BMW's X5 & X6 Get The 'M' Treatment
Attention performance SUV buyers: there are some new guns in town - BMW's stunning X6 M and X5 M have arrived.
Sales have now commenced for the X6 M however the first X5 Ms will not arrive until January. They are the first all-wheel-drive models built by BMW M GmbH, combining BMW xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control.
The X6M is powered by BMW's new 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 engine. The performance figures are spectacular - maximum power is 408kW and peak torque of 680Nm is delivered in a wide spread between 1,500rpm and 5,650 rpm. Zero to 100 km/h takes only 4.7 seconds.
It is the world's first engine with a common exhaust manifold joining both rows of cylinders as well as Twin Scroll turbocharger technology. The turbocharger and catalytic converters are positioned in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders.
It's quite miserly in the fuel consumption department, using 14.3l/100kms - that's less than the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG or Porsche Cayenne Turbo - and the X6 M complies with the Euro5 emissions standard. BMW says the meager fuel consumption is due to adoption of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies - including Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand control of the fuel pump, detachable air-conditioning compressor and volume flow-controlled supply of hydraulic fluid to the anti-roll system.
Drive is a via a six-speed M Sports Automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and featuring 'Launch Control' for maximum standing start performance.
The X6 M also features specifically developed M Servotronic steering with speed-variable assistance. Additionally, the driver can use the M Drive button to select the Sports Mode for a genuine sporting control map.
Ride height is 10mm lower than standard X6 models and the suspension features stiffer shock absorbers and modified sway bars. In addition there is Adaptive Drive with electronically adjustable dampers and self-leveling air suspension for the rear.
The X6 M is BMW's first M model with run-flat safety tyres. Mounted on massive 20-inch alloy wheels, the rubber is 275/40 R20 at the front and 315/35 R20 for the rears.
Externally there is a mean-looking front spoiler while inside there are the usual superb M Sport features and an abundance of beautiful leather trim.
The X6 M is priced at $179,500 and BMW will provide more details on the $172,900 X5 M closer to its launch.
