The redesigned BMW X5 and X6 lineups are now complete with the arrival of the high-performance M versions
Powered by the same engine as the ridiculous BMW M5, the new 2020 BMW X5 M and X6 M take SUV performance to another level.
Unveiled late last night and coming early next year, both the X5 M and X6 M will sit atop the BMW SUV lineup for years to come. Unless of course BMW decides to build an X7 M. Now that would be something.
Back to the 2020 X5 M and X6 M, as you can imagine they share many similarities mechanically. As stated previously, the M5-derived 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 powers both M sport utility vehicles with 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. That means that your 1,870 litres of total cargo space will rocket to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.
The engine delivers 33 horsepower more than the 4.4-litre V8 in the outgoing X5 M and X6 M, and 77 horsepower more than the same engine in the M50i versions.
Opt for the BMW X5 M Competition or X6 M Competition and the same engine now delivers 625 horsepower. You also get 22-inch wheels versus 21-inchers in the “entry-level” X5 M and X6 M.
BMW wants you to have fun with your X5 M and X6 M on the track, and as such have developed a range of cooling systems for the oil, turbos and gearbox. Two oil sumps guarantee adequate brake pressure.
The latter, an 8-speed automatic, is paired with an all-wheel drive system and an electronically controlled clutch pack that sends power to the front or rear axle depending on traction needs. There’s no rear-drive mode like in the BMW M5, but there is a drift mode and BMW says the whole AWD setup is rear-drive biased.
Canadian prices for the 2020 BMW X5 M and X6 M aren’t set yet, but they are over $106,000 in the US. Expect roughly $115,000 here.
2020 BMW X5 M and 2020 BMW X6 M Images