BMW AUSTRALIA WILL CONTINUE its strategic model offensive with the introduction of the new BMW X5 M and X6 M Competition models this year.
The latest models from BMW M GmbH boast a raft of notable revisions, headlined by drive system upgrades and electrification that result in even more responsive power delivery.
Fresh design accents emphasise the dynamic and extravagant aura of both models, while intelligent digital technology optimises control and operation and delivers advances in automated driving and parking technology.
Australia continues as one of the most significant markets for BMW M across the globe for share of models in the overall BMW sales mix. One in five models delivered here sports the distinctive logo of the brand’s high-performance division, underlining the popularity and enthusiast following of BMW M in the local market.
First high-performance models from BMW M GmbH to feature 48-volt technology
The latest generation of drive technology aboard the new BMW X5 M Competition and new BMW X6 M Competition marks the debut of 48-volt technology in the brand’s high-performance models.
An electric motor integrated in the compact housing of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission delivers up to 9kW of additional drive power and 200Nm of torque while also functioning as a crankshaft-mounted starter generator.
The energy required for this is supplied by a 48-volt battery housed in the engine compartment. The battery is charged through highly efficient adaptive recuperation under braking and on the overrun.
The 48-volt technology joins forces with a new M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine. As well as its cross-bank exhaust manifold, the 4.4‑litre unit now also features a reinforced crankshaft drive, further developed turbocharging, a new air intake duct and an optimised oil supply system and oil separation process. It delivers peak torque of 750Nm between 1800 and 5800rpm and generates maximum output of 460kW at 6000rpm.
The sharper response and high-revving character of the V8 engine, together with the boost provided by the electric motor, take the performance attributes for which M cars are renowned to an even more enthralling level.
The new BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition each accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. The drive system’s more effervescent nature can also be clearly felt when putting in a quick burst of speed. The standard M Sport exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps adds another layer to the performance experience with its exhilarating drive sound. New catalytic converters, meanwhile, play their role in improving the petrol engine’s emissions performance.
Precise transfer of power
The engine’s power is relayed to a new version of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic that offers a choice of three shift settings in both automated and manual mode. New features include, among other aspects, a retuned setup and a sharper shift action.
Further adding to the distinctive performance experience offered by the new BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition is a newly adapted version of the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which teams up with the Active M Differential at the rear axle.
The M Setup menu allows the driver switch from the default 4WD setting to 4WD Sport mode, making it possible to execute controlled drifts by splitting power with a distinct rear-wheel bias.
Precise chassis setup
The body structure and chassis mountings have an exceptionally stiff design, ensuring both models handle with M’s signature blend of dynamism, agility and precision. The suspension and damping systems also enable them to offer an exceptional breadth of ability from out-and-out sportiness to long-distance comfort. The toe-in values at the rear axle have been modified for even greater poise at high speeds.
Standard specification includes adaptive M suspension Professional featuring reworked electronically controlled dampers and active roll stabilisation. A modified application of the steering gear results in an M Servotronic steering ratio that is even more conducive to sharp handling dynamics.
The M Compound brakes work in step with the latest-generation integrated braking system in an M-specific configuration that presents the driver with two pedal feel settings.
Instead of just being interconnected with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) as before, the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and the Active M Differential also work in unison with near-actuator wheel slip limitation for the first time in the new BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition.
This ensures even swifter and more precise reactions to changes in the driving situation, along with greater traction.
Both models come as standard with 21-inch M light-alloy wheels at the front paired with 22-inch M light-alloy items at the rear. A selection of forged M light-alloy wheels with the same dimensions are available to customers as a no cost option.
Exclusivity and presence
Sporting dominance and an extrovert visual attitude headline the exterior design of the new BMW X5 M Competition and new BMW X6 M Competition.
The increased presence is chiefly due to the new front-end design. Both models feature new matrix LED headlights with adaptive control and BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam.
The outline of the new headlight units is 35mm narrower than on the outgoing models. Australian models are also fitted as standard with M Shadowline lights, adding another level of sophistication to the front styling.
The BMW kidney grille is all-black in colour, while horizontal kidney grille bars – which provide aesthetic synergy with the new BMW XM and M2 – and enlarged model badging, add eye-catching touches. In addition, the BMW kidney grille and central lower air intake now form a single black, x-shaped area.
The side view shines a spotlight on the clear design language of the two models and their distinctive proportions. Their exterior mirror caps and the rear spoiler of the BMW X6 M Competition are also available in carbon as an option.
On both models, a prominent diffuser insert extends downwards at the lower edge of the rear apron. It also provides a sophisticated border for the two pairs of twin exhaust tailpipes that prominently mark other M models. The BMW X5 M Competition now uses x-shaped fibre-optic light guide elements for its rear lights and brake lights, providing another head-turning attraction at the rear end.
Modern, digital, exclusive: M cockpit with BMW Curved Display
At the heart of the design updates for the interior of the new BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition is the BMW Curved Display, which gives the M-typical cockpit a modern and exclusive feel. It is formed by a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches, with a single glass surface incorporating both.
The control display’s touchscreen enables digital control of numerous functions, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of buttons and controls.
