The reveal of the all new 2014 BMW X5 (F15) is imminent, but testing continues on the F15 X5 M.

Testing on the F15 X5 M began last year [first sighting], but current mules have now dropped much camouflage. What’s revealed are the expected signature M components - huge front air intakes, aggressive sideskirts and rear diffuser, blue M brakes, and cross drilled rotors (the first for any X5 model). We also get a better look at the quad exhaust pipes which, unlike the current X5 M, feature a new angled design (like we’ve seen on the F82 M4 prototypes).

The F15 X5 is expected to weigh less than the current E70 X5 and ride on a modified version of the F10 5 series chassis. As for … CONTINUED

In this video, race car driver Scott Pruett and BMW Product & Technology Communications Manager Matt Russell explain the BMW M Electronic Damper Control (EDC) system and how the Comfort, Sport and Sport+ suspension settings make a difference in the F10 M5 and F12/F13 M6.

Although the M5 and M6 use an M tuned version of the BMW EDC, here is a general summary of EDC technology from BMW:

Electronic Damper Control (EDC) automatically or manually adjusts each damper to suit the driving conditions meaning you enjoy outstanding comfort along with the best in BMW on-road safety. EDC reduces variations in wheel load, ensures tyres have excellent traction and counteracts bodyshell movement regardless of the weight your automobile may be carrying or the state of the road’s … CONTINUED

We’ve captured the next generation X5 M prototype on video for the first time and despite all its camouflage and cladding, still impresses with its furious sounds on the Nurbrugring test track. Have a look and listen inside.

BMW Manufacturing Co. announced today that the National Association of Foreign Trade Zones (NAFTZ) recognized the company as its Exporter of the Year. In addition, the NAFTZ recognized BMW as the recipient of its Export Achievement Award for being the member that showed the most improvement in value.

BMW’s plant in South Carolina has steadily increased its export activity. According to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, based on the 2011 value of BMW exports from South Carolina, the company’s Spartanburg facility is the largest automotive exporter from the U.S.

BMW’s plant in Spartanburg currently produces over 1,000 vehicles each day and is the exclusive exporter of X3 and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and the X6 Sports Activity Coupe through the Port of Charleston. This year, the … CONTINUED

Here is a report from the 2012 BMW M6 M Power Experience at the Yas Marina Formula 1 race circuit in Abu Dhabi, courtesy of BIMMERPOST member willaw.

This year’s M Power Experience event took place in Abu Dhabi, where the program was principally held at the Yas Marina Formula 1 race track. Last year’s M Power Experience in Spain focused on the F10 M5, and this year’s Abu Dhabi event will featured the new M6 coupe and M6 convertible. There were also excursions into the desert to test BMW M SAV vehicles.

Check out the report, photos, and videos inside.

The annual UK National BMW Festival was recently held at the Heritage Motor Centre in the UK. This year’s event celebrated the 40 years of BMW Motorsport and the 60th anniversary of the BMW Car Club of GB.

Check out the massive set of photos inside.

BMW Group remains on successful course in second quarter

01.08.2012

- New record figures for sales volume and revenues
- Second-best quarterly earnings in the company’s history
- Profit before financial result amounts to € 2.27 billion
- Automotive Segment second-quarter EBIT margin of 11.6%
- BMW Group reaffirms targets for financial year 2012

Munich. The BMW Group continued its success during the second quarter as well as in the six-month period to June 2012, achieving new record figures for sales volume and revenues and the second-best Group operating profit in the company’s history.

Second-quarter revenues rose by 7.3% to € 19,202 million (2011: € 17,888 million). Group earnings remained at a high level despite greater investment in new technologies and higher personnel costs: Profit before financial result (EBIT) amounted to € 2,270 million … CONTINUED

A couple of 2014 X5 (F15) prototypes flashed their grilles for the first time during one recent test run and our quick acting spies managed to capture it before their camouflage were reattached.

As we’ve reported previously, the grilles are indeed larger, wider, and bolder than those on the current X5. It retains the 7 slat design, but the grilles now dominate more of the front fascia and has a much thicker grille surround than the current X5 - see the comparison image below.

The hoodline has been moved to above the kidney grilles and taking up recent design cues a la F30 3 series, the headlights will connect with the kidney grilles. Although the headlight shape is still obscured by the camouflage on this prototype, we’ve … CONTINUED