(from bmw press release)
2010 BMW X5 M
Now the discerning customer has the opportunity to enjoy the unique high-
performance character of a BMW M car also in the segment of BMW X models:
The BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are the fi rst all-wheel-drive models to
offer the supreme performance, dynamic driving features, athletic design, and
premium quality of a typical BMW M Car.
Both models are powered by a newly developed V8 high-performance engine
delivering 408 kW/555 hp at an engine speed range between of 6,000 rpm from
an engine capacity of 4,395 cc. The new M TwinPower Turbo engine is indeed
the world’s fi rst power unit with a common exhaust manifold encompassing
both rows of cylinders and featuring Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology.
BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system is naturally geared to the
specifi c power and performance characteristics of the BMW X5 M and the
BMW X6 M, just like Dynamic Performance Control also standard on both
models. Interacting with the cars’ special M suspension including Adaptive Drive
and the newly developed Servotronic power steering, this ensures the driving
behaviour so characteristic of a BMW M Car, combining unique driving stability
with precisely controlled steering qualities all the way to the highest level of
driving dynamics.
The BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M set new standards in this segment of
high-performance models in terms of acceleration, lateral dynamics, steering
behaviour, stopping power, and effi ciency. Both models accelerate to 100 km/h
from a standstill in 4.7 seconds and stand out not only through the truly impressive
delivery of power by the V8 turbo engine providing maximum torque of
680 Newton-metres or 501 lb-ft in the broad speed range between 1,500 and
5, 650 rpm, but also through the likewise smooth and consistent build-up of
lateral forces meeting the highest requirements and the most dynamic level of
performance in bends.
The exclusive character of both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M results to
a large extent from a level of driving performance never seen before even in this
particular segment. Both models offer the ultimate in their segment in every
respect, providing performance and dynamic driving reserves quite unique
versus the competition and ensuring an experience of unlimited supremacy in
everyday traffi c.
Design: features typical of BMW M for supreme dynamics
and exclusivity.
The truly outstanding potential of both models comes out clearly in their looks
and design, their joint DNA borne out by supreme performance on the road
presented convincingly by the common design of the front end with its large air
intakes.
The engine compartment lid, the front air dam and the headlight graphics
carried over from the BMW X6 are identical in both cases. The proportions of
the two cars, on the other hand, clearly differ through the variability of the
BMW X5 M Sports Activity Vehicle as opposed to the dynamic qualities of the
BMW X6 M Sports Activity Coupé.
Both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M feature special gill intakes in the front
side panels tailored to each model as well as individually designed 20-inch
light-alloy rims.
The signs of distinction so typical of BMW M are likewise presented in individual
style at the rear, in both cases confirming the outstanding dynamism of each
model: The rear air dam on the BMW X6 M demonstrates particularly powerful
presence, while the two dual tailpipes in the exhaust system surrounded in both
cases by the rear air dam are again typical of BMW’s M philosophy.
Compared with the “regular” BMW X5 and the BMW X6, the share of black
plastic surfaces around the lower section of the body is reduced on both
new models, giving even greater emphasis to the road going-orientation of
the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M. Particularly the body elements fulfilling
major functions in terms of aerodynamics and the fl ow of cooling air are clearly
accentuated on both models.
Beyond these common features, both of these all-wheel-drive high-
performance sports cars stand out clearly as unique models in their own right:
The BMW X5 M clearly boasts its superior power and exclusivity at very fi rst
sight, while the BMW X6 M, in its unique design, alludes to fascinating driving
dynamics and the car’s athletic charisma.
The M TwinPower Turbo: Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology with
a joint exhaust manifold for both rows of cylinders making its debut in
the market.
Power and performance typical of BMW M is delivered by the power unit in both
the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M by a new design and construction principle:
The new M TwinPower Turbo with Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology and the
exhaust manifold extending over both rows of cylinders patented by BMW offer
absolutely extreme response and spontaneity, a linear build-up of engine power,
and an unusually consistent torque curve.
The two turbochargers are positioned together with the catalytic converters
in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders. The position of the intake
and exhaust ducts provided in this way serves to reduce the length of the pipes
and manifolds and increase their cross-section, with pressure losses on the
exhaust side being significantly minimised in the process.
The joint fl ow of exhaust gas provided by the common manifold system
connecting two cylinders at a time also ensures optimum gas throughput. The
separation of exhaust fl ow is continued until the exhaust gas reaches the turbine
wheel, building up ongoing pressure on the two Twin Scroll Turbochargers not
impaired by any kind of counter-pressure.
With maximum charge pressure amounting to 1.5 bar, the use of Twin Scroll
Twin Turbo Technology with its inter-cylinder exhaust manifold makes unique
use of the turbocharging potential.
