Competes with: Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne S
Looks like: The new X5 and X6 with more aggressive scoops, wheels and colors
Drivetrains: 567-hp, twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8, eight-speed automatic transmission, standard all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Spring 2015
MSRP: X5 M starts at $99,650; X6 M at $103,050, both prices include a $950 destination fee.
Related: More 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show Coverage
After a one-model-year absence from the U.S., German luxury automaker BMW has unveiled the latest versions of its two 'bahn-burning sport utility vehicles, the X5 M and X6 M. These are hotter versions of the standard X5 "sport activity vehicle" and X6 "sport activity coupe" that share common components and serve upscale neighborhood carpools throughout the world. BMW let its M Division loose on the expensive family haulers and came up with versions that are faster, more powerful and more expensive than the models they replace.
Exterior
On the outside, the new X5 M and X6 M look much as one would expect them to — beefed-up versions of the normal X5 and X6, with bigger scoops, monochromatic paint, larger 21-inch wheels with tires unique to the M brand, rear diffusers, quad tailpipes, two special colors (Long Beach Blue Metallic and Donington Grey Metallic) and a spoiler on the X6 M only. Both models' headlights are borrowed from the X6, the sportier of the two base vehicles, to bring more aggressive styling to the X5 M. The styling changes are actually functional, however, not just cosmetic; the M models require a significant volume of cooling air, necessitating the flaps and strakes around the vehicles.
Interior
Changes to the interior also emphasize the beasts' sporty nature, with a unique steering wheel, paddle shifters, gauges and an optional head-up display that includes information unique to the M models. Merino leather seats with contrasting stitching and embossed M logos are standard, as are doorsill strips with model designations, an Alcantara simulated suede headliner and aluminum trim throughout. Even more leather is applied to the dashboard, which is covered in Nappa leather usually used by other automakers on the seats themselves.
Under the Hood
Both the X5 M and X6 M get a decent power boost for 2015 (there was no 2014 X5 M), with horsepower up 3 percent to 567 and torque up 10 percent to 553 pounds-feet. Both share a common twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine and standard eight-speed automatic transmission; this isn't a dual-clutch transmission like those seen in other BMW M models, but the eight-speed automatic has been beefed up to handle performance duties in these bigger vehicles. The trucks have a rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system as standard, which is able to transfer 100 percent of the available torque to the front or rear wheels as needed. A three-mode stability control system offers a performance mode that allows the driver to get aggressive and drift the vehicle.
As with many other BMWs, Drivelogic allows the driver to select between fuel economy, comfort or performance modes that adjust the firmness and responsiveness of the steering, suspension, transmission and more. The driver also can adjust the automatic-leveling air suspension. The brakes have been upgraded as well, but are not carbon ceramic as in many other performance SUVs; BMW stuck to conventional cross-drilled, ventilated cast-iron rotors and six-piston front calipers matched to high-performance M-specific pads.
All these performance enhancements allow the new X5 M and X6 M to go from zero to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds, according to BMW, with a top speed limited to 155 mph. That's likely thanks to the two extra gears in the 2015 model's transmission; the previous models had six-speed automatics.
Safety
The new X5 M and X6 M come with the standard array of airbags and a multitude of electronic stability control systems to keep all that power under reasonable control. Cornering Brake Control, Dry Braking function, Fading Brake Compensation, hill start assist, hill descent control and a litany of three-letter acronym functions are standard on the new trucks.
Pricing
Along with all this new technology, style and performance comes a new price, one that's a bit higher than the outgoing models. The X5 M will start at $99,650 when it goes on sale in spring 2015, compared to the 2013 model's starting price of $89,775, while the X6 M will command $103,050, a jump of $8,200 over the outgoing 2014 model. This is considerably more expensive than the comparably capable Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, Porsche Cayenne S or Land Rover Range Rover Sport, but matches up reasonably well with the similarly expensive Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG.
Manufacturer images
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