Tremendous power and performance are delivered by the engine through new design and construction. The M V8 with twin-scroll twin-turbo technology uses a single exhaust manifold with tuned-length runners, incorporating both cylinder banks and connecting cylinders in carefully-selected pairs. This configuration, patented by BMW M and known as Cylinder-bank Comprehensive Manifold (CCM), offers lightning-quick response, a linear build-up of engine power, and a broad, consistent torque curve by feeding both of the turbochargers with a "charge pulse" at approximately every 90 degrees of crankshaft rotation, rather than the more traditional "irregular schedule" of charging.
The managed flow of exhaust gas provided by the CCM ensures high-velocity flow of combustion gases. The appropriate separation of exhaust gas flow from different cylinders is maintained until the gas reaches the turbine wheel, spooling the two twin-scroll turbochargers without back-pressure. With maximum boost pressure of 1.5-bar (21psi), the use of twin-scroll twin-turbo technology and the CCM exhaust manifold allows complete exploitation of the benefits of turbocharging.
Reflecting the tremendous power of the engine, the turbocharged M V8 is equipped with an advanced cooling system developed specifically for the two new models. One notable feature is the presence of two high-capacity water-to-air intercoolers which optimize performance under the most demanding driving conditions. An aluminum oil pan, exclusive to BMW M with a special finned surface, guarantees optimum cooling at all times, even under demanding driving.
In addition to BMW's High Precision Direct Injection, both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are equipped with a range of technologies from BMW's EfficientDynamics strategy. These include on-demand control of the electric fuel pump, an on-demand compressor for the air conditioner, and a flow-controlled supply of hydraulic fluid to the Active Roll Stabilization system. By operating these features specifically on demand, energy waste is minimized. The engine fulfills the requirements of the US LEV II standard as well as the EU5 requirements in Europe.
Featured for the first time on a BMW M model, the six-speed M Sports Automatic transmission enhances the high-performance character of the BMW X5 M and the X6 M through its instantaneous response and shifting comfort. The new M Sports Automatic is commanded by an electronic selector on the center console and offers the driver not only the Drive mode, but also Sport and M Manual modes for absolute control of gear selection.
Aluminum paddles on the steering wheel allow manual shifting. Upshifts occur significantly quicker than in the past thanks to new technology that reduces torque in the transmission through momentary deactivation of individual cylinders. This significantly enhances the athletic character of the vehicle. In the M Manual mode, each chosen gear is held up to redline in order to give the driver perfect throttle-steering control of the vehicle under the most demanding driving conditions. The transmission does not upshift or downshift automatically in this mode.
A further option in the M Manual mode is to activate the Launch Control feature, which enables the driver to accelerate from a standstill with maximum performance.
To activate Launch Control, the driver stops the vehicle, moves the gear selector into the M/S position and activates the Sports Power mode, as well as the M Dynamic mode, or respectively, the DSC-Off mode. Then, with the transmission in stage M1, the driver presses down the brake pedal and moves the accelerator to at least 60% throttle, setting Launch Control to standby. Standby status is confirmed by "starter's flag" symbol in the instrument cluster. As soon as the driver releases the brake pedal, the vehicle will accelerate with full power in genuine racing style. In the process, the M Sports Automatic transmission automatically upshifts at the ideal points, with the fastest possible shifts and optimum wheelspin control. The driver may terminate the Launch Control process at any time by reducing the throttle position.