Arrival of BMW’s scintillating triple-turbocharged diesel engine heralds a mid-life update for the SUV duo of X5 and X6.
The BMW X6 xDrive M50d and X5 xDrive M50d are creations of the famous BMW M GmbH performance division and provide a significant boost to the local lineup. “These M performance vehicles each have a distinctive character and open up an entirely new model category,” explained BMW Australia boss Phil Horton.
The triple-turbocharged, 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine developed by BMW’s M division is said to be the world’s most powerful six-cylinder diesel with maximum output of 280kW between 4000 and 4400rpm and peak torque of 740Nm from 2000rpm. The red-line is 5400rpm.
At low engine speeds only a single small turbocharger is activated. Above 1500rpm, the second, larger turbocharger kicks-in and from 2600rpm, the third variable geometry turbocharger comes into play.
The result is zero to 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds for the BMW X6 xDrive M50d and 5.4 seconds for the X5 x Drive M50d. Combined cycle fuel consumption for the X5 M50d is 7.5l/100kms and 7.7l/100kms for the X6 M50d.
Underneath is special BMW M suspension and BMW’s active rear-biased all-wheel-drive system (Performance Control System on the X5 M50d and Dynamic Performance Control on the X6 M50d). Adaptive drive is standard on the X6 M50d and optional on the X5 M50d.
On the outside look for the latest BMW M enhancements – the aero front-end with inlets trimmed in ‘Ferric Grey’ metallic (also featured on the exterior mirrors), a sculptured power dome for the X6 bonnet, 20-inch double-spoke alloy wheels and adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights.
Similar story inside with usual M enhancements like the beautiful steering wheel and alcantara leather sports seats.
The updated lineup looks like this:
X5 xDrive M50d $147,000
X6 xDrive 30d $110,900
X6 xDrive 35i $121,000
X6 xDrive 40d $127,400
X6 xDrive 50i $150,400
X6 xDrive M50d $157,000
X6M $190,900
