New BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M customers also have the choice between various options exclusive to the M models, such as 21-inch M light-alloy wheels, Merino full-leather trim and M multifunction seats. And there's also a choice of two new and exclusive M paint finishes.

A finely balanced overall concept

At BMW M GmbH, high performance is about more than engine output and top speeds alone. Here, high performance means all of a vehicle's components working in perfect harmony and the precise interplay of various details resulting in maximum performance, agility, precision, poise and assurance out on the road. This sense of balance is a defining feature of all the cars produced by BMW M GmbH and is, needless to say, also present and correct in the new BMW X5 M and new BMW X6 M.

Function-led design

The function-led design of the new BMW X5 M and new BMW X6 M is immediately clear with athletic, dynamic looks betraying their high-performance credentials before they so much as turn a wheel. The four large air intakes and flaps at the front end, and the diffuser at the rear, are more than just a case of style for style's sake. Instead, their presence is an essential part of the engineers' drive to optimise aerodynamics and ensure efficient cooling.

Thanks to a clever aerodynamics concept, the airflow is guided so efficiently around the car that drag is minimised and lift is also reduced. The engine, powertrain and brakes are all kept sufficiently cool, even when placed under extreme loads on the track. Elements which look like pure design accents when they first catch the eye are, in fact, busy fulfilling functional tasks. For example, the M-specific Air Breathers behind the front wheels reduce turbulence in the front wheel arches.

Optimum temperature management The high-performance engine under the bonnet of the new BMW X5 M and new BMW X6 M requires a high-performance cooling system in order to guarantee the optimum operating temperature in all conditions - i.e. normal everyday driving, stop-start traffic and extreme action on the race track. A highly efficient, newly developed combination of low-temperature and hightemperature radiators, which also handles the cooling of the turbochargers, charge air and transmission oil, maintains an optimum temperature, even with all components working flat out.

Eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic The new BMW X5 M and new BMW X6 M send their engine power to the wheels via the newly developed eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, which mirrors the operating concept of the M Double Clutch Transmission used by other M models. With its instantaneous responses, rapid gear changes and super-direct reaction to load changes, the torque converter auto links up seamlessly with the new higher-torque turbocharged engine and showcases its talents in hugely impressive style. At the same time, its wider ratio spread allows it to offer a clear drop in fuel consumption over the six-speed transmission of the previous-generation cars, as well as an increase in driving comfort and improved performance. This is also the first torque converter to enable "creep on demand" through the Low Speed Assistant.

The new eight-speed M Steptronic transmission allows drivers to sit back and enjoy automatic shifts or change gear manually using the gearshift paddles on the M leather steering wheel. And for the perfect getaway, the driver can activate the Launch Control system adapted from use in racing cars. Here, the driver keeps their foot on the brakes and pushes the accelerator down almost to the floor, which prompts the system to dial in the ideal getaway rpm. Releasing the brakes prompts Launch Control to let the car off the leash, and it accelerates off the line with maximum propulsion.

The driver can also use the three-stage Drivelogic function to choose whether to prioritise fuel economy, comfort or sports performance. This function is available both in automatic mode and in sequential SPORT mode.

Intelligent all-wheel drive

BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive and Dynamic Performance Control play a key role in the outstanding dynamics of the new BMW X5 M and new BMW X6 M. The xDrive system employs an electronically controlled multiplate clutch to allow fully variable distribution of drive between the front and rear axles - from 100 per cent at the rear to up to 100 per cent at the front. This ensures the best possible traction in all road conditions. In the interests of greater agility, xDrive brings a rear-biased basic set-up to the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M.

The driving dynamics system Dynamic Performance Control oversees the continuous distribution of drive between the rear wheels - both under load and on the overrun - regardless of engine output. Working in combination with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the result is a whole new bracket of dynamic flair, agility and traction. The car follows the course set by the driver far more accurately, whatever the road surface, and the system also reduces the amount of wheel work required of the driver: the steering responds more directly and far fewer corrections are necessary. Moreover, the inherent propensity of conventional all-wheel-drive vehicles to understeer is eliminated. An improvement in traction is also impressively noticeable (on road surfaces with differing friction levels, in particular), and active safety is markedly enhanced as a result. The driver can see how Dynamic Performance Control is operating on the display, with arrows at all four wheels visualising where the engine power is currently being sent.

An open door to controlled drifts

Among the other highlights of the overall concept behind the new BMW X5 M and new BMW X6 M is Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). The control functions of DSC have been optimised over previous versions of the system to improve driving dynamics further still. Added to which, extra functions enhancing active safety (Brake Standby, Brake Drying, Fading Compensation) and comfort (Start-Off Assistant, parking brake with automatic hold function) have also been introduced.

Dynamic Stability Control allows the driver to choose from three modes: DSC on, MDM (M Dynamic Mode), DSC off. While DSC on counteracts understeer and oversteer to great effect with brake inputs, MDM allows greater wheel slip - to give keen drivers the chance to execute some mild drifts. However, the driver aids will also intervene to assist the driver in this mode if a predefined dynamic limit is exceeded. Deactivating DSC (through DSC off) gives the driver the chance to fully explore the car's dynamic limits on the track and nudge the car into power oversteer (i.e. a drift) using the accelerator. In this mode, the system will only introduce brake inputs in extreme situations involving significant shifts in lateral acceleration.

The new M TwinPower Turbo engine

To say the newly developed engine of the new BMW X5 M and new BMW X6 M has a pounding heartbeat would be something of an understatement. After all, the 4.4-litre V8 uses innovative M TwinPower Turbo technology - consisting of cross-bank exhaust manifolds, a pair of TwinScroll turbochargers, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection and VALVETRONIC - to push torque and output to higher levels still. This unrivalled combination ensures that a strong wave of torque is maintained from low revs and allows the engine to impress with its direct and rapid responses, vivacious appetite for revs, linear power delivery and customary M soundtrack.