2020 BMW X5 M and X6 M pricing revealed
High-performance V8 SUVs get more brawn and more performance tech as prices rise above $200kBavarian luxury brand BMW will launch a pair of ballistic missiles in Australia from May 2020: the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M SUVs.
Available to order now, the muscled-up SUVs are priced at $209,900 (plus on-road costs) for the X5 M and $213,900 (plus on-road costs) for the X6 M.
Representing the pinnacle of high-performance SUV machinery for the German brand, the American-built SUVs pack a monstrous 460kW/750Nm punch from their 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engines, which can spin up to a 7200rpm redline.
In other words, these V8 machines like to rev.
The savage SUVs accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds, faster than the previous models' 4.2 sec dash, and crucially they output 10kW more than cross-town rivals, Stuttgart's Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S models.
BMW's hot shop, M division, has made numerous changes across the performance and luxury spectrums, including the fitment of Merino leather upholstery on the M sports seats and adjustable brake pedal feel as standard for the first time.
The X5 M and X6 M also pump out more power, up 37kW and 70Nm over their predecessors.
Fuel consumption is heavy, rated at 12.5L/100km for both models, while CO2 emissions are likewise considerable at 286g/km.
BMW's domineering duo will be compared with similarly-priced and equipped vehicles in the high-performance luxury SUV segment. Think Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S ($203,470), Range Rover Sport SVR ($238,829) and Porsche Cayenne Turbo ($241,600).
The purchase cost of the new M-boosted range-topping X5 and X6 road rockets has gone up significantly, by more than $20,000 for the X5 M and around $16,000 for the X6 M at last count. But the hikes are offset with the addition of improved equipment levels, insists BMW Australia.
The new third-generation vehicles, which bring a new design inside and out, add a new digital dashboard (Live Cockpit in BMW-speak) and several other features, are offered exclusively in 'competition' spec in Australia.
Unlike other markets where regular X5 M models (441kW/750Nm, 3.9 secs) are offered, competition spec delivers an increase in turbo boost from 2.7 to 2.8 bar which results in the higher the 460kW output, eclipsing the upcoming Mercedes-AMG's 450kW (but not 850Nm) output.
Other 'competition' extras include an upgraded exhaust system with quad 100mm exhaust outlets, Merino seat trim, Alcantara headlining and a staggered 21/22-inch front/rear wheel setup, shod with ultra-wide 295/35 front and 315/30 rear high-performance Pirelli P Zero tyres.
Regular vehicles get 21-inch alloys all round.
Top speed is rated at 290km/h, with engine power pumping through a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission with three shift speed settings (toggled via a button on the gear shifter). A fully-variable M xDrive all-wheel drive system defaults to a rear-biased setup but is capable of shunting up to 100 per cent of engine output to the rear axle.
The fitment of an active M differential can also split torque between the left and right rear wheels for more predictable power delivery mid-corner, says the German car importer.
BMW's M division has also beefed up the suspension and brakes, with 'adaptive M suspension professional' which has adaptive dampers and conventional springs to manage body control while cornering and accelerating.
Giant 395mm front and 380mm rear brakes discs are part of the package, the latter are clamped by six-piston calipers at the front and a single-piston caliper at the rear. With these anchors, BMW claims the 2.3-tonne behemoths will come to a complete stop from 100km/h in just 32 metres.
The X5 M and X6 M also feature adjustable brake feel. Premiered on the BMW M8 Competition, the system allows drivers to select comfort or sport (soft or hard response).
BMW's M division has added aggressive new optics to the SUV duo as well, with laser lights fitted as standard along with bigger, bolder front aprons with gaping lateral air intakes below unique kidney grille designs. Pumped wheel arches add a bit more width and M gills and aero mirrors add a little more eye candy, while the X6 M gets a lip spoiler too.
Some of the key standard features include four-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay (Android Auto will be rolled out mid-2020), 12.3-inch LCD infotainment and instrument panel screens, gesture control, wireless phone charger, BMW M head-up display, panoramic glass roof, harman/kardon surround sound system, soft close doors, power-adjustable M sports seats, M seat belts, adaptive cruise control, active lane keep assistant and an automatic parking assistant.
Boot sizes are 650 litres for the X5 M and 580 litres for the X6 M, with 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.
Since 2009 a total of 683 BMW X5 M have been sold in Australia, with 432 X6 Ms sold in the same period.
Nick Raman, BMW Australia's product communications manager, said the turbo V8 SUVs had been a "considerable success in the local market," and that the new models would reinvigorate interest in the range-toppers.
"We're also delighted to offer Australians these new models exclusively in the Competition grade, which is not only a first but it also means the highest possible output at a stunning 460kW and the maximum level of specification."
Stay tuned for our first drive of the BMW X5 M and X6 M, which will be published on Saturday February 29.
How much does the 2020 BMW X5 cost?
BMW X5 25d - $99,900
BMW X5 30d - $117,900
BMW X5 40i - $120,900
BMW X5 45e - $129,900
BMW X5 M50i - $151,900
BMW X5 M50i Pure - $136,900
BMW X5 M - $209,900
How much does the 2020 BMW X6 cost?
BMW X6 30d - $121,900
BMW X6 40i - $124,900
BMW X6 M50i - $155,900
BMW X6 M50i Pure - $140,900
BMW X6 M - $213,900
* Prices exclude on-road costs
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