When the original X5 M came out, it was the first of its kind. BMW's
famed M division took a massive engine and stuffed it under the hood of
one of its most popular products. The recipe is much the same with the
new X5 M and X6 M, but now they are even more powerful.
The
third-generation M SUVs use a more powerful version of BMW's now
ubiquitous twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8—the same motor used in the current M5.
The "standard" engine makes 600 hp at 6,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft of
torque, and the Competition pack ups those numbers to 617 hp and 553
lb-ft. The revised S63 engine also has a wider torque band than the mill
in the outgoing M SUVs, meaning there's more grunt available down low
in the rev range.
All that power is transferred through BMW's eight-speed M Steptronic
automatic transmission into an M xDrive AWD system. M xDrive sends all
of its power rearward until extra traction is required; only then will
it shuffle power to the front axle. An active sport differential is also
standard on all models.
BMW says a number of AWD modes will be
available, including an AWD Sport setting that supports more "spirited
driving." All models also get what BMW is calling "Adaptive M suspension
Professional with Active Roll Stabilization." Just like other BMWs with
adaptive suspension, the X5 M and X6 M use electronically controlled
dampers to help control body roll and allow the driver to set their ride
and handling preferences through a variety of modes.
Other upgrades include the adjustable brake feel first seen on the M8,
extra bracing to increase chassis rigidity, and an optional staggered
wheel setup with 21-inch rollers up front and 22-inchers in the rear.
The new super-SUVs are also lower, heavier, and slightly wider than the
vehicles on which they are based.
On the inside, all models get
BMW's Live Cockpit and iDrive 7 standard on two 12.3-inch displays; one
in the center console, and the other in the instrument cluster. All
models will also come with a head-up display, and two modes for setting
how the instrument cluster and HUD display information. Competition pack
cars offer a "track" setting that BMW says is designed exclusively for
use on closed circuits.
Prices start at $106,095 and $109,595 for
the base X5 M and X6 M, or $115,095 and $118,595 for the Competition
models, respectively.