Immediate, direct response to the gas pedal and truly exceptional pulling force
from the engine starting at low speeds and continuing consistently to the
highest load level characterise the new M TwinPower Turbo from BMW M
GmbH. The truly impressive development of power ensured in this way is
accompanied by fascinating engine sound accentuating the fast-revving engine
characteristics and the linear build-up of power by a supreme acoustic effect
typical of a BMW M Car.
Reflecting the superior power of the engine, the V8 power unit comes with
a cooling system developed specifi cally for the two new models. One special
feature in this context is the indirect intercooling effect serving to optimise
performance under particularly dynamic driving conditions.
The new M TwinPower Turbo develops its outstanding output and performance
with equally outstanding effi ciency. In addition to direct High Precision Injection,
both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are equipped with a wide range
of technologies from BMW EfficientDynamics. Apart from Brake Energy
Regeneration, these also include on-demand control of the electrical fuel pump,
a detectable a/c compressor, as well as a volume fl ow-controlled supply of
hydraulic fluid to the anti-roll system also operating specifi cally on demand.
Both models offer average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 13.9 litres/
100 kilometres, equal to 20.3 mpg imp. Their CO2 rating is 325 grams per
kilometre. And last but not least, the engine naturally fulfils all the requirements
of the US LEV II standard as well as the EU5 requirements in Europe.
M Sports Automatic with electronic gear selector lever and shift
paddles on the steering wheel.
Featured for the first time on a BMW M Model, the six-speed automatic
transmission enhances the high-performance character of the BMW X5 M and
the BMW X6 M through its spontaneous gearshift, direct connection to the
engine, and the high standard of shift comfort. The new M Sports Automatic is
controlled by an electronic gear selector lever on the centre console and offers
the driver not only the D Mode, but also an S and M Mode for an even more
sporting gearshift.
Aluminium gearshift paddles on the steering wheel exclusive to BMW M allow
a manual gearshift significantly shortening gearshift times by the new technology
reducing torque in the transmission through the deactivation of individual
cylinders.
This significantly enhances the sporting character of the car, the gear in mesh
being held in position in the M Mode up to maximum engine speed in order
to give the driver optimum control of his vehicle also under the most dynamic
driving conditions. In other words, the transmission does not shift up automatically
at a certain engine speed in this mode.
A further option in the M Mode is to activate the Launch Control function
enabling the driver to accelerate from a standstill with maximum performance:
With the driver pressing the gas pedal fully down, M Sports Automatic shifts
gears automatically at the ideal point and with optimum wheel spin control. An
aluminium oil sump again exclusive to BMW M with a special fi nned or ribbed
structure on the surface guarantees optimum cooling at all times even with an
extremely sporting style of motoring.
BMW xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control with a special set-up
for optimum dynamics.
The outstanding success of BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology
is based on the fact that the system not only improves traction on rough terrain,
but also enhances driving dynamics on the road. Electronically controlled,
variable power distribution to the front and rear axle prevents even the slightest
tendency to over- or understeer right from the start, before DSC Dynamic
Stability Control is even required to cut in.
Dynamic Performance Control presented for the fi rst time in the BMW X6 and
now featured also in the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M enhances driving
stability in demanding situations. Variable distribution of drive power between
the right and left rear wheel significantly improves steering precision and
tracking stability at all speeds, with DSC being required to stabilise the vehicle
only under high lateral acceleration.
Ultimately this offers the driver an unparalleled standard of dynamic performance,
agility and traction re-defining all existing benchmarks in drivetrain and
suspension technology.
In the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M the potentials of both systems are
again used in that special style of BMW M, with the driver able to activate the
M Dynamic Mode (MDM) by means of the DSC button on the centre console.
This mode raises the DSC control thresholds for intervention in the brakes
and the reduction of engine power and ensures the steering behaviour typical
of BMW M by shifting the xDrive control features more to the rear wheels and
interacting with Dynamic Performance Control in the process.
As a result, MDM allows maximum speeds in bends and on winding roads with
the system cutting in very late when the vehicle reaches the absolute limit. Even
under maximum load in the apex of a bend, therefore, the vehicle follows the
steering with utmost precision, giving the driver very high speed when leaving
the bend in the interest of optimum performance. And last but not least, the
DSC-Off Mode may be activated at the touch of a button.
Special M suspension with Adaptive Drive featured as standard.
The suspension developed specifi cally for the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M
with its double-track control arm front axle and Integral IV rear axle offers
M-specifi c elastokinematics thanks to stiffer track control arm mounts and
hydraulic tiebar mounts at the front as well as stiffer axle support mounts
at the rear.
Both models come as standard with air suspension featuring self-levelling
on the rear axle as well as Adaptive Drive with electronically controlled dampers
(EDC) and active anti-roll stability. The special version of Adaptive Drive tailored
to the requirements of BMW M also serves to lower the entire vehicle by
10 millimetres or 0.39" versus the “regular” BMW X5 and BMW X6 and incorporates
stiffer carrier springs, modifi ed auxiliary springs, three-way support
mounts and damper control with reinforced connection to the body.
