BMW X5 M & X6 M COMPETITION

The battle between combustion and electrification has perhaps never been as evident in these pages as it is this month. Standing at two polar ends of the argument spectrum, our cover model, the Porsche Taycan, heralds a new era of sporty electrification for the sportscar brand. At the same time, the BMW SUV-siblings X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition, form the hyper-sophisticated formal guard for internal combustion fandom. Is the writing on the wall for petrol power? Not if these two Bavarian brutes have anything to say about it…

input, thanks to an electronic dynamic stability system that sends power to the most appropriate wheel at just the right moment.

A rear bias confirms the cars’ sports car feel – would it be a true M car without at least a portion of the majority of the power going to the back wheels?

If “a portion” of the power going to the rear isn’t enough for you, crank it up by dialling the car to Sport mode, and fine-tune the dynamics via the car’s setup menu. Tweak the suspension to abuse the extra-stiff mountings and F1-like double-wishbone geometry, while you rely on the active dampers that also respond to steering inputs, road conditions and body roll within milliseconds.

One of the most surprising things about these cars, is their ability to adapt to the driver. Push them hard, and they come alive, but back off and almost every bit of competition subsides for the moment – meaning that they’re great for long motorway trips as well, despite their massive 21” alloys in front, and in a first for the brand, larger 22” alloys in the rear. Remarkably efficient stopping power is provided by

M compound brakes, while the integrated braking system allows one to change the configuration of the pedal feel under hard braking.

HEART ON ITS SLEEVE

To X5, or to X6, that seems to be the question most on the mind of prospective buyers. I prefer the more traditional look of the X5, while I must admit that the X6 is a vast improvement on previous incarnations.

Controversially enlarged kidney grille aside, M-specific design changes to improve cooling and airflow, include the large air intakes in the protruding front aprons, M gills on the front side panels, streamlined side mirrors, flared wheel arches and rear spoilers.

Interior space is by no means lacking in either model, although the X6 does compromise on rear headroom, given its sloping roofline and coupé silhouette. Interiors are unapologetically luxurious (four-zone climate control and leather comes as standard, with optional seat heating, cooling and

massaging). Technology application is also worldclass, and includes a customisable head-up display and Apple CarPlay.

Cruise control with Driver Assist is phenomenally good on long freeway runs, and while you need to remain alert at all times when the system is active, it does take away much of the strain associated with long-distance cruising.

Where these mighty beasts come up short, however, is on the fuel economy side. It might be true that M Competition buyers aren’t going to be short of cash, so cost at the pump is unlikely to raise too much ire, but they might grow tired of the regular refuelling trips to the petrol station.

LAST WORD

I can hear the detractors saying that the need for cars like the X5 M Competition and its X6 M Competition sibling is fast dwindling. However, my response to that is, there is no need for a five-course meal at a Michelin fivestar restaurant, when a burger and fries will do the same job. It is undeniable that the former, like its automotive equivalent pair of X5 M and X6 M Competitions, will bring a tear of joy to your eye at every occasion.