BMW X5 M50d & X6 M50d – Australian pricing

BMW Australia has released details of its updated X5 and X6 range. Notably, that will include the first of the new M Performance Automobiles to arrive in Australia, namely the X5 M50d and X6 M50d.

Powered by a 3.0 litre straight six with three turbochargers, the diesel engine produces 280kW of peak power, complemented by a hefty 740Nm of torque that’s all yours from 2000rpm. With an 8-speed auto, both M50d models can reach 100km/h in under 5.5 seconds. If you behave yourself the fuel consumption ratings say you should be sipping diesel fuel at less than 8l/100km.

BMW explains their unique tri-turbo setup like this:

At low revs, only a small turbocharger with variable turbine geometry is active. Above around 1,500 rpm, this is supported by a larger turbocharger. In the top rev range from approximately 2,600 rpm to the 5,400 rpm redline, a third turbocharger with variable turbine geometry is added to boost pressure and power output.

The X5 M50d and X6 M50d will be in showrooms next month and have been priced from $147,000 and $157,000 respectively. For the record, that makes the X6 M50d around $34,000 less than the X6 M (now $190,900), which is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4 litre V8.

There’s more detail from BMW Australia after the break.

BMW X5 M50d

BMW X6 M50d

Pricing Announced for Tri-Turbo BMW M Performance X Cars

• First-ever BMW M Performance models – X5 and X6 SAVs
  
• Debut of the worlds most powerful six-cylinder in-line diesel engine
  
• BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé range refreshed for 2012
  
• Arriving in Australian dealerships in June

BMW will bolster its high-performance Sports Acvity Vehicle (SAV) line-up with the arrival in June of its ground-breaking triple-turbo, diesel engine M Performance models, headlining a midlife update of the entire BMW X6 model range.

Sitting atop their respective model engine line-ups, the BMW X6 xDrive M50d and X5 xDrive M50d are creations of BMW’s iconic high-perfomance division, BMW M GmbH, benefitting from a proud motorsport pedigree and expertise in engine, transmission and chassis technology.

BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Phil Horton said the M Performance vehicles are positioned between the current most powerful standard BMW models and the thoroughbred BMW M cars.

“These M performance vehicles each have a distinctive character and open up an entirely new model category,” said Mr Horton.

“They will appeal to the particularly sporty driver for whom everyday practicality is also an important consideration,” he said.

At the heart of these new BMW M Performance models is the new 280 kW six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. It is the most powerful volume-produced six-cylinder diesel engine in the world.

Its unique triple turbocharging technology delivers a whopping 740 Nm maximum torque which is already available in the 2,000 to 3,000 rpm range, with the 3.0-litre engine delivering its maximum output of 280 kW between 4,000 and 4,400 rpm. A maximum engine speed of 5,400 rpm and a specific output of 93.6 kW per litre of engine capacity attest to a level of sportiness previously unheard of in a diesel powerplant.

At low revs, only a small turbocharger with variable turbine geometry is active. Above around 1,500 rpm, this is supported by a larger turbocharger. In the top rev range from approximately 2,600 rpm to the 5,400 rpm redline, a third turbocharger with variable turbine geometry is added to boost pressure and power output.

The BMW X6 xDrive M50d sprints to 100km/hr from a standing start in 5.3 seconds with the X5 xDrive M50d just 0.1 seconds behind. Performance is matched by supreme efficiency as a result of the EfficientDynamics measures fitted as standard. Fuel economy and CO2 emissions for the X5 M50d are 7.5l/100km and 199g/km, while for the X6 M50d they are 7.7l/100km and 204g/km.

The bespoke M suspension tuning applied to the M Performance models ensures an outstanding, immediate response to steering wheel inputs as well as precise and controlled handling in highly dynamic situations while also ensuring a level of ride comfort that satisfies the requirements of everyday driving.

BMW’s intelligent electronic xDrive system allows a typically BMW rear-drive bias, but through integration with the DSC stability control, can intervene in milliseconds to enhance stability through the Performance Control system on the X5 M50d or the Dynamic Performance Control on the X6 M50d. As soon as the front wheels of the BMW X5 M50d start to push excessively to the outside of a corner, the control electronics of xDrive and DSC team up to brake the rear wheel on the inside of the bend as required. The loss of forward propulsion is balanced out by an increase in engine power, the intervention of Performance Control ensuring precise turn-in.

Power distribution can be varied to an even greater degree in the BMW X6 M50d, which comes as standard with Dynamic Performance Control. This system reroutes engine output from the inside rear wheel to the outside rear wheel around a corner if the system detects an imminent risk of understeer. Dynamic Performance Control also counteracts oversteer in its early stages, switching drive from the outside rear wheel – which is experiencing particularly high centrifugal forces – to the inside rear wheel.

The bodyshell and powertrain mountings, springs and dampers, Servotronic mapping of the hydraulic steering – among other things – have been modified to imbue the chassis set-up of the two BMW X models with hallmark M characteristics. The M-specification tuning of chassis components extends to the electronically controlled dampers and active anti-roll control function of Adaptive Drive, which comes as standard on the BMW X6 M50d and is available as an option for the BMW X5 M50d. Both models also feature air suspension with automatic self-levelling at the rear axle.

Providing a distinct and unique visual identity, all BMW M Performance models feature aerodynamically optimised front aprons with large air inlets and horizontal trim bars in Ferric Grey metallic as well as model-specific elements for the side and rear areas. Other distinctive features include exterior mirror caps in Ferric Grey metallic, 20” Double Spoke M 435 light-alloy rims with individual BMW M Performance styling, V8 styled tailpipes and the X6 also comes equipped with a powerdome sculpted into the bonnet.

Standard specification for the M Performance models is representative of their range-topping positioning and includes M tuned servotronic steering, Adaptive Bi-Xenon Headlights, Head-Up Display, Navigation Professional and BMW Individual High Gloss shadow Line.

The interior also receives similar M treatment with the door sill finishers featuring M designation, M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, Sports seats in Alacantara / Leather combination upholstery with contrast stitching in white and M lettering and BMW Individual headliner in anthracite.

The BMW X6 xDrive M50d headlines the Life Cycle Impulse (LCI), a mid life refresh for the BMW X6 range that incorporates new design elements and an updated specification including 5 seats and internet function across the range as standard as well as Adaptive LED headlights and powerdome bonnet for the X6M. The options list has also been expanded which includes, amongst others, a choice of three new exterior colours.

Pricing from April Production*

• X5 xDrive M50d – $147,000
  
• X6 xDrive 30d – $110,900
  
• X6 xDrive 35i – $121,000
  
• X6 xDrive 40d – $127,400
  
• X6 xDrive 50i – $150,400
  
• X6 xDrive M50d – $157,000
  
• X6 M – $190,900

* Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges which are additional and vary between dealers and states/territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.