BMW X5M / X6M and a heart of gold

I want to live, I want to give…

Another embargo set, another embargo broken! It seems the power of the 4.4 litre twin turbo V8 inside the X5 M and X6 M was too much to hold back. With figures of 408kW (555hp) and 680Nm of retina removing torque is it any surprise.

The M versions of the X5 and X6 are about as exciting to me as having more hot air delivered to Parliament House. And about as useful. There is no doubt in my mind they will be stonking cars to drive, but I don’t really get the point of hyper SUVs to be honest.

Presumably BMW are keeping a straight face when they describe the X6 M as possessing “athletic charisma”. One wonders if those crazy Chermans have an arse-about dictionary, or something. When I looked in my dictionary to find words to describe the X6 M, I came up with corpulent and indifferent. Clearly, I’m not quite on the same page as BMW, then.

But that engine. Oh, that engine! It wants to live, and it wants to give. And then keep on giving. The beating heart inside these BMW behemoths may well be the cure to all the evils of the metalwork surrounding it. That stupendous 680Nm of torque is available, in full, from just 1500rpm. Can you imagine the awesomeness that would lay at the beck and call of your right foot. PPPOOOOOWWWEEEEERRRRRRR!!!

The engine doesn’t stop at brutal power, though. It even has a hint of innovation coursing through its veins. BMW claims the new M TwinPower Turbo engine is the world’s first with a common exhaust manifold encompassing both rows of cylinders and featuring Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology.

If you do see the point of hyper SUVs, then I invite you to read BMW’s comprehensive release after the jump. There’s also a few pics of what these new cars actually look like, as well. You know, just in case you were wondering.

BMW X5 M

BMW X6 M

Their heart of gold

High Performance Re-Defined:
The BMW X5 M.
The BMW X6 M.

Now the discerning customer has the opportunity to enjoy the unique high-performance character of a BMW M car also in the segment of BMW X models: The BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are the first all-wheel-drive models to offer the supreme performance, dynamic driving features, athletic design, and premium quality of a typical BMW M Car.

Both models are powered by a newly developed V8 high-performance engine delivering 408 kW/555 hp at an engine speed range between of 6,000 rpm from an engine capacity of 4,395 cc. The new M TwinPower Turbo engine is indeed the world’s first power unit with a common exhaust manifold encompassing both rows of cylinders and featuring Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology.

BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system is naturally geared to the specific power and performance characteristics of the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M, 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 the driving behaviour so characteristic of a BMW M Car, combining unique driving stability with precisely controlled steering qualities all the way to the highest level of driving dynamics.

The BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M set new standards in this segment of high-performance models in terms of acceleration, lateral dynamics, steering behaviour, stopping power, and efficiency. Both models accelerate to 100 km/h from a standstill in 4.7 seconds and stand out not only through the truly impressive delivery of power by the V8 turbo engine providing maximum torque of 680 Newton-metres or 501 lb-ft in the broad speed range between 1,500 and 5, 650 rpm, but also through the likewise smooth and consistent build-up of lateral forces meeting the highest requirements and the most dynamic level of performance in bends.

The exclusive character of both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M results to a large extent from a level of driving performance never seen before even in this particular segment. Both models offer the ultimate in their segment in every respect, providing performance and dynamic driving reserves quite unique versus the competition and ensuring an experience of unlimited supremacy in everyday traffic.

Design: features typical of BMW M for supreme dynamics and exclusivity.
The truly outstanding potential of both models comes out clearly in their looks and design, their joint DNA borne out by supreme performance on the road presented convincingly by the common design of the front end with its large air intakes.

The engine compartment lid, the front air dam and the headlight graphics carried over from the BMW X6 are identical in both cases. The proportions of the two cars, on the other hand, clearly differ through the variability of the BMW X5 M Sports Activity Vehicle as opposed to the dynamic qualities of the BMW X6 M Sports Activity Coupé.

Both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M feature special gill intakes in the front side panels tailored to each model as well as individually designed 20-inch light-alloy rims.

The signs of distinction so typical of BMW M are likewise presented in individual style at the rear, in both cases confirming the outstanding dynamism of each model: The rear air dam on the BMW X6 M demonstrates particularly powerful presence, while the two dual tailpipes in the exhaust system surrounded in both cases by the rear air dam are again typical of BMW’s M philosophy.

Compared with the “regular” BMW X5 and the BMW X6, the share of black plastic surfaces around the lower section of the body is reduced on both new models, giving even greater emphasis to the road going-orientation of the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M. Particularly the body elements fulfilling major functions in terms of aerodynamics and the flow of cooling air are clearly accentuated on both models.

