Power will most likely include the 258-horsepower 3.0-liter I-6 (255-horsepower in North American markets), the
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| ower will most likely include the 258-horsepower 3.0-liter I-6, the 306-horsepower 4.0-liter and 360-horsepower 4.8-liter V8 motors. (Photo: BMW of North America) |
It is unknown whether or not BMW's M-Motorsport division will work its magic on the SAC, as it has kept its hands off the X5 and X3 so far. Should the SAC ever carry an M badge, it will most likely be powered by the 5.0-liter V10 from the M5. With a projected curb weight of approximately 4,400 lbs, the SAC would be capable of reaching 60 mph in under 5.4 seconds, and a top speed of 155 mph if equipped with this drivetrain. It would also be the first all-wheel drive M-Motorsport machine. This detail, as well as the body style, will be chosen closer to the project's meeting date, which is late this year. Paris-Dakar anyone?
Because the SAC occupies a totally new segment with no competition, it is in essence a true niche vehicle. It's estimated
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| Because the SAC occupies a totally new segment with no competition, it is in essence a true niche vehicle. (Photo: Artist's Rendering) |
Production would most likely occur alongside the X5, at BMW's Spartanburg, NC facility. Although the SAC is the only vehicle of its kind, Panke suggests that it could eventually attract enough people to justify a run of 50,000 units over a lengthy period of time. "The X5 has shown six-figure numbers are possible," he said, which just goes to show that when it comes to BMW, anything is truly possible.