Next BMW X5 M caught bludgeoning 'Ring, sounds fierce

The engineers at BMW's M Division have their magical finite element analysis machines working on the next-generation high-performance version of the company's popular X5 crossover, and they've taken a disguised X5 M prototype to Germany's Nürburgring to run the numbers. According to forum user Jason at Bimmerpost, the impetuous BMW CUV will begin the trend of M vehicles arriving more quickly after their progenitors. A pedestrian airbag and iDrive Touch Controller could be inaugurated with this model, too.

The production model is expected to utilize the same 560-horsepower S63Tü engine found in the M5, and blasting around the 'Ring in this video, it's the X5 M's sepulchral bellowing that gets our attention well in advance of what looks like some ridiculous handling chops (note the tripod action in the corner above).

Click here to watch this beast roar to life while lapping the 'Ring.