Beyond these common features, both of these all-wheel-drive high-performance sports cars stand out clearly as unique models in their own right: The BMW X5 M clearly boasts its superior power and exclusivity at very first sight, while the BMW X6 M, in its unique design, alludes to fascinating driving dynamics and the car’s athletic charisma.

The M TwinPower Turbo: Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology with a joint exhaust manifold for both rows of cylinders making its debut in the market.
Power and performance typical of BMW M is delivered by the power unit in both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M by a new design and construction principle: The new M TwinPower Turbo with Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology and the exhaust manifold extending over both rows of cylinders patented by BMW offer absolutely extreme response and spontaneity, a linear build-up of engine power, and an unusually consistent torque curve.

The two turbochargers are positioned together with the catalytic converters in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders. The position of the intake and exhaust ducts provided in this way serves to reduce the length of the pipes and manifolds and increase their cross-section, with pressure losses on the exhaust side being significantly minimised in the process.

The joint flow of exhaust gas provided by the common manifold system connecting two cylinders at a time also ensures optimum gas throughput. The separation of exhaust flow is continued until the exhaust gas reaches the turbine wheel, building up ongoing pressure on the two Twin Scroll Turbochargers not impaired by any kind of counter-pressure.

With maximum charge pressure amounting to 1.5 bar, the use of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology with its inter-cylinder exhaust manifold makes unique use of the turbocharging potential.

Immediate, direct response to the gas pedal and truly exceptional pulling force from the engine starting at low speeds and continuing consistently to the highest load level characterise the new M TwinPower Turbo from BMW M GmbH. The truly impressive development of power ensured in this way is accompanied by fascinating engine sound accentuating the fast-revving engine characteristics and the linear build-up of power by a supreme acoustic effect typical of a BMW M Car.

Reflecting the superior power of the engine, the V8 power unit comes with a cooling system developed specifically for the two new models. One special feature in this context is the indirect intercooling effect serving to optimise performance under particularly dynamic driving conditions.

The new M TwinPower Turbo develops its outstanding output and performance with equally outstanding efficiency. In addition to direct High Precision Injection, both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are equipped with a wide range of technologies from BMW EfficientDynamics. Apart from Brake Energy Regeneration, these also include on-demand control of the electrical fuel pump, a detectable a/c compressor, as well as a volume flow-controlled supply of hydraulic fluid to the anti-roll system also operating specifically on demand.

Both models offer average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 13.9 litres/ 100 kilometres, equal to 20.3 mpg imp. Their CO2 rating is 325 grams per kilometre. And last but not least, the engine naturally fulfils all the requirements of the US LEV II standard as well as the EU5 requirements in Europe.

M Sports Automatic with electronic gear selector lever and shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Featured for the first time on a BMW M Model, the six-speed automatic transmission enhances the high-performance character of the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M through its spontaneous gearshift, direct connection to the engine, and the high standard of shift comfort. The new 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 an even more sporting gearshift.

Aluminium gearshift paddles on the steering wheel exclusive to BMW M allow a manual gearshift significantly shortening gearshift times by the new technology reducing torque in the transmission through the deactivation of individual cylinders.

This significantly enhances the sporting character of the car, the gear in mesh being held in position in the M Mode up to maximum engine speed in order to give the driver optimum control of his vehicle also under the most dynamic driving conditions. In other words, the transmission does not shift up automatically at a certain engine speed in this mode.

A further option in the M Mode is to activate the Launch Control function enabling the driver to accelerate from a standstill with maximum performance: With the driver pressing the gas pedal fully down, M Sports Automatic shifts gears automatically at the ideal point and with optimum wheel spin control. An aluminium oil sump again exclusive to BMW M with a special finned or ribbed structure on the surface guarantees optimum cooling at all times even with an extremely sporting style of motoring.

BMW xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control with a special set-up for optimum dynamics.
The outstanding success of BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology is based on the fact that the system not only improves traction on rough terrain, but also enhances driving dynamics on the road. Electronically controlled, variable power distribution to the front and rear axle prevents even the slightest tendency to over- or understeer right from the start, before DSC Dynamic Stability Control is even required to cut in.

Dynamic Performance Control presented for the first time in the BMW X6 and now featured also in the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M enhances driving stability in demanding situations. Variable distribution of drive power between the right and left rear wheel significantly improves steering precision and tracking stability at all speeds, with DSC being required to stabilise the vehicle only under high lateral acceleration.

