New Reveal : 2010 BMW X5 M adn X6 M

This is going to be the most important reveal at the New York Auto Show April 8. Because this is the long awaited X5 M, joining it the X6 M. When the X5 was first introduced back in 2002, rumors and speculations about a M-powered version of the original X5 was anticipated. Well, after a wait of 8 years, here's the X5 M and its sibling X6 M. The M engineers added a new aggressive body-kit, uprated the handling, upraised the cost, and ofcourse added more power.
The M designers know that a great looking high-performance edition doesn't have to be very showy, and won't let anyone know that this is a special vehicle. But just drop settle hints that this isn't the standard model. So at the outside, the new X5 M and X6 M may look just like any other X5 and X6. However, the details make them proper M-powered beasts. Compared to the standard models, BMW's M division added a new bodykit that consists of new front and rear bumpers, rocker panels, side gills, quad exhaust tail pipes, 20-inch alloy wheels, and M badges around the exterior.
Inside, the M people kept the luxury interior. Nevertheless, inside, the X5M and X6M feature the usual M-branded around the interior, sport steering wheel that now features F1-style paddle shifters behind the steering, and leather seats as well as a revised instrument panel.
Ofcourse, the X5 and X6 were designed from the ground-up to be sporty SUVs. But even those two had to get re-tuning the handling and brakes when getting the M division treatment. M presented a Dynamic Performance Control for both X5 M and X6 M. This package includes, special M suspension that make the X5 M and X6 M sit about 0.4 inches lower compared to the regular models, a new Servotronic sport steering system, large four-piston fixed brake calipers, Adaptive Drive, Rear View Camera, Head Up Display and Active Roll Stabilization system to keep the car flat and level when hard-cornering. The X5 M and X6 M also feature the X-Drive all-wheel drive system, that now usually shifts most of the power rearwards. So although some of the off-roading characteristics and capabilities have been compromised, this is one true sports car in handling at the race track.
We've kept the best for last, the powertrain. Despite the new X5 M and X6 M have the same 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 out of the standard models, the M division engineers have modified with the turbo boost, exhaust manifold system, and intake cylinder heads, to give a gigantic increase in power. 555 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque produced from 1,500 all the way to 5,650 rpm. So 155 hp and 50 lb-ft of torque increase out of the same engine is astonishing. Power is connected to a new 6-speed M Sports Automatic transmission. That power makes the X5 M and X6 M the most powerful M-powered car BMW has ever produced.
In fact, it's also the fastest M car ever. BMW claims 0-60 mph comes in 4.5 seconds for both X5 M and X6 M! Compared it the M5 which will hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, M6 in 4.7 seconds, and M3 in 4.7 seconds as well, then these two twin beasts will moon their sedan siblings. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, or 171 mph with with the optional "M Driver's Package". Without the limiter at all, these Bimmers will be on the exciting limit of 200 mph. That makes them easily the fastest production SUVs in the world.
Only competitors in the segment, are the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, Mercedes ML63 AMG, and Jeep Cherokee SRT-8. But both X5 M and X6 M would burst those. So we only can look at the 4-door sedan monsters like the Cadillac CTS-V, Audi RS6, Jaguar XFR, and the all-new Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG as true rivals. Even that, the X5 M and X6 would give those competition a run for their money. These two beasts are crushing car-class into the bin, but surely with a price to pay. In Germany X5 M will be priced at 105,900 euros and X6 M from 108,900 euros. To sum up then, we can't think of these as high SUVs with atomic power. These are true supercars, it's just the driver sits high-up.

Source : [BMW]