2015 BMW X5 M & X6 M: More power & lower consumption

BMW has introduced the second generation of the X5 M and X6 M duo ahead of their world debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show.

The headline news is over 20 percent improvement in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions over the previous generation, while power and torque from the tweaked 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 have also improved by 4 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

Boasting a pair of TwinScroll turbochargers, cross-bank exhaust manifolds, Valvetronic and high precision direct petrol injection, the V8 mill churns out 423kW (575hp) between 6,000 and 6,500rpm, and 750Nm between 2,200 and 5,000rpm – 70Nm more than the predecessor models, making the pair BMW’s most powerful all-wheel drive ever.

Paired with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission that replaces the previous six-speed auto, both models will slingshot to 100km/h from a standstill in just 4.2 seconds, en route to a limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph).

Despite the impressive performance, fuel consumption is down from 13.9L/100km (20.3 mpg) to 11.1L/100km (25.5 mpg), while CO₂ emission is down by 20 percent to 258g/km.

Both cars are suspended on double-wishbone front suspension and a self-levelling rear air suspension with electronically adjustable dampers.

Aesthetically, both X5 M and X6 M get new wider bumpers, larger air intakes at the front, side gills with a model badge and Air Breathers. There are, of course, the signature M twin-stalk exterior mirrors, a typically M quad tailpipe exhaust arrangement and a rear spoiler for the X6 M. rounding off the striking exterior are M-specific 20-inch light-alloy wheels shod with non-run-flat 285/35 front and 325/30 rear Michelin Pilot Super Sport UHP tyres or the optional forged 21-inch M light-alloy wheels.

Inside, drivers are greeted by the M instrument cluster, M leather steering wheel with aluminium gearshift paddles and M gearshift lever. These are complemented by electrically adjusted M sports seats for the driver and front passenger, an M driver’s footrest and the optional Head-Up Display which, in addition to the standard system, also includes an M-specific display with gear indicator, rev band and shift lights.

There are also two new and exclusive M exterior colour called Long Beach Blue metallic and Donington Grey metallic.

The X5 M and X6 M are expected to hit Australian showrooms in the first half of 2015 with prices and specifications announced closer to launch.