A new BMW X5 prototype has surface in Munich, and this one shows definite signs of a coming M-treatment. A new front bumper features revised front air-intakes designed to send more cooling air to the engine bay and brakes. At the rear is another all-important clue: Four exhaust tips now poke out the back, in a much lower position than on the standard X5. The four-exhaust treatment is a key M design element, and their placement on this prototype looks to be right in line with the exhaust on the BMW M5. Our photographer also reported a very different engine sound on this prototype, which pointed to the likelihood of a V-10 or twin-turbo V8 stuffed under this prototype¡¯s hood.

Some tweaked X5 prototypes were spotted testing in Death Valley earlier this summer, but this test car snapped in Munich looks to be an entirely different animal. The front intakes are different, and the X6-style fog lamps that were visible on the Death Valley prototype are nowhere to be found on this latest prototype. Further differences between the two X5 test cars are found at the rear: The Death Valley X5s had only two exhaust pipes protruding through the rear bumper (much like the current X5), while the Munich prototype has the four-pipe set-up protruding from beneath the bumper. We expect a fully-revised rear-bumper to properly showcase this prototype¡¯s quad-exhaust configuration. Finally, a quick look at the tires on the two test cars shows much more serious rubber on this Munich-based prototype.

BMW executives have repeatedly stated that the X5¡¯s packaging just doesn¡¯t lend itself to creating an M-version. This latest prototype, which shows more of BMW¡¯s Motorsport cues than we have ever seen on an X5, may signal a change in that stance.