BMW unveils X5 & X6 ///M

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,844
1,049
126
Both will have the same engine and performance:

4.4L V8 Twin-Scroll Twin-Turbo
555hp @6000rpm
500lb-ft @ 1500 - 5650rpm
0-60mph in 4.5sec (w/ xdrive of course)

Let the turbo Ms begin. Price not published yet but it'll likely near the $90-$100k mark. Considering it beats the Cayenne Turbo S performance at $125k, that's a steal. ;)

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the engine

THE NEXT CHAPTER IN THE STORIED HISTORY OF BMW M

All-New BMW X6 M and BMW X5 M Make World Debuts in 2009

Woodcliff Lake, NJ ? April 5, 2009? The modern, sustainable legacy of
BMW M GmbH began in 1985 when engineers placed the snarling, race-bred inline-
6 engine from the M1 supercar into the production BMW 5 Series sedan, reworked
the suspension and brakes, and created the first M5. Through this industry-first
combination of attributes, the M5 redefined the capabilities of a sedan with levels
of power, precision, balance, and linear control never before imaginable. Since
then, finding new ways to expand the boundaries of what is possible with existing
BMW models has been the singular purpose of the craftsmen at BMW M. Now the
BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are the first all-wheel-drive models to offer the
remarkable performance, dynamic driving experience, athletic design, and
premium quality of a BMW M product.

Both models are powered by a newly-developed 4.4-liter V8 M engine delivering
555 hp at 6,000 rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque from 1500 to 5,650 rpm. This new
M engine is the world?s first with a pulse-tuned exhaust manifold encompassing
both rows of cylinders combined with high-performance twin-scroll twin turbo
technology.

For the X5 M and X6 M, engineers at BMW M pushed the capabilities of BMW?s
intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system and the Dynamic Performance Control
system to manage the power and performance potential of these two new
vehicles. The special M suspension includes Adaptive Drive and newly-developed
Servotronic power steering. These features combine to push the limits of what
was previously possible with a sports-oriented vehicle, and guarantee driving
behavior characteristic of a BMW M product: incredible stability and precisely
controlled steering qualities abound throughout the performance envelope.
The BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M set new standards of acceleration, lateral grip,
steering response, balance, and stopping power among high-performance activity
vehicles. Both models accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.5 seconds and
feature impressive delivery of power from the V8 twin-turbo engine which
provides maximum torque of 500 lb-ft from 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. From a
handling standpoint, both vehicles are notable for superb balance through careful
tuning of xDrive, Dynamic Performance Control, and Dynamic Stability Control
with M Dynamic Mode for linear buildup of cornering forces. These capabilities
place the performance of the X5 M and X6 M on par with the performance of
other recent BMW M vehicles.

The athletic character and amazing performance abilities of the BMW X5 M and X6
M result from levels of development never before applied to this type of vehicle.
As it did when creating the original M5, BMW M has once again shown that
applying new technologies and innovations to a solid BMW production vehicle type
will produce startling performance and an exhilarating drive. Both of these new
models offer capabilities and dynamic driving experiences which are quite unique,
and promise to provide thrills from everyday traffic to the race track.


The first modern turbocharged M engine: twin scroll twin turbo
technology with a patented exhaust manifold.


Using BMW?s innovative, 4.4L reverse-flow V8 engine with High Precision Direct
Injection and twin turbochargers as a basis, the new M engine introduces twinscroll
twin turbochargers and patented exhaust manifold technologies to achieve
outstanding thrust and pulling force, while preserving the most compact
dimensions possible. Two low-mass twin-scroll turbochargers are positioned
together with the catalytic converters in the ?V? section between the two banks
of cylinders. By reversing the flow of gases through the engine from traditional
arrangements, the intake and exhaust ducts are shortened and widened. The
result is that pressure losses on the exhaust side are minimized.
The goals: virtually eliminate turbocharger lag while maximizing combustion
efficiency and power output. Tremendous power and performance are delivered
by the engine in the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M through a new design and
construction principle. The new M V8 engine with twin-scroll twin turbo
technology uses a single exhaust manifold with tuned-length runners,
incorporating both cylinder banks and connecting cylinders in carefully-selected
pairs. This configuration, patented by BMW M and known as Cylinder-bank
Comprehensive Manifold (CCM), offers lightning-quick response, a linear build-up
of engine power, and a broad, consistent torque curve by feeding each of the
twin turbochargers with a ?charge pulse? at approximately every 90 degrees of
crankshaft rotation, rather than the more traditional ?irregular schedule? of
charging.

