The range of the BMW X5 and X6 is complete again. Earlier this month we were already introduced to the updated standard versions of the two SUVs, but the crown jewels of both ranges were still missing for the time being: the M models. They now get their own place in the spotlight, because these are the renewed BMW X5 and X6 as M Competition.
Running nose
We can immediately reassure the purist, because unlike, say, the M3 and M4, the M versions of the X5 and X6 do not suddenly get a huge set of kidney grilles. Instead, the SUVs keep a similar look to the standard models as usual, although the M Competitions do have their own bumper work. That puts those nostrils in the paint somewhat by mounting a kind of black offshoots underneath, the pointed shape of which fits nicely with the large air scoops on the sides of the bumper. At the back we find a new diffuser with four characteristic exhausts, while the rest is in line with the facelift of the regular variants.
The latter also applies inside this sporty duo, where the dashboard is treated to a curved display. The iDrive system behind it will be given a specific M look for the occasion, but the combination of the 12.3-inch driver display and the 14.9-inch infotainment screen will be retained. M sports seats and an M sports steering wheel are standard on both models, while you can decorate the cockpit as desired with a wealth of other M sports items in blue-purple-red decorated carbon fiber.
Only as Competition?
As standard you also get the best that BMW has to offer in the field of chassis technology. For example, the X5 and X6 M Competition immediately have adaptive dampers that keep the weight of over 2.4 tons under control thanks to electronic roll stabilization. In combination with a revised steering system, this should ensure that your über-SUV steers as if it were a sports car. Furthermore, the colossus naturally receives xDrive four-wheel drive as standard, although it does contain a trick that should provide some extra fun. In the 4WD Sport function, the system sends more torque and power to the rear axle, so that you can drift in a controlled manner with your X5 or X6 M Competition, according to BMW.
One point we have not yet discussed, and that is how much power and torque this new equipment can offer. There is already a hint in the name, because BMW is only talking about the Competition versions of the X5 M and the X6 M and is omitting the regular variants for the time being. For example, the figures after the facelift remain the same as those of the Competitions from before with 625 hp and 750 Nm of torque, good for a 0-100 time of 3.9 seconds. The X5 and X6 M Competition still get that power from a 4.4-liter V8 petrol engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but there is still a lot of new about that block.
First Mild Hybrid Ms
For example, BMW talks about new intake and exhaust manifolds, optimized oil supply, revised turbos and a reinforced crankshaft, but the most important thing is what is attached to that crankshaft. It is connected with a belt to a small electric motor in the housing of the gearbox, which can deliver roughly 12 hp and 200 Nm of torque to the combustion engine. The whole affair should not only benefit consumption, but according to BMW would also help to optimize the responsiveness of the powertrain.
That makes these X5 and X6 M Competitions mild hybrids, just like the standard models all became with the facelift. However, this is big news for the M variants, because the Motorsport department did not yet have such powertrains in its catalogue. However, electrification is not completely new at BMW M, because with the XM they already had a plug-in hybrid in the range.