Ultimately this offers the driver an unparalleled standard of dynamic performance, agility and traction re-defining all existing benchmarks in drivetrain and suspension technology.

In the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M the potentials of both systems are again used in that special style of BMW M, with the driver able to activate the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) by means of the DSC button on the centre console. This mode raises the DSC control thresholds for intervention in the brakes and the reduction of engine power and ensures the steering behaviour typical of BMW M by shifting the xDrive control features more to the rear wheels and interacting with Dynamic Performance Control in the process.

As a result, MDM allows maximum speeds in bends and on winding roads with the system cutting in very late when the vehicle reaches the absolute limit. Even under maximum load in the apex of a bend, therefore, the vehicle follows the steering with utmost precision, giving the driver very high speed when leaving the bend in the interest of optimum performance. And last but not least, the DSC-Off Mode may be activated at the touch of a button.

Special M suspension with Adaptive Drive featured as standard.
The suspension developed specifically for the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M with its double-track control arm front axle and Integral IV rear axle offers M-specific elastokinematics thanks to stiffer track control arm mounts and hydraulic tiebar mounts at the front as well as stiffer axle support mounts at the rear.

Both models come as 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 version of Adaptive Drive tailored to the requirements of BMW M also serves to lower the entire vehicle by 10 millimetres or 0.39″ versus the “regular” BMW X5 and BMW X6 and incor¬porates stiffer carrier springs, modified auxiliary springs, three-way support mounts and damper control with reinforced connection to the body.

The special Servotronic steering developed for the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M provides individual steering assistance geared to the actual road speed of the vehicle. This allows comfortable parking manoeuvres with lower operating forces as well as exact feedback and a high standard of steering precision at higher speeds.

The degree of power assistance is defined by two control maps. Apart from the standard configuration, the driver is able, through the EDC and, respectively, the M Drive button, to call up the Sports Mode activating an uncompromisingly sporting control map with higher control forces for particularly dynamic driving conditions.

Changing from the Normal to the Sports Mode, the system alters not only the Servotronic control map, but also the damper setting, with the connection of the dampers to the body of the vehicle being significantly reinforced in the Sports Mode. In conjunction with anti-roll stability this allows an exceptionally high standard of linear lateral forces in dynamic bends and on fast, winding roads.

The high-performance brake system guarantees supreme stopping power and high resistance to fading under all conditions. The brakes come with four-piston fixed callipers at the front and swing callipers at the rear, combined in each case with inner-vented lightweight brake discs.

The BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are the only vehicles in their segment to come as standard with different-sized tyres front and rear, running in each case on 20-inch light-alloy rims. The choice of 275/40 R 20 tyres at the front and 315/35 R 20 tyres at the rear is a further result of the special set-up characteristic of both models, with the emphasis on rear-wheel power. The choice of this combination of tyre sizes ideal in terms of driving dynamics promotes both the exceptionally good transmission of power to the rear axle and the precise, exactly dosed steering behaviour of both models.

Dynamic performance according to the driver’s personal choice and available at the touch of a button: the M Drive button on the steering wheel.
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 on the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M according to his 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.

The Sports program allows precise dosage of engine power also under the most dynamic driving conditions specifically through the linear build-up of the power delivered.

The Efficiency program, in turn, shifts up gears at an early point in time not only to significantly reduce fuel consumption under practical driving conditions, but also to allow a relaxed style of motoring using the supreme torque and pulling force of the engine available from low engine speeds. The result, therefore, is an ideal combination of efficient motoring and supreme driving qualities.

In the M Drive menu the driver is able to pre-configure both the Power Mode and the set-up of DSC and EDC, the combination of settings chosen providing the set-up preferred by the driver under all conditions. The driver is even able to save his favourite set-up and subsequently retrieve it at any time simply by pressing the M Drive button on the steering wheel.

The M Drive menu is yet another specific M feature supplementing the vehicle, infotainment, navigation, air conditioning and communication functions already controlled by BMW iDrive. Both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are equipped with the latest generation of iDrive and come as an option with a Head-Up Display again specific to BMW M. Indeed, this function even enables the driver to vary the type and scope of the data projected on to the windscreen in accordance with the M Drive menu.

M-specific cockpit and sophisticated driver assistance systems for even greater supremacy at the wheel.
The philosophy so typical of BMW M naturally continues into the design and configuration of the driver’s “workplace”: 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 boast M seats and an M leather steering wheel.

The driver’s superior style of motoring is enhanced additionally by innovative driver assistance systems, both models 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 BMW Park Distance Control naturally featured as standard, there is also an optional back-up camera including its own very special Top View function.

The wide 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 the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M 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.