The managed flow of exhaust gas provided by the CCM ensures high-velocity flow
of combustion gases. The appropriate separation of exhaust gas flow from
different cylinders is maintained until the gas reaches the turbine wheel, spooling
the two twin-scroll turbochargers without back-pressure. With maximum boost
pressure of 1.5 bar (21 psi), the use of twin-scroll twin turbo technology and the
CCM exhaust manifold allows complete exploitation of the benefits of
turbocharging.

Immediate response and remarkable thrust characterize the new V8 twinturbocharged
engine from BMW M GmbH. The impressive onset of power is
accompanied by unique, engaging engine sounds that accentuate the quickrevving
characteristics with the dynamic acoustic effect typical of a BMW M
product. The sounds are always civilized, but transform from relatively calm to
extraordinarily intense as the boost and revs build from idle. Reflecting the
tremendous power of the engine, the turbocharged M V8 is equipped with an
advanced cooling system developed specifically for the two new models. One
notable feature in this context is the presence of two high-capacity water-to-air
intercoolers which consistently optimize performance under the most demanding
driving conditions. An aluminum oil sump exclusive to BMW M with a special finned
surface guarantees optimum cooling at all times even under an extremely
demanding style of driving.

The turbocharged M V8 engine develops its outstanding power with remarkable
efficiency. In addition to BMW?s High Precision Direct Injection, both the BMW X5
M and the BMW X6 M are equipped with a range of technologies from BMW?s
EfficientDynamics engineering strategy. These include on-demand control of the
electric fuel pump, an on-demand compressor for the air conditioner, and a flowcontrolled
supply of hydraulic fluid to the Active Roll Stabilization system. By
operating these features specifically on demand, energy waste is minimized. The
engine fulfills the requirements of the US LEV II standard as well as the EU5
requirements in Europe.

M Sports Automatic and M shift paddles on the steering wheel.

Featured for the first time on a BMW M model, the 6-speed M Sports Automatic
transmission enhances the high-performance character of the BMW X5 M and the
BMW X6 M through its instantaneous response, direct connection to the engine,
and a high degree of shifting comfort. The new M Sports Automatic is
commanded by an electronic selector on the center console and offers the driver
not only the Drive mode, but also Sport and M Manual modes for absolute control
of gear selection.

Aluminum pull-style paddles on the steering wheel exclusive to BMW M allow
manual shifting (Right for upshifts, Left for downshifts). Upshifts occur
significantly quicker than in the past thanks to new technology that reduces
torque in the transmission through momentary deactivation of individual cylinders.
This significantly enhances the athletic character of the vehicle. In the M Manual
mode, each chosen gear is held up to redline in order to give the driver perfect
throttle-steering control of the vehicle under the most demanding driving
conditions. The transmission does not upshift or downshift automatically in this
mode. A further option in the M Manual mode is to activate the Launch Control
feature, which enables the driver to accelerate from a standstill with maximum
performance. To activate Launch Control, the driver stops the vehicle, moves the
gear selector into the M/S position and activates the Sports Power mode, as well
as the M Dynamic mode, or respectively, the DSC-Off mode. Then, with the
transmission in stage M1, the driver presses down the brake pedal and moves the
accelerator to at least 60% throttle, setting Launch Control to standby. Standby
status is confirmed by ?starter?s flag? symbol in the instrument cluster. As soon
as the driver releases the brake pedal, the vehicle will accelerate with full power in
?genuine racing style.? In the process, the M Sports Automatic transmission
automatically upshifts at the ideal points, with the fastest possible shifts and
optimum wheelspin control. The driver may terminate the Launch Control process
at any time by reducing the throttle position.



BMW xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control with a special M setup
for optimum dynamics.


The outstanding success of BMW?s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology is
based on quick, electronically-controlled power distribution to the front and rear
axles. When combined with the superb, near 50-50 static weight distribution of
any BMW, xDrive can prevent the tendency for the vehicle to oversteer and
understeer as long as possible, reducing the need for Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) to provide electronic assistance.

BMW?s Dynamic Performance Control was presented for the first time in the BMW
X6 and is now featured in the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M. Put succinctly,
Dynamic Performance Control enhances driving stability in demanding situations
and is thus perfectly suited to a powerful M vehicle. Vectoring of torque between
the right and left rear wheels (both on throttle and off) significantly improves
steering precision and tracking stability at all speeds, with DSC being required to
stabilize the vehicle only under extreme lateral acceleration. Ultimately this offers
the driver an unparalleled standard of performance, agility, balance, and traction,
and re-establishes the benchmarks in drivetrain and suspension technology for all
types of performance-oriented vehicles.

