Efficiency up 20 percent in Euro cycle
BMW will soon bring us a second generation of the fire-breathing X5M SUV and X6M crossover. The 2015 models get a new, more powerful engine, a new eight-speed transmission and a Dynamic Stability Control system that allows “drivers the chance to execute some mild drifts.”
The 2015 X5M starts at $99,650, and the 2015 X6M starts at $103,050. Both prices include destination and handling.
The M TwinPower Turbo V8 -- quite a mouthful -- will reside underhood in both M cars, making 567 hp at 6,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque between 2,200 and 5,000 rpm. Those are bumps of 3 and 10 percent, respectively. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, but sprint times to 60 mph click off in 4 seconds flat.
The new mill features direct injection, BMW’s Valvetronic valve-timing system, cross-bank manifolds and a closed-deck crankcase that allows for higher cylinder pressures to be achieved and more power.
Both cars get the company’s new eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, which is a torque-converter automatic that BMW says shifts like a dual-clutch gearbox. It has a wider ratio spread than the previous models, which leads to a 20 percent increase in efficiency, at least on the European cycle. BMW says EPA numbers will be revealed closer to the debut of the two crossovers. Both cars also get launch control. All drivers have to do is click the launch-control button; step on the brake, then the accelerator; and then let off the brake. That prompts the system to “dial in the ideal getaway rpm.”
The three-stage Drivelogic function adjusts the systems to prioritize fuel economy, comfort or sportiness.
All-wheel drive is standard on both cars, which wear Michelin Pilot Super Sport non-runflat (yeah!) 21-inch wheels. They’re staggered: 10 inches wide in front, 11.5 inches wide in back. The electronic power-steering system is also adjustable from comfort to sport or sport-plus.
The chassis of both cars has been upgraded, as well. The double-wishbone front setup gets revised kinematics. A modified upper wishbone allows for more cornering force, while more rigid bearings improve wheel guidance at all corners. The Ms are about 1 inch lower than the standard models, and they all feature an adjustable suspension. Front wheels are slowed by six-piston M calipers and pads; the rears get a single-piston floating caliper design.
Inside, the X5M and X6M get a new, M-badged steering wheel, head-up display, M multifunction seats and fine-grain Merino leather with M logos in the backrests. Alcantara lines the roof.PHOTO BY BMW
As for styling, the M cars get exteriors painted fully in body color. Front ends get larger intakes, the flanks get side gills and signature M mirrors, while the rears get quad exhausts, body-color diffusers and, on the X6M, a spoiler.
Inside, the X5M and X6M get a new, M-badged steering wheel, head-up display, M multifunction seats and fine-grain Merino leather with M logos in the backrests. Alcantara lines the roof.
Standard features include an alarm system, power tailgate, auto-dimming rearview and exterior mirrors, a headlight-washer system, four-zone automatic climate control, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, Park Distance Control and a rearview camera.
The M cars also get a new M Laptimer. The Laptimer app for smartphones lets drivers analyze their personal driving style on the racetrack. It records speed, acceleration, gear, steering angle and accelerator position, in addition to clocking laps. Two recordings can also be placed side by side for comparison, either with yourself or other drivers on social media.
The 2015 BMW X5M and X6M go on sale in the spring of 2015.
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