BMW confirmed the existence of its X5 M project late last year, and now the SUV’s official debut has come. Set to be introduced to the press this week at the New York Auto Show, this high-performance X5 will rival Mercedes-Benz’s ML63 AMG.
BMW has put the high-performance X5 through extreme durability testing in the southwestern part of the United States, taking advantage of the hot temperatures, miles of desert roadways and mountains with steep grades.
The M offers the same utility as the regular X5, with the addition of a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 delivering 413kW at 5 750r/min and peak torque is 679Nm, available between 1 500 and 5 650r/min. BMW claim their X5 M can sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds.
The X5 M and the new X6 M are the first xDrive all-wheel-drive vehicles from BMW to sport the “M” badge. Coupled with special “M” air suspension featuring Adaptive Drive and the newly developed Servotronic power steering, the performance SUV promises very competent handling. Other high-tech features include launch control for maximum acceleration and an “M” six-speed automatic optimized for performance. Drivers can manually select gears using either paddles or an an electronic gear selector lever.
Electronically controlled, variable power distribution to the front and rear axle prevents even the slightest tendency to over- or understeer, before DSC Dynamic Stability Control is required to cut in.
BMW is referring to the new 4.4-litre motor as its “M TwinPower Turbo” unit. The name reflects the fact that the motor features Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology and a common exhaust manifold encompassing both rows of cylinders.
Although traction control is standard, the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) greatly reduces the aggressiveness of the system. The MDM setting allows the driver to enter a controlled drift and push the vehicle’s handling to the limit. There’s also a DSC-Off Mode for drivers seeking a more purist experience.
Adapted from LeftLaneNews
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April 24th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
I’m a family man with a 14 year old and a 9 year old. I own a 2008 M3 and a 2003 X5 4.6 iS. I am on the list for the X5 M by trading in the M3 and X5 simply because I need it for the family and I personally want M performance. I’ve been waiting with anticipation for the X5 M but am very disappointed with visual impact. Technically I think it is a superb car but there is just nothing sporty-loking about it. I was eagerly awaiting a “kick-ass” superior look on the Merc ML63 but this look is just no where near. I feel like cancelling my order as it will not make up for my loss on the M3 and X5 4.6. Please can some pressure be put on the designers to substantially improve the sporty look. Please, plesae, please!!!!
April 24th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
I think it’s a case of “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. Personally, I think the X5 M looks over-done in terms of the styling package. Traditionally the German big three, Audi, Mercedes and BMW have finished their RS, AMG and M models with an understated style and relative subtlety. One thing is for sure, BMW has released some controversial designs under the watch of Chris Bangle. Adrian van Hooydonk is Bangle’s successor and he’s been with BMW as their director of car design since 2004, so don’t expect any dramatic shifts in BMW’s styling just yet.
I wonder whether the BMW X6 M is going to prove magnificent or a malfunction, but maybe the styling package from Hartge will appeal to you and who knows, they may well release this styling-kit for the X5 as well.