2009 BMW X5M/X6M

BMW has unveiled its most controversial M products to date: the 171mph X5M and X6M SUV's, ahead of this week's New York autoshow.

The cars are the first AWD models and mark new territory for the M brand, usually tasked with making ultra-fast saloons and coupes.

Both cars are fitted with a new twin-turbo 4.4 litre V8 which produce 547bhp between 5750rpm and 6000rpm. Peak torque of 501lb ft is maintained between 1500rpm and 5650rpm.

The two turbochargers in the M TwinPower unit are positioned together with the catalytic converters between the two rows of cylinders.

BMW claims that this layout creates better response and a more linear power delivery. Both cars can do 0-62mph in 4.7sec and while their top speed is limited to 155mph, this increases to 171mph with the optional M driver’s package.

On the outside, the cars feature large air intakes in the front bumper, gills on the front wings and quad exhaust pipes at the rear. Inside, there is an M-branded steering wheel and leather sports seats. Dynamic Performance Control varies the distribution of power between the two rear wheels and gives better acceleration exiting corners.

BMW claims the cars will drift under the right circumstances. As on other M cars, pressing the M Drive button calls up the driver’s preferred power modes and DSC and EDC set-ups.
The M Sports Automatic transmission has six ratios, which can be manually selected by aluminium paddles behind the wheel. Switching to M mode activates launch control.

BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology features brake energy regeneration and an air-con system that can detach itself from the belt drive. The measures contribute to a claimed 20.3mpg combined with CO2 emissions topping at around 300g/km.

Prices will be confirmed closer to the vehicles arrival in UK dealers in October. Standard features include 20" alloys with runflat tyres, ABS brakes, trailer stability control, Servotronic steering, electronic parking brake with autohold and hill descent control, rain & light sensors, cruise control, iDrive, adaptive xenon headlights and a rear view camera.