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2015 BMW X5 M and X6 M Unveiled with 575 HP and 8-Speed Gearbox

After many rumors and thousands of spyshots, the time has come for BMW to take off the veils from their most recent M cars. We’ve been waiting for one of them for over a year and today is finally that big day when we get to see it.
2015 BMW X5 M and X6 M 63 photos
Photo: BMW
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Since the X5 and X6 are basically the same car with different body styles, the folks from the Motorsport division decided to launch the M versions together as well, to keep us from waiting more. Therefore, without further ado, here are the new F85 X5 M and F86 X6 M.

575 HP, 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque and a new transmission are the highlights

As most of the media guessed, the new cars are coming out with a new engine under the bonnet. It’s basically an upgrade of the S63Tü 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo unit used in the current F10 M5 and M6 models. However, it’s a big step ahead compared to the engine used on the previous models, the E70 and E71 versions.

That’s because now it has 20 more HP, 70 more Nm (52 lb-ft) of twist and the new generation of Valvetronic systems. That translates into better fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.

Another big change came in the shape of the transmission the engineers chose for these models. Since they are full-blown SUVs, all-wheel drive was mandatory. However, the xDrive system was hooked up to a new 8-speed automatic transmission called M Steptronic with Drivelogic.

Thanks to it the fuel consumption has been cut by 20 percent going from 13.9 l/100 km (20.3 mpg imp) to 11.1 l/100 km (25.5 mpg imp) on both models. Furthermore, the CO2 emissions were driven down by more than 20 percent to 258 g/km.

This move is unlike what most of us though judging by the spyshots. We initially though that we were going to see the xDrive system coupled to the 7-speed DCT gearbox for the first time. Instead, BMW went with this setup. We can’t really complain since the 2.3-ton monsters can do 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds and reach an electronically limited speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Compared to their rivals, the new M cars are faster by quite an impressive margin. The ML63 AMG 4Matic for example does the same sprint in 4.8 seconds while the Porsche Cayenne Turbo is faster at 4.5 seconds. However, we’ll have to wait for the Turbo S to see exactly what’s what.

Both cars get exclusive equipment

As soon as you lay your eyes on the new models you know they’ve been meddled with by BMW’s M division. Both of them have a low-slung figure on the road and the large air intakes up front with the side gills and signature M mirrors tell you this is not a joke.

Round the back you’ll notice four tailpipes in the rear bumper, while the rear spoiler of the X6 M talks about downforce. Of course, the cars come as standard with new 20-inch lightweight wheels.

Inside, you get treated with exclusive materials and workmanship. The instrument cluster, steering wheel, gearshift paddles, lever and sport seats all show their M character with the logo of the division embroidered or included in them.

The new models also came out with new 21-inch M wheels, can be fitted with Merino full-leather trim and M multifunction seats and boast with two new paint finishes.

The cars will be making their live debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show starting with November 18 and they will go on sale starting next year.
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