G-POWER X5 Typhoon RS Delivers 625hp and 285km/h Top Speed
G-POWER’s X5 Typhoon RS, based on the BMW X5 xDrive48i, uses a bespoke supercharger system and aggressive bodywork to claim the title of the world’s most powerful BMW SUV in 2009.
G-POWER’s X5 Typhoon RS, unveiled in 2009, pushed the BMW X5 xDrive48i into new territory for performance SUVs. With a heavily reworked 4.8-litre V8, the Typhoon RS claimed 625hp and a top speed of 285km/h, making it the most powerful BMW SUV available at the time.
The centrepiece of the Typhoon RS is its supercharged V8. Developed in partnership with ASA, the SK III RS supercharger system raises output by 270hp over the standard engine. The ASA T1-723 charger, driven by a multi-rib belt and integrated with the engine’s oil circuit, delivers 1.0 bar of boost. G-POWER fitted new forged pistons from MAHLE, larger fuel injectors, a revised ignition map, and additional cooling for both oil and water to ensure reliability at these power levels.
A two-part carbon intake and a large aluminium charge air cooler feed the engine, while a full stainless steel SPEEDFLOW exhaust system with racing headers and catalysts handles the outflow. The six-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive four-wheel drive were both modified to handle the extra torque, now peaking at 700Nm.
Bodywork and chassis upgrades
The Typhoon RS wears a bespoke widebody kit, including a new front skirt with oversized air intakes for enhanced engine and brake cooling. G-POWER’s own 23-inch Silverstone forged wheels, 11J wide at the front and 12J at the rear, are shod with 315/25 ZR 23 Michelin tyres. Extended wings and a four-part underbody cladding complete the exterior changes, reducing front axle lift at speed and improving stability.
Inside, G-POWER offered a range of cockpit upgrades to match the SUV’s performance and exterior presence, though the core focus remained on engineering and mechanical changes. The body kit, available as a standalone package, started at €12,185 (excluding tax) in 2009.
Position in the market
The Typhoon RS arrived at a time when performance SUVs were still a rarity, especially at this power level. G-POWER’s approach was to use proven supercharger technology, already seen in Alpina’s high-performance models and endurance racing, to extract maximum power from BMW’s naturally aspirated V8. The result was an SUV capable of out-accelerating many sports cars while retaining the practicality and all-wheel-drive capability of the X5 platform.
For buyers, the Typhoon RS offered a blend of exclusivity, extreme performance and recognisable BMW engineering, albeit at a price and with the running costs to match its output. Its combination of bespoke engineering and visible aggression made it a rare but memorable entry in the high-performance SUV segment.
- BMW X5 xDrive48i base vehicle
- G-POWER SK III RS supercharger system
- 625hp, 700Nm torque
- 0–100km/h in 4.5 seconds
- 23-inch G-POWER Silverstone wheels
- Widebody aerodynamic kit
