BMW presents to the world the M versions of the X5 and X6.

BMW have finally let the world see their all new hot-rod SUVs, the X6 M and X5 M, after several months of speculation and spy photos.  The M division has come a long way, from that beautiful homologation special that was the BMW M1, to two SUVs ready to take on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S and the Mercedes ML 63 AMG.  It must be said that to BMW M car enthusiasts, the latest offerings from the M division may come as a bit of a shock, especially since BMW themselves claimed a while back that they would never build an SUV with an M badge on it. Now they have built two.

The X6 M and X5 M are powered by an all new 4.4l V8 engine with twin scroll twin turbos.  The turbos are able to provide upto 21 psi (1.5 bar) of boost, giving the V8 a power output of 555 hp at 6000rpm, and a meaty torque figure of 500 lb ft from as low as 1500 rpm to 5650 rpm.  A big change from the high-revving naturally aspirated engines that usually come out of the M division.

Together with the new engine, the engineers at BMW's M division fettled around with the XDrive all wheel drive system, the suspension as well as the steering system for improved handling over the standard X5 and X6.

For the first time, the M division has connected one of their engines to an automatic transmission.  The new cars get a 6 speed M Sports transmission complete with steering wheel paddle shifters and launch control.  The transmission and engine work together to get the two vehicles from 0-60mph in 4.5 sec, which is faster than the Cayenne Turbo S' 4.8 sec, and the ML63's 5.0 sec. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

Stopping power comes from four piston calipers at the front, which cling onto brake rotors 15.6 inches in size, while the rear braking system consists of floating  calipers working on rotors measuring 15.2 inches. The new cars get 20 inch rims as standard, wrapped around in 274/40 R tyres at the front, and massive 315/35 R tyres at the rear.

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