Following the debut of the facelifted BMW X5 and X6, BMW has now unveiled both the BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition. Following the non-M versions of the X5 and X6, the M Competition versions of both cars have also become electrified only, now with a 48 V mild hybrid (MHEV) system with a V8 engine.
Being performance versions of both cars, let us get straight down to the performance enhancements. The X5 and X6 M Competition mark the debut of the 48V technology in the brand’s high performance models. Like other MHEV versions of the X5 and X6, the MHEV system adds on a 12-hp electric motor that has been integrated in the eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
Combined with a new 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine, the MHEV powertrain generates a maximum output of 625 hp (metric) at 6,000 rpm and 750 Nm of torque at 1,800-5,800 rpm. The new V8 mill now features a reinforced crankshaft drive, further developed turbocharging, a new air intake duct, and an optimized oil supply system. With all new technology combined, both the X5 and X6 M Competition complete the century sprint in 3.9 seconds.
Singing the tune of the V8 MHEV powertrain is a standard M Sport exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps. Just so you know, there’s also a new catalytic converter on the M Sport exhaust.
Besides the new engine, both the X5 and X6 M Competition are equipped with a new version of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. There are three choices of shift settings and the new gearbox features a retuned setup and sharper shifting actions.
Further beefing up the performance of the X5 and X6 M Competition is a newly adapted version of the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which teams up with the Active M Differential at the rear axle. The M Setup menu lets the driver switch from the default 4WD setting to 4WD Sport mode, which makes it possible to execute controlled drifts by splitting power with a distinct rear-wheel bias.
As for suspension both M Competition cars are equipped with M suspension Professional as standard. The electronically controlled dampers have been reworked, and the system features active roll stabilization. BMW has also adjusted the toe-in values at the rear axle for greater poise at high speeds.
Other handling bits on the X5 and X6 M Competition include a modified application of the steering gear and M compound brakes. The M xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) system and the Active M Differential now work in unison with near-actuator wheel slip limitation (the first time in the X5 and X6 M Competition), as opposed to just being interconnected with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) module as before.
On the outside, the front end of the X5 and X6 M Competition cars mimic the large vertical grille of the M#/M4 without actually having a tall grille. Black gloss trims surrounding the grille extend into the front bumper and connect the upper grille with the lower grille, forming an ‘X’-shaped area.
Both models come as standard with 21-inch M light-alloy wheels at the front paired with 22-inch M light-alloy items at the rear. Forged M light-alloy wheels with the same dimensions are available as optional extras. They include a new variant in a Jet Black solid finish.
Building on the X5 and X6’s cabin, the M Competition models add on broad interior trim strip in Fineline Black fine wood with high-gloss metal effect, the ambient light bar with effective backlighting and the addition of an M logo to its graphic, plus the M leather steering wheel with its new carbon gearshift paddles. Also to be found on the standard equipment list are M multifunction seats, knee pads, fine-grain Merino full leather trim and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.
