BMW had no choice but to introduce “M” versions of its SUVs. Not that the market for high-performance SUVs is very broad, but a company defined by driving pleasure can’t let the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Porsche and even Jeep get the better of it in this province.
The new BMW X5 M and X6 M are the first vehicles of the brand to offer M power and technology combined with xDrive, the in-house all-wheel-drive system. Both benefit from all the enhancements typical of the M line, i.e., aggressive looks and exceptional performance.
BMW didn’t pull any punches, bequeathing them with an all-new, twin-turbo, 4.4-litre V8 engine packing 555 ponies and over 500 ft-lb of torque. The mill is accompanied by the new Turbo M TwinPower system, the world’s first propeller to feature an exhaust manifold joining both rows of cylinders. The turbochargers and catalytic converter are housed inside the V-shaped space between the cylinders. This configuration enables a linear power flow and a more constant torque range.
The Bavarian manufacturer has chosen a six-speed automatic transmission that allows drivers to select gears via a Sport M electronic selector or paddles behind the aluminum steering wheel. To get the most out of both engine and transmission, BMW installed the Launch Control system for maximum acceleration.
The latter will indeed be noteworthy, as the automaker claims that the 0 to 100 km/h sprint takes just 4.7 seconds. Power distribution is controlled electronically between both axles to prevent the slightest hint of over- and understeer from the get go, even before the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) intervenes.
Traction control is standard. The M Dynamic Mode (MDM) is programmed to allow the driver to enter into controlled skids and thus push the X6 M and X5 M to their limits before winding up in a ditch. For those looking for a less intrusive safety net, the Dynamic Stability Control system can be deactivated.
The new BMW X5 M and X6 M are the first vehicles of the brand to offer M power and technology combined with xDrive, the in-house all-wheel-drive system. Both benefit from all the enhancements typical of the M line, i.e., aggressive looks and exceptional performance.
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| The new BMW X5 M and X6 M are the first vehicles of the brand to offer M power and technology combined with xDrive. |
BMW didn’t pull any punches, bequeathing them with an all-new, twin-turbo, 4.4-litre V8 engine packing 555 ponies and over 500 ft-lb of torque. The mill is accompanied by the new Turbo M TwinPower system, the world’s first propeller to feature an exhaust manifold joining both rows of cylinders. The turbochargers and catalytic converter are housed inside the V-shaped space between the cylinders. This configuration enables a linear power flow and a more constant torque range.
The Bavarian manufacturer has chosen a six-speed automatic transmission that allows drivers to select gears via a Sport M electronic selector or paddles behind the aluminum steering wheel. To get the most out of both engine and transmission, BMW installed the Launch Control system for maximum acceleration.
The latter will indeed be noteworthy, as the automaker claims that the 0 to 100 km/h sprint takes just 4.7 seconds. Power distribution is controlled electronically between both axles to prevent the slightest hint of over- and understeer from the get go, even before the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) intervenes.
Traction control is standard. The M Dynamic Mode (MDM) is programmed to allow the driver to enter into controlled skids and thus push the X6 M and X5 M to their limits before winding up in a ditch. For those looking for a less intrusive safety net, the Dynamic Stability Control system can be deactivated.
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| Twin-turbo, 4.4-litre V8 engine packing 555 ponies and over 500 ft-lb of torque. |