BMW X5 M & X6 M

Motoring Channel Staff - 23/April/2009

Munich, Germany – They said it would never happen. They said it would be a waste of time and effort.

Time will tell if 'they' were wrong.

BMW has rarely been swayed by criticism and unleashing the SUV 'M' dynamic duo, doesn't look like changing it ways.

The BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M have been unveiled for the world to see, taking the concept of the high performance SUV to strange new levels.

Financial downturn and practical arguments aside, BMW has unleashed the dynamic duo, which go straight to the top of their class with scintillating performance figures.

Powered by 4.4-litre twin turbo petrol V8 engines, these SUVs ride on large 20-inch wheels with grippy 275/40 R20 tyres at the front and 315/35 R20 tyres at the rear.

Performance

Able to keep pace with many high performance sports coupes, both the X5 M and X6 M dispatch the zero to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds.

With unparalleled levels of acceleration, this German 4WD duo are among the world's fastest SUVs and gives them the potential to bloody the nose of Porsche's most powerful SUV, the 404 kilowatt (550hp) Cayenne Turbo S.

Power and torque output for the new M Division's BMWs are as follows:

Power: 408kW @ 6000rpm
Torque: 680Nm @ 1500rpm
0-100km/h: 4.7 seconds
Top Speed: 275km/h

Compared to the current high performance SUV world champion, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, the new BMW X6 M and its sibling are slightly faster (see below), but don't expect this to last long. 

Porsche is notoriously protective of its performance achievements so expect an even more powerful Cayenne to appear soon.

As the table shows, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S has a larger twin turbo engine and hence more torque, but overall the BMW X6 M is more powerful (if only by a handful of kilowatts) and accelerates faster.

BMW says the new M TwinPower Turbo engine 'is the world's first power unit with a common exhaust emission manifold joining both rows of cylinders as well as Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology'.

Amazingly, BMW claims this juggernaut of an engine complies with the EU5 and LEV II emission standards, with an average fuel consumption of 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

Expected to leave little change from $200,000 when it launches in Australia in the fourth quarter of the year, only the BMW X6 M will be released locally.

Reasons were not given for the X5 M's no show in Australia. We'd guess that stock will be limited and BMW Australia was forced to choose only one model.

Both models are powered by the same engines and gearboxes and have the same four-wheel drive system - the major difference between the two models is the exterior design and interior dimensions.

BMW's well respected 'M' Division has delivered its first ever turbocharged engine, which is based on BMW's 4.4-litre twin turbo V8. 

In addition to a few internal engine upgrades, the major power gains were made by increasing turbo boost pressure to 1.5 bar (21.7 psi)

As well as the modified engines, the BMW X6 M and X5 M feature revised suspension, brakes, and tweaks to the xDrive 4WD system to improve ride, handling, grip and deceleration.

Another high performance feature is the 6-speed M Sports automatic transmission. 

This new gearbox can work in auto mode like any other automatic transmission or can be switched to M driving mode for a more assertive drive. It also has steering wheel paddles for hands-on gear changes.

One of the best features of the 6-speed M Sports auto transmission could be the launch control system, the ability to rev the engine without engaging gears from standstill.

Some of the BMW X Series M's other features include Dynamic Performance Control. 

This system works by constantly altering the amount of torque being spread across the left and right rear wheels, and is best summed up by BMW:

'Vectoring of torque between the right and left rear wheels (both on throttle and off) significantly improves steering precision and tracking stability at all speeds, with DSC being required to stabilize the vehicle only under extreme lateral acceleration.'

Together with a 50:50 (front:rear) weight distribution and roll stabilisation features, the new BMW X6 M and X5 M are expected to be fairly wieldly vehicles, despite their considerable size and weights.

Being the range-topping halo models of the X Series, the new dynamic duo come packed with almost every conceivable luxury feature, such as leather everything, electric everything (including park brake), rain sensors, review view cameras, adaptive xenon headlights, iDrive, trailer stability control and the list goes on.

Interior

BMW has included a wide array of driver assistance systems, such as a Head-Up Display, Adaptive Headlights and a High Beam Assistant.

The cabins of both X Series M models are outfitted with M seats, an M leather steering wheel and an M footrest, says BMW.

An M-specific cockpit has also been crafted, which features an instrument cluster with a variable pre-warning field in the rev counter, specific vehicle function displays (such as the racing flag when launch control is initiated) and white illumination of the display units.

Design

Based on the BMW X5 and X6 SUVs, the 'M' versions feature lots of eye candy to convey their performance.

With restyled front aprons that encompass enlarged air intakes, both X Series M variants show a more serious intent.

BMW explains that both models feature special gills in the front fenders, as well as model-specific 20-inch light-alloy wheels. 

The signs of distinction of BMW M are presented in individual style at the rear, confirming the athletic character of each model. 

The rear diffuser on each model communicates a particularly powerful presence and the quad tailpipes of the exhaust system are again a signature of BMW M's masterful work, claims the German automaker.

The new bodywork is also designed to channel air more effectively around the car, and to areas in need of improved cooling, such as the engine and brakes.

Related Links:
- BMW 5 Series Preview (2011)
- BMW 7 Series V12 Twin-Turbo (2010)
- BMW 130i M Sport (Road Test)
- BMW Z4 (2010)
- BMW 335i Coupe (Road Test)
- BMW Concept 5 Series GT (2009)
- BMW Concept X1 (2009)
- BMW Concept CS (Concept)
- BMW 3 Series (2009)
- BMW 7 Series (2008)
- BMW M3 Coupe (2008)
- BMW X6 (2008)
- BMW 120i (Road Test)
- BMW 5-Series: E60 (2004)