When in 2009 BMW presented its largest SUVs, the X5 and X6, modified by the M division , many puritans or supporters of the classic layout of the automotive world condemned the Bavarian automaker for this act. After five years since the original models, their second generation will be presented in less than a month, and the performance is once again breathtaking.
The 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged eight-cylinder produces 575 horsepower between 6000-6500 rpm and 750 Nm of torque between 2200-5000 rpm, which is the best value among all SUVs produced by BMW to date with all-wheel drive col. In addition to the four-wheel drive, both models have an eight-speed automatic M Steptronic , which ensures acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and an electronically limited speed of 250 km/h with a consumption of 11.1 l/100 km and 258 g of CO2/km.
The chassis has also received modifications, newly lowered by 10 mm and tuned for the Nordschleife. There is active suppression of body roll and constant ground clearance, the driver can choose from three driving modes – Comfort, Sport and Sport+ thanks to adjustable shock absorbers . The front axle with double transverse arms and the rear air suspension , respectively the M Servotronic active steering, are certainly worth mentioning. Disc brakes with blue painted calipers are in charge of stopping.
In terms of appearance, BMW has traditionally kept quite low to the ground, yet you can safely recognize both sports SUVs. Primarily thanks to the significantly shaped front and rear bumpers (the rear one with a diffuser and a pair of exhaust tips) and 20-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport UHP tires , which can, however, be replaced by even one-inch larger wheels. The interestingly shaped mirrors come from the M3/M4 models , and the sill extensions and rear spoiler cannot be left out.
In the interior, both SUVs mainly got sports seats , optionally upholstered in Merino leather, a leather steering wheel with the M division logo and a new instrument panel. The driver can shift gears with aluminum paddles under the steering wheel, full comfort is provided by, among other things, four-zone air conditioning, Harman Kardon audio , leather dashboard upholstery or Alcantara-covered ceiling. If even that is not enough, the customer can pay extra for multifunctional seats or elements from the BMW Individual catalog .
The premiere is set for the end of November at the auto show in LA, prices in Germany start at 114,300 euros (approx. 3,175,000 crowns) for the X5 M, respectively at 117,700 euros (approx. 3,270,000 crowns) for the X6 M.
Source: BMW
