Dynamic Power Double

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

Everyone is talking about economical small cars. But little is possible in the automotive world without emotions and sporty powerhouses. BMW puts the crown on its dynamic SUV duo: the X5 and X6 are awarded the "M".

By Stefan Grundhoff

For many years BMW had been hesitating whether to raise the SUV models with the high-horsepower name affix to the sporty throne. While there was still a disguised M version in the first X5 generation with the 4.6is, the ambitious Bavarians let it really crack from the positive market launch of the X6. From late summer, both the BMW X5 and its coupé brother, the X6, will be available as M versions. And not with the ten-cylinder power plant from the BMW M5, which was favored for a long time, but with a supercharged eight-cylinder that already successfully gives wings to the X6 5.0.

SUV duo

But in the dynamic power duo consisting of the X5 and X6, the double-charged eight-tender turns into a real rocket engine. From the 4.4 liter displacement, 408 kW / 555 hp and a maximum torque of 680 Nm are tickled out. This is constantly available in a grandiose wide speed range between 1,500 and 5,650 rpm and should cause eruptions in the ambitious occupants.

“Of course there have been better times for the world premiere of a new automobile”, Ludwig Willisch, Chairman of the M-GmbH management board, is aware of the current situation, “I am nevertheless very confident that the new M automobiles BMW X5 M and X6 M will be a success. We know that the demand for models that are so well positioned is clearly supply-driven."

The turbocharger with a maximum boost pressure of 1.5 bar and catalytic converters are positioned in the space between the two cylinder banks due to the better response behavior and efficient use of space. Despite all the violent outbreaks of the engine, the consumption of the two bolides should be kept within limits thanks to improved aerodynamics and the familiar efficiency measures such as braking energy recovery, a decoupling air-conditioning compressor or volumetric flow-based hydraulic supply for roll stabilization.

Average consumption of 13.9 liters

The bottom line is that the two-ton M versions of the X5 and X6 should be satisfied with 13.9 liters of SuperPlus over 100 kilometers. They can accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.7 seconds thanks to a newly developed sports automatic with six gear stages. The maximum speed is blocked at a maximum of 275 km / h. The new M models have a high-performance braking system with a 4-piston fixed caliper at the front and a floating caliper construction at the rear so that not only the propulsion but also the deceleration values are correct. Both powerhouses run on 20-inch alloy wheels and 275/40 R 20 tires at the front and 315/35 R 20 at the rear as standard. Furthermore, the M-Boliden can be recognized by the huge cooling openings on the front as well as by the grown aprons and spoilers.

The variable power distribution xDrive, Dynamic Performance Control and roll stabilization have been further developed and adapted to the powerful engine output. If you want to go on a sailing weekend on Lake Starnberg or a powerboat tour on Lake Mead near Las Vegas in record time: X5 M and X6 M can both be ordered with a trailer coupling.

And at prices from 105,900 euros (X5 M) and 108,500 euros (X6 M). The individual department of Bavaria takes care of the exclusive interior. In particular, SUV fans from the USA or Germany, who previously felt more at home with models like the Porsche Cayenne or a Range Rover Supercharged, have long been demanding potent sports versions of the X5 and X6. Now it is time. Ludwig Willisch: "These two new BMW M automobiles are definitely the best in terms of dynamism and agility in their segment. After all, with this offer we are responding to the very different wishes of our customers from a global perspective."