“Now with the arrival of the X6 M and X5 M, we’re able to offer an M version which will tempt performance-oriented buyers considering an ML 63 AMG or Cayenne Turbo with benefits such as faster acceleration, less weight and better fuel consumption,” says Stavros Yallouridis, the Australian head of BMW Group Australia.
“First Australian deliveries of the BMW X6 M will commence in December this year; whilst the BMW X5 M will charge onto the market in January 2010.”
“We are particularly pleased to welcome a new chapter of BMW M to the Australian market give we have such a loyal and strong following of the M product range,” says Yallouridis.
The BMW X6 M is powered by a new 4.4-litre V8 high-performance engine.
Delivering peak power of 408 kW, the new M TwinPower Turbo engine is the world’s first power unit with a common exhaust emission manifold joining both rows of cylinders as well as Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology.
The turbocharger and the catalytic converters are positioned in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders ensuring spontaneous and direct response so typical of BMW M as well as a linear surge of power for a consistent flow of torque at all times.
Peak torque is rated at 680 Newton-metres available across an extremely wide range of engine speeds from 1,500 to 5,650rpm.
The BMW X6 M accelerates from 0-100 km/h in a scintillating 4.7 seconds and has a governed top speed of 250 km/h. Characterised by massive front air intakes adorning the front apron as well as the rear apron with diffuser and quad chrome exhausts the range topping X6 provides a clear indication if its awesome engine power.
Despite superlative driving dynamics, the BMW X6 M offers the highest level of efficiency in its segment thanks to the High Precision Injection engine combined with proven and newly developed BMW EfficientDynamics technologies.
These include Brake Energy Regeneration as well as on-demand control of the electrical fuel pump, detachable a/c compressor and volume flow-controlled supply of hydraulic fluid to the anti-roll system.
The BMW X6 M complies with the EU5 and LEV II emission standards and average fuel consumption is 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres, making it the most fuel efficient in its class.
A six-speed M Sports Automatic transmission, featuring optimised gearshift dynamics and outstanding gearshift comfort is fitted to the BMW X6 M. Extremely short gearshift times are the result of an innovative torque reduction concept which briefly cancels out fuel injection and ignition.
Drivers can shift gears by the BMW M aluminium shift paddles on the steering wheel or via the electronic gear selector and a launch control function is available for maximum acceleration.
The BMW X6 M and BMW X5 M are the first all-wheel-drive models built by BMW M GmbH, combining BMW xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control. Both models exhibit outstanding driving dynamics combined with supreme stability and excellent traction as well as agility unparallel in this segment.
The X6 M features specifically developed M Servotronic steering which provides substantial steering support at low speeds and exact feedback at higher speeds for greater precision when travelling fast. The driver can also call up the Sports Mode via the M Drive button for an uncompromisingly sporting control map.
Adaptive Drive with electronically adjustable dampers (EDC) and Dynamic Drive are fitted as standard with self-levelling air suspension on the rear axle.
The M specific design of the suspension lowers the vehicle by 10 millimetres compared with the non-M X5 and X6 models and features stiffer shock absorbers and modified swaybars. The result is that body roll and movements are reduced, while self-steering and alternating load alteration effects are optimised.
The highly sports-oriented design empowers drivers to take individual control in many different ways. The EDC and M Drive buttons allow the driver to call up damper tuning and the M Servotronic steering control map in Normal or Sport mode.
The high-performance brake system features lightweight technology offering superior stopping power with virtually no fading and optimum control of the brakes.
The BMW X6 M also features M Dynamic Mode (MDM), which raises the control thresholds for intervention by the brakes and the reduction of the engine power and provides that typical steering behaviour so characteristic of BMW M by shifting the drive power to the rear in the xDrive setting and interacting appropriately with Dynamic Performance Control. MDM allows maximum speeds in bends plus unrestricted safety when driving to the extreme.
The X6 M is the first M model to receive run-flat safety tyres as standard equipment, with the addition of an emergency spare also fitted as standard. The X6 M arrives with 20-inch light-alloy wheels equipped with 275/40 R20 runflat safety tyres at the front and road-hugging 315/35 R20 runflat safety tyres at the rear.
Further standard equipment highlights include Bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime driving light function, adaptive brake light, Alarm System, Glass Sunroof, Metallic paint, Individual High-gloss shadowline and Quad chrome exhausts on this exclusive model.
A host of innovative driver assistance systems include Head-Up Display, Adaptive Headlights, High Beam Assistant and Comfort Access.
Inside, the BMW X6 M comes with M heated seats, an M leather steering wheel, entry strips with M designation and an M footrest, as well as the M-specific cockpit including an instrument cluster with a variable pre-warning field in the rev counter, specific vehicle function displays, and white illumination of the display units.
The colour pallet for the X6 M is again in keeping with M models, offering the choice of solid colours that include Alpine White and Melbourne Red as well as metallic paint options of Carbon Black, Black Sapphire, Silverstone, Space Grey and Monte Carlo Blue.
In contrast the interior is equipped with extended BMW Merino Leather in Black, Sliverstone or Bamboo Beige that extends beyond the front and rear seats, to the centre console, door trims and armrest together with an embossed M symbol in the front headrests.
The X6 M is priced from $179,900* and X5 M priced from $172,900*
* Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.