Photo: bmw
The new kids on the block created by the Motorsport division from Munich are coming out in SUV sizing. We’re talking about the newly unveiled X5 M and X6 M monsters that came out today. If you’re interested in their specs, you probably also want to know their pricing.
As it is customary in BMW’s corner (and others’ as well), the more practical model is the least expensive one. It’s not a huge difference but it does matter after all. Therefore, you’ll be glad to know that the X5 M starts at $99,650 in the US while the X6 M will not move from the dealer’s parking lot for less than $103,050. AS you can see, the difference is just $3,400, less than what an optional package might set you back.
Of course, if you’re to compare that to the xDrive50i models, the price difference is a lot more noticeable. The X5 xDrive50i costs $69,100 while the X6 starts at $72,900. That puts around $30,000 between the full-on M models and the ‘regular’ ones. Even though they have similar 4.4-liter V8 engines under their bonnets the differences are sizable.
Sure, the xDrive50i has a similar 8-speed automatic transmission but the one on the M models was specially developed to offer faster shifts and better throttle modulation. On top of that, the xDrive system on these hardcore models was developed to be seriously rear-wheel drive biased.
Other changes include a shorter time to 100 km/h (62 mph) that now sits at 4.2 seconds, whereas the xDrive50i models do the same in 4.8 seconds. At the same time, the suspension was change to offer better handling characteristics.
In the end, to be perfectly honest, nobody needs a BMW X5 M or a BMW X6 M but a lot of people want them. We’d be pretty petty if we didn’t admit that we too can’t wait to test them out. Expect the first deliveries to be made early next year. In the meantime, you can see them both in the flesh at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Of course, if you’re to compare that to the xDrive50i models, the price difference is a lot more noticeable. The X5 xDrive50i costs $69,100 while the X6 starts at $72,900. That puts around $30,000 between the full-on M models and the ‘regular’ ones. Even though they have similar 4.4-liter V8 engines under their bonnets the differences are sizable.
575 HP and a new 8-speed transmission
Under the bonnet of the M models sits a plant that was upgraded to make 575 HP and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque that is also 20 percent more efficient as well as more than 20 percent environmentally friendly.Sure, the xDrive50i has a similar 8-speed automatic transmission but the one on the M models was specially developed to offer faster shifts and better throttle modulation. On top of that, the xDrive system on these hardcore models was developed to be seriously rear-wheel drive biased.
Other changes include a shorter time to 100 km/h (62 mph) that now sits at 4.2 seconds, whereas the xDrive50i models do the same in 4.8 seconds. At the same time, the suspension was change to offer better handling characteristics.
In the end, to be perfectly honest, nobody needs a BMW X5 M or a BMW X6 M but a lot of people want them. We’d be pretty petty if we didn’t admit that we too can’t wait to test them out. Expect the first deliveries to be made early next year. In the meantime, you can see them both in the flesh at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.
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