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NEWS
X5 and X6 M reset performance SUV benchmark
Now in Australia, BMW's turbocharged luxury SUVs are more powerful than Porsche Cayenne Turbo SThe BMW X5 M and X6 M have arrived and are on sale in local showrooms, offering well-heeled buyers blistering output rated at 423kW and 750Nm.
That places the two BMW models ahead of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S for power, although the revised Porsche for 2015 will actually outgun the X5 M and X6 M for torque when it brings 800Nm to the table.
Compared with their predecessors the new M-powered SUVs have gained four per cent in power and 10 per cent in torque, which plateaus across a range of engine speeds from 2200 to 5000rpm. Yet the manufacturer cites improved fuel efficiency as well, with the new models – capable of 0-100km/h acceleration in 4.2 seconds – now posting combined-cycle consumption of 11.1L/100km, which is a 20 per cent improvement on the old figure of 13.9L/100km.
Replacing the previous E70 and E71 models, the new 'M' SUVs are coded F85 and F86, the new models are priced at $185,900 (X5 M) and $194,700 (X6 M), making them the most expensive SUVs BMW has ever offered – but still in the same ballpark measured against their logical competitors.
In the development of the new models, claimed by the company to be the most powerful all-wheel drive models ever built by Munich, BMW engineers have focused their efforts on cooling – even to the point of doing without an active safety system. The large radar box that's a feature of other X5 and X6 variants has had to make way for a larger front intake, servicing engine (oil and water), intercoolers and transmission.
With torque exceeding the 700Nm capacity of BMW's dual-clutch transmission, the X5 M and X6 M have adopted a specially calibrated eight-speed ZF transmission, with a conventional torque converter. But the ZF unit has been configured to operate with the same sort of characteristics as a dual-clutch box. In Drive it won't crawl forward after the driver lifts the foot off the brake. The driver has to prompt the car to move forward with a gentle press of the accelerator. BMW, keeping to maintain the DCT character of its other M Cars, has designed the shift lever and plinth without a detente for Park. The transmission will automatically select Park without driver intervention as soon as a door is opened or the engine is switched off.
"The new BMX X5 M and BMX X6 M are a testament to the engineering prowess of our M division, delivering an exhilarating driving experience," said BMW Australia CEO, Marc Werner.
"They are a wonderful showcase of BMW innovation and represent the ultimate blend of M performance with X versatility. These new models feature impressive advances in dynamics, power, performance and efficiency. Their level of performance is simply astonishing – 0 to 100 in 4.2 seconds.
"Our X models have blazed a trail for the premium car industry, and proven a considerable success in Australia. The BMW X5 M and X6 M will continue this story and make a mark with their trademark M performance."
Stay tuned for our review of the X5 and X6 M variants.
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Written byKen Gratton
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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