BMW M-onster

After months of the spy shots and official sneak previews come the first hard details and images of the long awaited additions to the M division range. The X6 M and X5 M have been unveiled in all their glory.

These are the first all-wheel drive models BMW M Division has produced expand the 'M Cars' range that already includes M3, M5 and M6.

But the news isn't all good for Australians because although the X6 M is due to arrive here by the final quarter of this year the X5 M won't be joining it in local showrooms.

Motivation for both cars comes from a re-worked version of the twin turbo 4.4-litre V8 used in the recently launched xDrive50i. But thanks to changes by the engineers at M GmBH, the power has increased from 300kW to 408kW.

That is good enough to launch the car from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds, despite its considerable size.

Putting the power to the ground is a tweaked xDrive system and Dynamic Performance Control via a six-speed M Sports automatic transmission. BMW claims this system provides the cars with "outstanding driving dynamics combined with supreme stability and excellent traction as well as agility unparallel in this segment." All of which means the X6 M will do battle with Porsche's Cayenne Turbo S and the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG in a battle of the world's fastest SUVs.

There are other M Division goodies too. Upgraded suspension, M Dynamic Mode, specially designed steering and 20-inch alloy wheels further improve the car's ability.

Brake Energy Regeneration, previously only available on the M3, is utilised, and brings with it reduced emissions and fuel economy in line with BMW's Efficient Dynamics program. The company claims the X6 M is good for 13.9L/100km fuel consumption on the European cycle.

Prices and full specifications will be released closer to the car's launch.