In the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M the potentials of both xDrive and Dynamic
Performance Control are maximized by BMW M, with the driver able to activate
the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) with the DSC button on the center console or the
steering wheel-mounted M Button. This mode raises DSC thresholds of
intervention and ensures throttle-steering behavior typical of BMW M by shifting
the xDrive bias more to the rear and involving the Dynamic Performance Control in
the process. A pictogram in the Control Display in the instrument cluster allows
the driver to monitor the activity of Dynamic Performance Control and xDrive
through a clear visual depiction, which shows the driver how much power is being
distributed to each wheel.

As a result, M Dynamic Mode allows maximum speeds in bends and on winding
roads with the DSC system intervening only when the vehicle reaches the
absolute physical limits of grip. Even under maximum load in the apex of a bend,
the vehicle follows steering inputs with tremendous precision, giving the driver
very high speeds when exiting a turn in the interest of optimum performance.
Last but not least, DSC may be completely deactivated by experienced drivers at
the touch of a button.

Beyond the stabilizing effects of Dynamic Stability Control provided by individual
brake activation and engine power reduction under extreme conditions, DSC in the
BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M includes a wide range of additional features tuned to
BMW M standards to promote safe and exciting driving. These include ABS antilock
brakes, Trailer Stability Control, Hill Descent Control, Dynamic Brake Control
which maximizes brake force when required, Cornering Brake Control for advanced
trail-braking, Brake Fade Compensation for extreme driving conditions, automatic
Brake Drying when the windshield wipers are activated, Start-Off Assistant for
driving on steep hills, and a braking function for use by the standard cruise
control.

Both vehicles come with an electrohydraulic parking brake which features the
Autohold (Auto H) function. Auto H is a convenience feature that holds the
vehicle in position as soon as it comes to a stop at an intersection or in stop-andgo
traffic, without requiring the driver to hold constant pressure on the brake
pedal. As soon as the driver touches the accelerator again, the brake is instantly
released.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,567
969
126
Originally posted by: rh71

Considering it beats the Cayenne Turbo S performance at $125k, that's a steal.

It's also not ugly as sin like the Cayenne.

Damn, I could actually see myself owning an SUV like that. :shocked:
 

sjwaste

Diamond Member
Aug 2, 2000
8,757
12
81
The red one looks like a Dodge caliber. Is that kind of like the 6-series taking styling cues from the Sebring?

I don't know, but a quick SUV doesn't excite me. I don't have kids that I need to cram, so if I want performance, I want it in a car. And lets face it, despite these being SUVs, there's little sport or utility that most owners will exercise with them.
 

sjwaste

Diamond Member
Aug 2, 2000
8,757
12
81
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: rh71

Considering it beats the Cayenne Turbo S performance at $125k, that's a steal.

It's also not ugly as sin like the Cayenne.

Damn, I could actually see myself owning an SUV like that. :shocked:

Say it ain't so, Jules. They're decent looking for SUVs.
 

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,844
1,049
126
Originally posted by: sjwaste
And lets face it, despite these being SUVs, there's little sport or utility that most owners will exercise with them.

The X5/X6 drives nothing like an SUV. It rivals the current series versions from actual drivers' accounts of those series versions. As for utility, when you fold all the seats of an X5 flat, there's plenty of utility. I put 4 rims/tires in the back with no problem, and I still had room on the roof for whatever. Try that in a regular sedan that's not an ugly wagon. Other than that, sure.

If you're going to argue "most won't use it"... then I'm just going to point you to sports cars on the road not currently doing 0-60 in 5 sec. at every light. The point, as always, is that it's there when you need it.

As for the ///M version... it's for fun. So is Porsche's and MB's and Jeep's.
 

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,844
1,049
126
Originally posted by: Doggiedog
I wonder what the mileage on those things are like?

heh the 4.8 gets ~12-14mpg real world mixed. This will easily be 10 or below... but it's also 2 full farking seconds faster.
 

Doggiedog

Lifer
Aug 17, 2000
12,780
5
81
That's what I was thinking. I must get Lamborghini type mileage. Can you imagine having a 20 gallon tank and only getting 160 miles out of it?
 

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,844
1,049
126
Originally posted by: Doggiedog
That's what I was thinking. I must get Lamborghini type mileage. Can you imagine having a 20 gallon tank and only getting 160 miles out of it?

