616bhp twin-turbo V8 for new M cars
BMW has unleashed two new M cars ahead of the Los Angeles Motor Show next month.
The new X5 M is the first of them. Under the bonnet sits BMW’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, lifted from the brand new M8. In the regular X5 M it develops 592bhp and 750Nm of torque, enabling 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds. UK buyers will be offered the Competition-badged model only. It uses the same 4.4-litre engine but its power is upped to 616bhp, which cuts 0.1 seconds from the car’s 0-62mph time.
The engine is reinforced by stiffer mountings while a unique exhaust system with four 100mm tailpipes refines the V8 soundtrack. However, Competition models have an M Sport-specific exhaust set-up.
BMW claims the tuning of the fourwheel-drive set-up gives the car a rear-biased distribution of power, with drive only ever sent to the front axle when the vehicle’s sensors and systems detect that the rear will break traction.
A 4WD Sport driving mode directs additional torque to the rear; BMW claims it’s possible to perform ‘controlled drifts’ with this mode enabled.
Among the visual differences that mark out the X5 M are a visibly wider track, and a new front bumper with integrated angular air vents. There’s also a new rear end that houses a large diffuser, while 22-inch wheels are standard on UK models.
The M8 range has grown too, to include the new M8 Gran Coupé. Again, the UK market will take only the 616bhp Competition-badged model, capable of 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds.