BMW X5 M out in the open?

The folks at GlobalMotors got their hands on some spy photos of what it seems to be the BMW X5 M version. I intentionally said "what it seems" since I am not 100% convinced that we're looking at the real M version of the X5 SAV, so therefore I was reluctant on running this story. After a close inspection of these "spy shots" I am convinced that we are just looking at a regular X5 production model equipped with the M Sport Package and an aftermarket exhaust system. But the reason why I am writing this article is to show how hard it will be to differentiate between the real X5 M and a pimped out production model.  Of course, keeping the ///M badge on the car will help tremendously, but as far as "looks", many people will be confused, including die hard bimmer fans. The car in these photos is sporting the aggressive bumper from the M Sport Package, so that was the first design element that threw me off at first.  Here is how the M Sport Package front-end looks like: Now let's see the spy photos: Identical right? So, X5 M vs. X5 with M-Sport Package 0-1 so far. Now let's see the rear end, probably the part that really threw me off. X5 M-Sport Package: Now, the allegedly spied X5 M: And the "real" X5 M spotted by our friend Palbay recently: So, the two spy photos show a similar twin exhaust pipes that are integrated into the rear bumper.  The score so far: BMW X5 M vs. X5 M-Sport Package 1-1. Moving on, let's examine now the side of the cars, even though the GlobalMotor's photos are not that great. We can clearly see in these photos that the famous ///M side vents are missing, while all the recent X5 M spy photos show that area covered with camo, a clear indication of the M side vents existence. Their spy photo: Our spy photo: So another point for X5 with the M-Sport Package, in conclusion the "spy shots" from GlobalMotors are showing us a production model X5 with aftermarket parts and M-Package. And if this wasn't enough to convince you, do you recall reading on here that the BMW X5 M will get the X6 headlights? The car in the GlobalMotor's photos has the regular X5 headlights.  I hope this article answers your questions, especially those of you that emailed us to ask if this is the "real deal".