BMW India have launched the all-new M Division versions of the X5 and X6, called the X5 M and X6 M, from Rs 1.55 crore (ex-Delhi).
The all-new BMW X5 M and X6 M are here and they bring M Power to those who want a Sports Activity Vehicle (or Coupé) with the the aggression, power, and, yes, dynamics of a sports car. The new X5 M and X6 M are the second generation M versions, with the earlier ones having a potent 555 PS. The new ones get 575 PS and a lot more torque too, 750 Nm of it, but it really isn’t all about the power. As Frank Schlöder, Director – Marketing, BMW India said, it’s more than just putting a more powerful engine in a car, it’s about setting up the car for dynamic performance in every aspect.
Thus, the X M twins get sportier suspension, adaptive damping and steering, with a new M Dynamic Mode (MDM) which limits the stability and traction control to allow for the execution of power-slides and sideways drifts in the hands of those who have mastered the art. Even with a running weight of 2.3 tonnes, the X5 M and X6 M are meant to be extremely sharp, agile and belie their weight by a noticeable margin. So how well do they do it?
We were at the Madras Motor Race Track (MMRT) in Chennai to find out. First up, the X6 M. The X6 still feels as big, bulky and well-built as its less-powerful diesel twin, the 40d, and it still is remarkably comfortable, with the M sports seats being the major noticeable difference in the interior. They are, however, supremely comfortable and very supportive. Funnily enough, the pace car was an X6 xDrive 40d so it would be interesting to see how well it does in comparison, although, to be fair, the 40d was being piloted by a professional from BMW’s Secret Service, while little old me was at the wheel of the M.
The X6 M has an M TwinPower Turbo 4.4-litre V8 with high-precision petrol direct injection and has been tuned up to produce the peak 575 PS between 6,000 and 6,500 RPM, with a hefty 750 Nm of torque peaking from just 2,200 RPM and staying until 5,000. Quite! The claimed 0-100 km/h time is 4.2 seconds, and even with over 2,400 kg on board, and with mixed 285/40 and 325/35 R20 rubber, the X6 M puts down the power well and makes disputing that claim very tough indeed. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h, but even so, I could only manage about 150 km/h on the back straight, before braking hard into the next corner.
The choice of three modes, Efficient, Sport and Sport Plus, for the steering, suspension and engine response, together with the selectable shift types also makes for very sharp and precise handling, even for this Bavarian behemoth. All-in-all, there is little to fault on track, even with the massive kerb weight making you wonder what the heck you were thinking entering that last corner at triple-digit speed, even though it simply flowed through, in retrospect.
The X6 M makes you feel like you’re sitting high up and gives you a commanding view of what lies ahead. Even so, you’re not really that high up and it’s very car-like to drive, The suspension, aided by advanced roll countering, does well to keep the tyres grounded, with Sport mode being the seemingly best choice for the rather bumpy nature of the track.
Next up, the X5 M. The same platform, same driveline and same mechanicals. Major differences are the seat height and feel. While the X5 M is sharp, the seats are not nearly as supportive as the X6 M, even though they’re identical, and the added height makes going round corners more evident because human body roll well exceeds that of the car’s. The X5 M sticks to the track well and is immense fun to drive, although the lack of adequate bolstering – for my XL frame, at least – did leave me feel wanting. Let’s not forget, this is on track, and the X5 M is a magnificent option for those who need the space, comfort, safety and practicality – and that M V8 – every day of their life. It can handle cities, highways and race-tracks with aplomb and keep that smile plastered on your face.
BMW India claim a fuel-efficiency of 9.0 km/l combined, which isn’t half bad considering what they weigh, what their output is, and how they feel. At Rs 1.55 crore for the X5 M and Rs 1.6 crore for the X6 M (both ex-Delhi), the M Performance range just got two new exciting additions.
Story: Jim Gorde
