All-New BMW X6 M (F86) Spied with Minimal Camouflage: the Super-SAC

Since the regular F16 X6 models have been revealed and are about to come barging out of the Spartanburg factory, there really wasn't a reason for BMW engineers to hide anything that wasn't different. So the M car prototype obscures its front and rear bumpers, a small section of the front wing, the mirrors and boot lid.

A Battle Fought with Power

However, X6 Ms will be mechanically different to their lesser SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) brothers. M cars have their own chassis codes, F86 in this case, and offer distinctively flavored powertrains. Instead of the regular automatic, a much sharper twin-clutch will be offered, coupled to the twin turbo V8 S63Tu 4.4-liter. The engine could produce more than the 560 PS of the previous generation and might be offered with the Competition Pack as well, boosting output ever further.

German magazines have been reporting that the next-gen M5, currently in the initial phases of development, will boast 626 PS. It thus wound not be unreasonable to expect the X6 M to boast 580 PS as standard.

Like the M3/M4, this model will make extensive use of aluminum and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic. It's not because it wants to act cool, but because man-handling a two and a half ton truck around a track wouldn't be much fun.

A lighter, more powerful X6 M with tweaked components will be capable of sprinting like a sportscar, reaching 100 km/h in about 4.5 seconds. It will continue to be one of the most expensive BMW models you can buy, made even more so by the many option boxes you can tick. However, the car we spied boasts the regular blue M brakes and standard 20-inch alloys.

The Rivals

When launched in December 2007, the X6 opened up a whole new niche in the market, one which seems to attract competitors like chum in the water. Mercedes is planning its own Sports Activity Coupe, expected to be called the ML Coupe. It will also come in 63 AMG flavor, but we don't expect it to be as engaging as the M car. The only real competition comes from Porsche's recently refreshed Cayenne Turbo, which handles well and has just received a bump in power from 500 to 520 PS. And Porsche hasn't even launched the revised Turbo S yet.