You know what though - these are new twin turbos and are supposed to perform more efficiently while producing the same or better output. May be surprised when the official stuff is announced.

BTW... http://www.bmw.com/com/en/gene...nextchapter/index.html (official launch) ;)
 

RichUK

Lifer
Feb 14, 2005
10,341
678
126
Looks like BMW will be employing charge-cooling with their new turbo M engines.
 

punjabiplaya

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2006
3,495
1
71
Hm, to get an ugly ass turbo Cayenne or an ugly ass turbo X6. What are ze Germans thinking?
 

Dman877

Platinum Member
Jan 15, 2004
2,707
0
0
Nice to see BMW is finally getting serious about competing with Merc/AMG on the horsepower front.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: rh71

Considering it beats the Cayenne Turbo S performance at $125k, that's a steal.

It's also not ugly as sin like the Cayenne.

Damn, I could actually see myself owning an SUV like that. :shocked:

work on affording the exige first.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,567
969
126
Originally posted by: alkemyst
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: rh71

Considering it beats the Cayenne Turbo S performance at $125k, that's a steal.

It's also not ugly as sin like the Cayenne.

Damn, I could actually see myself owning an SUV like that. :shocked:

work on affording the exige first.

Well, when the Lexus is paid off and after I get my Ducati we'll see about the Lotus. With the economy in the shitter I'm not planning on any big purchases for at least another 6-12 months.

Work on your insults...
 

DivideBYZero

Lifer
May 18, 2001
24,117
2
0
Originally posted by: rh71
Originally posted by: sjwaste
And lets face it, despite these being SUVs, there's little sport or utility that most owners will exercise with them.

The X5/X6 drives nothing like an SUV. It rivals the current series versions from actual drivers' accounts of those series versions. As for utility, when you fold all the seats of an X5 flat, there's plenty of utility. I put 4 rims/tires in the back with no problem, and I still had room on the roof for whatever. Try that in a regular sedan that's not an ugly wagon. Other than that, sure.

If you're going to argue "most won't use it"... then I'm just going to point you to sports cars on the road not currently doing 0-60 in 5 sec. at every light. The point, as always, is that it's there when you need it.

As for the ///M version... it's for fun. So is Porsche's and MB's and Jeep's.

HAHAHA, the first statement should be, '...are more car-like to drive than other comparable SUV's...'. They do blatantly drive like SUV's.

As for utility I can fold the seats down flat in my 3 and put four wheels/tyres in there, or a mountain bike or two, and that's a coupe.
 

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,844
1,049
126
Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
Originally posted by: rh71
Originally posted by: sjwaste
And lets face it, despite these being SUVs, there's little sport or utility that most owners will exercise with them.

The X5/X6 drives nothing like an SUV. It rivals the current series versions from actual drivers' accounts of those series versions. As for utility, when you fold all the seats of an X5 flat, there's plenty of utility. I put 4 rims/tires in the back with no problem, and I still had room on the roof for whatever. Try that in a regular sedan that's not an ugly wagon. Other than that, sure.

If you're going to argue "most won't use it"... then I'm just going to point you to sports cars on the road not currently doing 0-60 in 5 sec. at every light. The point, as always, is that it's there when you need it.

As for the ///M version... it's for fun. So is Porsche's and MB's and Jeep's.

HAHAHA, the first statement should be, '...are more car-like to drive than other comparable SUV's...'. They do blatantly drive like SUV's.

As for utility I can fold the seats down flat in my 3 and put four wheels/tyres in there, or a mountain bike or two, and that's a coupe.

SUV-statement... same difference. An SUV drives like an SUV. I have one of those too. These SAVs don't drive like it, and it's not because they named it differently. Ask anyone who owns an ML too and they'll tell you how soft and floaty it feels. Same with the Range Rover. They are all over the road if you push them. The X5 is simply bigger to handle than a car, something like a 7, but it will not corner like an SUV. So what do you mean it drives blatantly like SUVs? Exactly which ones have you driven and comparing?

Utility - you cannot fit 4 tires & 4 20" rims (not mounted, 285 & 315 width), and in their boxes - the rims were brand new and I wasn't going to scratch them. You wouldn't be able to see out the back with the 4 rims alone. You don't have the roof rack. Stop pretending like it's the same cargo space when you know damn well that's impossible. Let me guess, you have headroom for a 3rd row too. :roll:
 

DivideBYZero

Lifer
May 18, 2001
24,117
2
0
Originally posted by: rh71
Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
Originally posted by: rh71
Originally posted by: sjwaste
And lets face it, despite these being SUVs, there's little sport or utility that most owners will exercise with them.

