In addition, optimised connection pipes have also been installed between the turbochargers and the cylinder heads to minimise pressure and thermodynamic losses. The outcome is an additional 170 hp, taking the overall output to an impressive 725 hp at 6,000 r/min and 890 Nm of torque at 1,500 r/min. The maximum torque is electronically limited. In combination with a reinforcement of the standard BMW X6 M automatic transmission a torque maximum of 1000 Nm can be provided.

The enormous potential of the G-POWER modified BMW V8 bi-turbo power unit endows the X5 M with on-the-road performance that catapults it into the elite group at the very top of this vehicle class. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h lasts only 4.2 seconds, with the top speed at over 300 km/h.

G-POWER has refined the interior of the BMW X5 M with exclusive accessories like an ergonomically designed sports steering wheel, a G-POWER speedometer and fine carbon-fibre trim on the side panels, centre console and dashboard. Further preferences can be fulfilled with exclusive interiors in all shades of leather and Alcantara.

Need a faster way to get your kids to soccer practice? Make sure you don’t pass any Prius fanatics because this new 2010 BMW X5 M collects a two out of a possible ten on its sticker’s Global Warming Score. The X5 M’s combined fuel economy is 14 mpg according to the EPA, and we all know it seems they calculate that number driving downhill. The 262 cubic inches (4.4-liters) under the hood supported by two blow driers (turbos) produces 555 hp and 501 tq. With that power we know you wont be seeing 14mpg. It has been shown though that 13mpg is more realistic.

But who cares. I am sure whoever has $89,875 won’t be worrying too much about gas mileage. This thing is also not the skinniest girl on the block tipping the scales at 5,368lbs. That’s over 500lbs MORE than the F-150. And I thought the F-150 was heavy. Don’t expect that 555hp/501tq to throw you back in your seat too far. But we have heard this thing still shows its German engineering and excellence. Read below from a fellow writer at autoblog.com:

As we exited the freeway, the Caterham’s pilot gunned it around a sharp corner. Figuring, “Let’s just see,” I followed suit, one-handing the X5 M’s tiller sharply to the right. What transpired is one of the most eye-popping and perplexing few seconds of my auto-reviewing career. The X5 M stayed with the Caterham. Inch for inch, line for line, apex to apex, the giant blue hulk perfectly mimicked the Se7en’s nimble flight path. Not only that, but when we straightened out, the 5,386 pound lard-ass was able to out accelerate the 1,200 pound British bantamweight. I burst out in laughter, a long, heartfelt, sustained thirty-second belly-laugh. No way man. There’s absolutely no way that just happened. Couldn’t have. But, much to my extreme disbelief (not to mention whatever was going through the Caterham driver’s mind), the X5 M totally, fully 100-percent opened up a can of 9,000 calorie whoop-ass on Colin Chapman’s lightweight ideal. And just then, all 90,000 of the X5 M’s ridiculous dollars suddenly made complete sense.

Did you know the rear end rotates? The DPC (Dynamic Performance Control) is implemented into the rear axle and employs torque vectoring technology. What does that mean? When you’re driving at a certain speed and turn left, the rear right wheel gets the bulk of the power, allowing you to keep on the throttle in while cornering. The same goes for turning right. I have not experienced this myself but sounds like a very impressive addition.

What about the numbers? The X5 M hits 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and cruises through the quarter-mile in 12.8 seconds at 109 mph. Not bad. Not bad at all. What helps to do this is the All Wheel Drive system, Launch Control, and the meaty 275/40R/20 front and 315/35R/20 rear tires. Here is a little tutorial on the launch control system according to the owners manual.

1. When the vehicle is stationary with the engine running, step on the brake pedal.
2. With the transmission in M/S mode, shift into M1
3. Activate MDM mode or deactivate DSC Dynamic Stability Control, refer to page 21.
4. Select the “Sport” program for the M Engine dynamics control.
5. The engine speed is controlled for starting off. The flag symbol appears in the instrument panel.
6. When the brake pedal is released, the vehicle accelerates.
7. Upshifting occurs automatically.

Have you ever been in a BMW M car? You should have noticed the small “M” button on the steering wheel. This performs several functions other than lift off. The EDC (Electronic Damping Control) will stiffen up your suspension to ultimately eliminate body roll. The DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) will loosen up and allow the rotating rear end to act even harder. The X5 also goes into MDM (M Dynamic Mode) which allows for even higher limits. If you like the Fast and the Furious movies and aspire to be the DK (Drift King) on your block, BMW allows you to turn off the DSC and MDM modes.

Overall this beast of an SUV is nothing like a soccer mom vehicle. Performance, handling, electronics, and the crappy mpgs are all there with the $90k price tag. It’s what you expect when an M5 mates with an X5. If you are looking for that performance SUV that will compete with your neighbors Porsche Cayenne, maybe the X5 M is the fit for you.

BMW’s press department has released official photos and early details on the European X1, its new entry sport-ute.  From what we gathered, three diesel engines and one petrol will be offered to the EU market; rear- or all-wheel-drive is available.  The figure BMW boasted was for its diesel-powered sDrive18dcame to 45 mpg in the European driving cycle and had a top speed of 124 mph.

US specs and pricing are unknown.