By Staff Reporter

BMW South Africa has unveiled the third generation BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition with a hike in power, new looks and technology.

Engine and power

Both the X5 M and X 6 M employ a 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology that sees a power hike of 37 kW from the previous generation. This pegs the power output at 460kW and 750 Nm. Paired with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, the X5 M and X6 M send power to all four wheels thanks to BMW’s M xDrive all‑wheel-drive system with rear-biased setup, which can be adjusted in 4WD / 4WD Sport modes. The M xDrive teams up with Active M Differential to optimise traction and dynamics. Not only is the car powerful but BMW says, the Sports exhaust system delivers an “emotionally stirring” soundtrack.

The hike in power has resulted in both the BMW X5 M Competition and the BMW X6 M Competition being able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds which is up to 0.4 seconds faster than their predecessors.

The X5 M and X6 M are not just blunt powerful instruments but aim to offer matching dynamic performance with an M Dynamic Mode comprising of an M-specific adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers, active roll stabilisation, M Servotronic steering and Dynamic Stability Control.

Looks

The powerful SUV pair sets itself apart with striking exterior looks that are characterised by large air intakes, that signature BMW kidney grille with double bars, M gills on the front side panels, a roof/rear spoiler, rear apron with diffuser elements and an exhaust system with two sets of twin tailpipes.

There is no mistaking the interior for anything other than an apex M product. M lettering can be found all over the quality interior and standard M parts are aplenty, these include BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific readouts, M multifunction seats and BMW Individual fine-grain Merino full leather.

On the infotainment front, standard specification includes BMW Live Cockpit Professional with navigation system, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and Parking Assistant.

Pricing

BMW X5 M Competition               R2,632,258

BMW X6 M Competition               R2,733,420

The MW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition launch is taking place locally from today to Thursday and we will have driving impressions for you after our launch rotation tomorrow.