By Otsile Kadiege 

Shortly after unveiling the updated BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle and X6 Sports Activity Coupe, BMW M unveiled the high-performance versions of the duo. Like the regular X5 and X6, the new M Performance versions sport new exterior and interior looks, new technologies we’ve already seen in most modern BMW vehicles as well as a meaty V8 engine with 48V technology to name a few.

Powerful new looks

As is the case with many of BMW’s Life Cycle Impulse models (BMW’s fancy way of saying facelift) the exterior design updates done to the high-performance duo are hard to miss. Up front, both sport some significant changes which include the newly designed Adaptive LED headlights with arrow-shaped daytime running lights, a redesigned all-black kidney grille with matt black surrounds and large air intakes on the lower section of the front bumper. 

In profile both vehicles are shod with 21-inch wheels (front) and 22-inch (rear) staggered wheels as standard. At the rear the X5 M Competition sports new LED taillights with a bold X graphic and an M-specific rear spoiler while the X6 M Competition is kitted with black rear spoiler as standard. Customers can opt for a carbon rear spoiler. 

New colour additions to both high-performance vehicles include M Brooklyn Grey metallic, M Isle Of Man Green metallic and BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic.

Premium yet sporty cabin 

Inside, the X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition get BMW’s Curved Display with an integrated 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen which displays the automaker’s latest infotainment system – Operating System 8 – with M graphics.

More interior highlights include a new ambient light bar with an M logo which doubles as an alert function, a carbon gearshift paddles with M buttons as standard, typical M gear selector, an M mode button on the centre console with Road, Sport and Track driving modes, M seats with illuminated model badging to name a few. 

Driver assistance systems

The BMW X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition has a wider selection of the latest driver assistance technologies like the standard Driving Assistant. As well as front collision warning – which is now also capable of detecting oncoming traffic when turning left (in countries where vehicles drive on the right) and pedestrians or cyclists when turning right – this comprises the Evasion Assistant, Alertness Assistant, Rear Crossing Traffic Warning including a new braking function, and Speed Limit Display with no-overtaking indicator and manual Speed Limit Assist. The Lane Departure Warning function that also comes with the Driving Assistant package now additionally features lane return with steering assistance and reacts to oncoming traffic when there is a potential risk of collision. 

Powerful V8 with 48V technology

At the heart of the X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition is a reworked 4.4-litre V8 engine with 48V technology for improved efficiency. The powerplant now features a reinforced crankshaft drive, further developed turbocharging – mounted close to the exhaust manifold and with an electrically controlled blow-off valve – plus a new air intake duct, a new vane-type oil pump and a weight-optimised plastic oil sump.

It delivers peak torque of 750 Nm between 1,800 and 5,800 rpm and generates maximum output of 460 kW at 6,000 rpm. Both are paired to a new eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with optimised ratio spacing, integrated electric motor and hydraulically damped mount. 

The high-performance duo each accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reach a speed of 200 km/h in 13.8 seconds and 13.6 seconds respectively. More performance highlights of the BMW X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition include near-actuator wheel slip limitation for greater speed and precision, rear-wheel bias M xDrive AWD system, Active M Differential, M-specific adaptive suspension with reworked dampers and stopping power comes on the form of integrated 19-inch M Compound brakes. 

BMW will announce pricings and local specifications of the LCI X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition closer to local launch.