FINE DRIVING: GERMAN CROSSOVERS POWER UP
German uber-crossovers are speed demons on the track
The BMW X5 M and X6 M are the German automaker’s latest performance cars — make that Sports Activity Vehicle/Coupe. Both are so much more than the base models and within hailing distance of full-on M cars — as BMW said, they are athletes in a business suit.
In this case, the new 4.4-litre V8 and its twin-turbochargers pumps out 567 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque at 2,200 r.p.m., which is up 53 from the outgoing model. Zooming around the Circuit of the Americas track in an X6 M saw it pull some serious G-force. Not to worry, as BMW engineered the engine to withstand a 1.2 lateral-G before the engine starves for its slippery lifeblood.
For the record, the X6 M romps from rest to 100 kilometres an hour in 4.2 seconds. Considering the 2,340-kilogram curb weight that’s a feat in itself. If there is a minor nit it’s the exhaust tone. Yes, it’s raspy, purposefully loud and replete with a burbling backfire when the gas is lifted, but it lacks outright thunder because of the turbo’s muffling effect.
The power was put to the track through a new eight-speed Steptronic transmission and all four wheels. The transmission is a marvel of modern engineering. Not only are the shifts blindingly quick, it allows the driver to select their preferred shift pattern via Drivelogic. The fuel-focused, comfort and sport modes then change the manner in which the shifts occur. The beauty is it maintains the chosen setting even when the driver goes manual.
Considering the size of the crossover, the handling proved to be extraordinary — BMW has been testing it on the Nürburgring to hone the final set up. The suspension is noticeably firmer and there’s a 10-millimetre drop in the ride height. This and the adoption of adaptive dampers, rear air springs and active roll control meant an offcamber corner was a cakewalk.
As with the other key components, the driver can tailor the ride to suit the circumstance. Again, three modes (comfort, sport and sport+) balance the need to stay on track without beating riders up in the process. The steering is, likewise, precise and offers the same modes.
As for the other changes, the look is bolder with the larger front air intakes giving the X6 M a more menacing look. Inside, the M steering wheel (complete with paddles shifters) has a rewardingly chunky feel, the M-specific multifunction seats deliver supreme support and are lovingly wrapped in Merino leather. The rest of the cabin is familiar, up to and including iDrive.
The latter gives access to the M Laptimer app. When a smartphone is paired with the vehicle the app stores the vehicle’s speed, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, selected gear, steering angle and throttle position.
The X6 M is a very different drive. It remains a comfortably flexible crossover, but it’s also an all-out track demon that belies its look.
When the two arrive in late March the X5 M will start at $105,900 with the X6 M coming in at $108,200.