BMW X5 and X6 get the high-performance M treatment which means new technology, sporty dynamics and a monster 408kW V8 engine when they arrive in South Africa in early 2010 with an eye on the likes of Mercedes ML 63 AMG, Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, Audi Q7 V12 TDI and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

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Both BMW models accelerate to 100 km/h from a standstill in 4.7 seconds, with the 4395cc power unit providing maximum torque of 680Nm in the speed range between 1500 and 5650rpm.

Geared to these specific power and performance characteristics are BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, just like Dynamic Performance Control also standard on both models. Interacting with the cars’ special M suspension including Adaptive Drive and the newly developed Servotronic power steering, this ensures driving stability with "precisely controlled steering qualities".

Look and design

This performance potential comes out clearly in the cars' looks and design. The engine compartment lid, the front air dam and the headlight graphics carried over from the BMW X6 are shared by both models. The proportions of the two cars, on the other hand, differ to distinguish between the X5's versatility and the X6's sports coupe leanings.

Both the X5 and X6 feature special gill intakes in the front side panels tailored to each model as well as individually designed 20-inch light-alloy rims. Compared with the regular X5 and X6, the share of black plastic surfaces around the lower section of the body is reduced on both new models while the body elements related to aerodynamics and the flow of cooling air are clearly accentuated.

Power and performance

Power and performance is delivered by the M TwinPower Turbo, the world's first engine with Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology and the exhaust manifold extending over both rows of cylinders. Both models offer average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 13.9l/100km. Their CO2 rating is 325g/km.

The new engine is coupled with a new six-speed automatic transmission. The M Sports Automatic is controlled by an electronic gear selector lever on the centre console and offers the driver not only the D Mode, but also an S and M Mode for a more sporting gearshift. Aluminium gearshift paddles on the steering wheel allow the manual gearshift.

Stay on these roads

Keeping it all on the road is BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive technology designed to improve traction on rough terrain, and enhance driving dynamics on the road. Electronically controlled, variable power distribution to the front and rear axle prevents the tendency to over- or understeer, before DSC Dynamic Stability Control is even required to cut in.

Presented for the first time in the BMW X6 and now featured also in the X5 M and X6 M, DSC enhances driving stability in demanding situations. The new M Dynamic Mode (MDM) raises the DSC control thresholds, allowing maximum speeds in bends and on winding roads with the system cutting in very late when the vehicle reaches the absolute limit.

Both cars come standard with air suspension featuring self-levelling on the rear axle as well as Adaptive Drive with electronically controlled dampers (EDC) and active anti-roll stability. The special Servotronic steering developed for the X5 M and X6 M provides steering assistance geared to the actual road speed of the vehicle.

Apart from the DSC Mode and the specific set-up of both the dampers and the steering, the driver is also able to configure the set-up of the drivetrain according to personal requirements. Activating the Power Mode which influences both engine and transmission control, the driver has the choice of both the Sports and Efficiency driving programs.

Both the X5 M and X6 M are equipped with the latest generation of iDrive and come as an option with a Head-Up Display specific to BMW M.

Luxury liner

Also, both of these all-wheel-drive high-performance sports cars come with a special M cockpit with the instrument cluster featuring a variable pre-warning field in the rev counter, specific vehicle function displays, and white display illumination. And both the BMW X5 M as well as the BMW X6 M feature M seats and an M leather steering wheel.

Both models are fitted as standard with cruise control incorporating its own brake function. The wide range of optional features, in turn, includes Adaptive Headlights and a High-Beam Assistant. Supplementing the standard BMW Park Distance Control, there is also an optional rear-view camera including a Top View function.

The range of standard features includes electrical seat adjustment complete with a memory function and seat heating at the front, two-zone automatic air conditioning, extended Merino leather, a HiFi audio system with 12 loudspeakers and 230 Watt amplifier output, M entry trim, an M footrest, interior trim in brushed Aluminium Shadow on both models as well as a BMW Individual instrument panel finished in leather and automatic operation of the tailgate on the BMW X6 M.

The optional comfort features available on both include BMW’s Professional navigation system, four-zone automatic air conditioning, active seat ventilation, full leather upholstery in Merino leather, a panorama glass roof on the BMW X5 M and an electrically operated glass roof on the BMW X6 M as well as the BMW Individual High End audio system.

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