The X5/X6 drives nothing like an SUV. It rivals the current series versions from actual drivers' accounts of those series versions. As for utility, when you fold all the seats of an X5 flat, there's plenty of utility. I put 4 rims/tires in the back with no problem, and I still had room on the roof for whatever. Try that in a regular sedan that's not an ugly wagon. Other than that, sure.

If you're going to argue "most won't use it"... then I'm just going to point you to sports cars on the road not currently doing 0-60 in 5 sec. at every light. The point, as always, is that it's there when you need it.

As for the ///M version... it's for fun. So is Porsche's and MB's and Jeep's.

HAHAHA, the first statement should be, '...are more car-like to drive than other comparable SUV's...'. They do blatantly drive like SUV's.

As for utility I can fold the seats down flat in my 3 and put four wheels/tyres in there, or a mountain bike or two, and that's a coupe.

SUV-statement... same difference. An SUV drives like an SUV. I have one of those too. These SAVs don't drive like it, and it's not because they named it differently. Ask anyone who owns an ML too and they'll tell you how soft and floaty it feels. Same with the Range Rover. They are all over the road if you push them. The X5 is simply bigger to handle than a car, something like a 7, but it will not corner like an SUV. So what do you mean it drives blatantly like SUVs? Exactly which ones have you driven and comparing?

Utility - you cannot fit 4 tires & 4 20" rims (not mounted, 285 & 315 width), and in their boxes - the rims were brand new and I wasn't going to scratch them. You wouldn't be able to see out the back with the 4 rims alone. You don't have the roof rack. Stop pretending like it's the same cargo space when you know damn well that's impossible. Let me guess, you have headroom for a 3rd row too. :roll:

I've driven the e53 4.8is and the e70 3.0 Diesel with regard to the X5. The e53 had every option under the sun including adaptive air suspension...and it was still a bloated boat to drive. the e70 was not a million miles away and still felt like a tractor. I'm sure you'll tell me yours is super special and somehow defies the law of physics, but you're talking bollocks if you do.

I've driven plenty of SUV's. Let's make a fun little list, seeing as you asked:

- Land Cruiser
- Land Rover 90 (Army spec)
- Range Rover V8 (circ 1997)
- Ford Explorer V6 (2007)
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- X5 (e53, e70)

Now, I'm sure you'll go to town on the list, too, but it means little. The X5 is not a sports car. Nor is the X6, btw. Don't even start me with the acronym 'SAV'.

I'm sure I could have put those boxes in my car, but not the tyres. Wow, you got me. However, the X5 does not come with a roof rack, but roof rails. I could just as quickly get a roof rack and put that on, but most M3's with roof racks look a little shit. it doesn't have the same utility, I'm not saying it does. I'm just not sure I can put up with you excusing your choice of vehicle with weak excuses. You put some tyres in it. Once. Great, well worth driving a jacked up minivan for the other 364 days of the year.

It drives better than comparable SUV's. It is not any more than that. I stick to my original point.
 

Bignate603

Lifer
Sep 5, 2000
13,897
1
0
After looking at that engine I hope you never need to do work on it. That thing looks ridiculously hard to service because it's got so much crammed all over it.
 

secretanchitman

Diamond Member
Apr 11, 2001
9,352
23
91
the X6 M looks fugly, but the X5 M is alright/better.

seriously, why did they have the funding to do M suvs but not an M3 CSL?
 

makken

Golden Member
Aug 28, 2004
1,476
0
76
Originally posted by: rh71
Originally posted by: sjwaste
And lets face it, despite these being SUVs, there's little sport or utility that most owners will exercise with them.

The X5/X6 drives nothing like an SUV. It rivals the current series versions from actual drivers' accounts of those series versions. As for utility, when you fold all the seats of an X5 flat, there's plenty of utility. I put 4 rims/tires in the back with no problem, and I still had room on the roof for whatever. Try that in a regular sedan that's not an ugly wagon. Other than that, sure.

If you're going to argue "most won't use it"... then I'm just going to point you to sports cars on the road not currently doing 0-60 in 5 sec. at every light. The point, as always, is that it's there when you need it.

As for the ///M version... it's for fun. So is Porsche's and MB's and Jeep's.

Our family has an E53 X5 and an E39 540iA, the X5, though a lot more car-like than the other SUVs we've driven (Jeep grand cherokee and ford explorers), still drives nothing like the 5. The X5's trunk isn't that much bigger than the 5 either, it's only really better for carrying tall objects.