The X5 M and X6 M Unveiled

[JoshCalkins]

BMW X6 M and X5 M

BMW released the X5, their first X-Series model, in 2000. At the time, the company said that there would not be any M version of the vehicle. Well, apparently nine years (and the release of the Porsche Cayenne GTS and Mercedes-Benz ML65 AMG) is what it takes for the German automaker to see sales potential in a souped-up crossover vehicle. While fans of BMW's other M vehicles may be left wanting more (or nothing at all) from the X5 M and X6 M, there are some tantalizing hints of what may be in store for the M5 redesign coming up in 2012.

BMW X6 M

First, a few facts about the X5 M and the X6 M. They were originally supposed to premier at the New York Auto Show, which takes place this month from the 10th to the 19th. BMW decided to lift the curtain a little early and released a bunch of pictures (which can be found in the new M-Series subgallery here). Both models come equipped with an automatic transmission (no word yet on whether there will be a manual option) that can be put into Sport mode or M mode for better acceleration and shifts the All-Wheel drive from an even balance to a 20/80 balance, favoring the rear. Styling-wise, the X5 M and X6 M are about what you'd expect, and depending on your opinion of the regular X-Series models' looks, you may love them or you may hate them.

BMW X5 M

Okay, with that out of the way, on to the really cool part: the engine. Because the X5 and X6 are crossover versions of the 5 and 6 Series, respectively, it would be logical to assume that their M models would essentially be crossover versions of the M5 and M6. The X5 M and X6 M, however, are not equipped with the 5.0-liter, 500 horsepower V10 engine from the M5. Instead they have a brand new 4.4-liter V8 variant equipped with twin turbos, and this engine is fast, producing 555 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque. While based on the company's current twin-turbo V8, this one has some new tricks.

The New V8

The exhaust manifold in this V8 is nestled inside the engine's V. The Garret turbocharges are both twin-scroll and are positioned so that they work both sides of the V engine, instead of the more common one-per-bank setup. The intercooler and air cooler have both been enlarged in order to handle the extra heat being produced. The pistons and camshafts from the base V8 have been replaced and the compression ratio has been adjusted to 9.3:1. The engine redlines at 6,800 RPM and as soon as you hit 1800 RPM, the engine produces the abovementioned 502 lb ft of torque and keeps the torque output steady all the way up.

Here's the final kicker: the X6 M is 10% more fuel efficient than the current M5. More horses and better fuel economy, with two less cylinders? 502 lb-ft of torque over the current M5's 383? It's probably a safe bet that some version of this V8 design will be the powerplant of the M5 redesign coming in 2012.