The special Servotronic steering developed for the BMW X5 M and the
BMW X6 M provides individual steering assistance geared to the actual road
speed of the vehicle. This allows comfortable parking manoeuvres with lower
operating forces as well as exact feedback and a high standard of steering
precision at higher speeds.
The degree of power assistance is defi ned by two control maps. Apart from the
standard configuration, the driver is able, through the EDC and, respectively,
the M Drive button, to call up the Sports Mode activating an uncompromisingly
sporting control map with higher control forces for particularly dynamic driving
conditions.
Changing from the Normal to the Sports Mode, the system alters not only the
Servotronic control map, but also the damper setting, with the connection of the
dampers to the body of the vehicle being significantly reinforced in the Sports
Mode. In conjunction with anti-roll stability this allows an exceptionally high
standard of linear lateral forces in dynamic bends and on fast, winding roads.
The high-performance brake system guarantees supreme stopping power and
high resistance to fading under all conditions. The brakes come with four-piston
fixed callipers at the front and swing callipers at the rear, combined in each case
with inner-vented lightweight brake discs.
The BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are the only vehicles in their segment
to come as standard with different-sized tyres front and rear, running in each
case on 20-inch light-alloy rims. The choice of 275/40 R 20 tyres at the
front and 315/35 R 20 tyres at the rear is a further result of the special set-up
characteristic of both models, with the emphasis on rear-wheel power. The
choice of this combination of tyre sizes ideal in terms of driving dynamics
promotes both the exceptionally good transmission of power to the rear axle
and the precise, exactly dosed steering behaviour of both models.
Dynamic performance according to the driver’s personal choice
and available at the touch of a button: the M Drive button on the
steering wheel.
Apart from the DSC Mode and the specifi c set-up of both the dampers and the
steering, the driver is also able to configure the set-up of the drivetrain on the
BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M according to his personal requirements. Activating
the Power Mode which influences both engine and transmission control,
the driver has the choice of both the Sports and Effi ciency driving programs.
The Sports program allows precise dosage of engine power also under the
most dynamic driving conditions specifi cally through the linear build-up of the
power delivered.
The Effi ciency program, in turn, shifts up gears at an early point in time not only
to significantly reduce fuel consumption under practical driving conditions, but
also to allow a relaxed style of motoring using the supreme torque and pulling
force of the engine available from low engine speeds. The result, therefore, is an
ideal combination of effi cient motoring and supreme driving qualities.
In the M Drive menu the driver is able to pre-configure both the Power Mode
and the set-up of DSC and EDC, the combination of settings chosen providing
the set-up preferred by the driver under all conditions. The driver is even able
to save his favourite set-up and subsequently retrieve it at any time simply by
pressing the M Drive button on the steering wheel.
The M Drive menu is yet another specifi c M feature supplementing the vehicle,
infotainment, navigation, air conditioning and communication functions
already controlled by BMW iDrive. Both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M
are equipped with the latest generation of iDrive and come as an option with
a Head-Up Display again specifi c to BMW M. Indeed, this function even enables
the driver to vary the type and scope of the data projected on to the windscreen
in accordance with the M Drive menu.
M-specific cockpit and sophisticated driver assistance systems
for even greater supremacy at the wheel.
The philosophy so typical of BMW M naturally continues into the design and
confi guration of the driver’s “workplace”: Both of these all-wheel-drive high-
performance sports cars come with a special M cockpit with the instrument
cluster featuring a variable pre-warning fi eld in the rev counter, specifi c vehicle
function displays, and white display illumination. And both the BMW X5 M
as well as the BMW X6 M boast M seats and an M leather steering wheel.
The driver’s superior style of motoring is enhanced additionally by innovative
driver assistance systems, both models fitted as standard with cruise control
incorporating its own brake function. The wide range of optional features, in
turn, includes Adaptive Headlights and a High-Beam Assistant.
Supplementing BMW Park Distance Control naturally featured as standard,
there is also an optional back-up camera including its own very special Top View
function.
The wide range of standard features includes electrical seat adjustment
complete with a memory function and seat heating at the front, two-zone
automatic air conditioning, extended Merino leather, a HiFi audio system
with 12 loudspeakers and 230 Watt amplifier output, M entry trim, an M
footrest, interior trim in brushed Aluminium Shadow on both models as well as
a BMW Individual instrument panel fi nished in leather and automatic operation
of the tailgate on the BMW X6 M. The optional comfort features available
on both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M include BMW’s Professional
navigation system, four-zone automatic air conditioning, active seat ventilation,
full leather upholstery in Merino leather, a panorama glass roof on the
BMW X5 M and an electrically operated glass roof on the BMW X6 M as well
as the BMW Individual High End audio system.