The modern legacy of BMW M began in 1985 when engineers placed the race-bred inline six-cylinder engine from the M1 supercar into the production BMW 5-Series sedan, reworked the suspension and brakes, and created the first M5. Through this industry-first combination of attributes, the M5 redefined the capabilities of a sedan with levels of power, precision, balance, and control never before imaginable. Since then, finding new ways to expand the boundaries of what is possible with existing BMW models has been the singular purpose of the craftsmen at BMW M.
Now the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are the first all-wheel-drive models to offer the remarkable performance, dynamic driving experience, athletic design, and premium quality of a BMW M product.
Both models are powered by a newly-developed 4.4-liter V8 M engine delivering 555hp at 6000rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque from 1500 to 5650rpm. This new M engine is the world's first with a pulse-tuned exhaust manifold encompassing both rows of cylinders combined with high-performance twin-scroll twin-turbo technology.
For the X5 M and X6 M, engineers at BMW M pushed the capabilities of BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system and the Dynamic Performance Control system to manage the power and performance potential of these two new vehicles. The special M suspension includes Adaptive Drive and new Servotronic power steering. These features combine to push the limits of what was previously possible with a sports-oriented vehicle, and guarantee driving characteristic of a BMW M product.
The BMW X5 M and X6 M set new standards of acceleration, lateral grip, steering response, balance, and stopping power among high-performance activity vehicles. Both models accelerate to 60mph from a standstill in 4.5sec and feature impressive delivery of power from the V8 twin-turbo engine which provides maximum torque of 500 lb-ft from 1500 to 5650rpm. From a handling standpoint, both vehicles are notable for balance through careful tuning of xDrive, Dynamic Performance Control, and Dynamic Stability Control with M Dynamic Mode for linear buildup of cornering forces. These capabilities place the performance of the X5 M and X6 M on par with the performance of other recent BMW M vehicles.
The athletic character and amazing performance abilities of the BMW X5 M and X6 M result from levels of development never before applied to this type of vehicle. As it did when creating the original M5, BMW M has once again shown that applying new technologies and innovations to a solid BMW production vehicle will produce startling performance and an exhilarating drive.
The potential of both models is communicated clearly in their looks and design, their performance-bred heritage presented by the common design of the front end with its large air intakes.
The hood, front air dam and headlights are virtually identical on the BMW X5 M and X6 M. Both models feature special gills in the front fenders, as well as model-specific 20" wheels. The rear diffuser on each model communicates a powerful presence, and the quad tailpipes of the exhaust system are again a signature of BMW M's work.
Compared with the standard BMW X5 and BMW X6, the body-color surface area on the side skirts are designed to place greater emphasis on their road-going orientations. On both models, the body designs fulfill major functions in terms of aerodynamics and the carefully controlled flow of cooling air.
Using BMW's innovative, 4.4L reverse-flow V8 engine (seen in the X6 and 750i) with High Precision Direct Injection and twin turbochargers as a basis, the new M engine introduces twin-scroll twin-turbos and patented exhaust manifold technologies to achieve outstanding thrust and pulling force, while preserving the compact dimensions. Two low-mass twin-scroll turbochargers are positioned together with the catalytic converters in the vee section between the two banks of cylinders. By reversing the flow of gases through the engine from traditional arrangements, the intake and exhaust ducts are shortened and widened, minimizing pressure losses on the exhaust side.