Other new features include the ambient light bar with effective backlighting and the addition of an M logo to its graphic, plus the M leather steering wheel with its new carbon gearshift paddles.
Also featuring on the standard equipment list are M multifunction seats, knee pads, fine-grain Merino full leather upholstery, interior trim in carbon fibre and the Harmon/Kardon Surround Sound System. The Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof and the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System are available as options.
Significantly expanded selection of driver assistance systems
Comfort and safety in the new BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition are further enhanced by fitment of a much wider selection of automated driving and parking systems.
The standard front collision warning’s range of functions has been extended so that it also now reduces the risk of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians and oncoming traffic when turning off a road.
The Lane Departure Warning function has also been upgraded with the addition of lane return with steering assistance.
Parking Assistant Professional, fitted as standard for Australia, makes it possible to control automated parking manoeuvres into and out of spaces – as well as other full manoeuvres covering a distance of up to 200 metres – from outside the vehicle using the My BMW App on an Apple iPhone. The driver is able to control each manoeuvre either from inside the vehicle or remotely while they monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.
Proven M control/operation concept; new digital services
The M-specific control/operation concept includes the Setup button for direct access to the settings options for the engine, chassis, steering, braking system and M xDrive. The amount of content shown in the displays can also be individually adjusted, as can the level of driver assistance system functionality. After pressing the M Mode button on the centre console, drivers are able to choose between ROAD, SPORT and TRACK settings.
In addition to the BMW Curved Display with M-specific readouts, the latest-generation BMW iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8 brings new digital services to the BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition. The standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional also features the BMW Head-Up Display.
BMW Digital Key Plus, working in tandem with standard-fitment Extended Comfort Access, enables customers to lock and unlock their car using compatible smartphones with either an iOS or Android operating system by means of ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology. Optimised smartphone integration and the personalised BMW ID functionality is also fully integrated.
In addition, Australian vehicles will be fitted as standard with the BMW Drive Recorder and Theft Recorder, the latter capable of sending an instant notification to the customer’s smartphone in the event the vehicle is stolen.
Local specification and pricing
The BMW X5 M and X6 M Competition models will bring a host of new performance, efficiency, styling and digital elements to the market when they arrive later this year.
Additional standard specification above and beyond the outgoing models includes the following:
- BMW Drive Recorder including Remote Theft Recorder
- Active Seat Ventilation, front
- Massage Function, front
- Seat Heating, rear
- Heating function for armrest in centre console and front doors
- Privacy Glass with sun protection glazing
- Remote Engine Start
- M Lights Shadowline
Customisation program
Customers will be able to choose from a range of customisation elements to personalise their X5 M and X6 M Competition.
Exterior finishes (Note: all no cost options with the exception of BMW Individual metallic, as noted below)
Non-metallic paintwork
Alpine White
Metallic paintwork
Mineral White
M Carbon Black
Black Sapphire
M Brooklyn Grey (new)
M Marina Bay Blue
Toronto Red
M Isle of Man Green (new)
BMW Individual metallic paintwork
Dravit Grey $2400
Frozen Pure Grey (new) $5000
Alloy wheels
Three alloy wheel designs are available as no cost options for both the X5 M and X6 M Competition:
– 21-inch/22-inch M light Star-spoke style 809 M Bicolour
– 21-inch/22-inch M light Star-spoke style 818 M Bicolour
– 21-inch/22-inch M light Star-spoke style 818 M Jet Black
Brake package personalisation
The BMW X5 M and X6 M Competition come as standard with M Compound brakes with blue callipers. Red and black callipers are available as no-cost options.
Interior upholstery personalisation
The standard BMW Individual full leather Merino is available in seven combinations. The new bicolour Ivory White/Atlas Grey combination can be tailored with a choice of the default M Headliner Alcantara in Anthracite or in optional Ivory White.
The colour and combination selections:
– Black
– Silverstone
– Sakhir Orange
– Adelaide Grey
– Taruma Brown
– Bicolour Black/Midrand Beige
– Bicolour Ivory White/Atlas Grey: $1,500
| Equipment program | X5 M Competition | X6 M Competition |
| COMFORT PACKAGE | ||
Additional equipment for X5 M Competition:
|
$2800 | $2100 |
| INDULGENCE PACKAGE | ||
|
$9500 | $9500 |
| Single Equipment Program | ||
| M roof rails high-gloss Shadow Line | STD | $800 |
| M Carbon engine cover | $2200 | $2200 |
| M Carbon mirror caps | $1600 | $1600 |
| M Carbon rear spoiler | NA | $2000 |
New BMW X5 M and X6 M Competition at a glance
| Model | X5 M Competition | X6 M Competition |
| Engine | 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8 w/48V MHEV | 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo w/48V MHEV |
| Drive | All wheel (M xDrive) | All wheel (M xDrive) |
| Power (kW) | 460 | 460 |
| Peak power (@rpm) | 6000 | 6000 |
| Torque (Nm) | 750 | 750 |
| Peak torque (@rpm) | 1800-5500 | 1800-5500 |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.9 sec | 3.9 sec |
| Price | $241,900 (plus on road costs) | $247,900 (plus on road costs) |