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Check Out DTM Pilots Wittmann, Glock and Hand Testing the X6 M on COTA

Just like the 2 Series Convertible, BMW also decided to launch the X5 M and X6 M at the Circuit of the Americas. The two uber-SUVs have been brought to the Texan track and let loose. Needless to say that there were plenty of smiling faces around including those of three DTM drivers.
BMW X6 M 1 photo
Photo: Screenshot from Youtube
The people BMW chose were last year’s champ, Marco Wittmann, Timo Glock and Joey Hand. If they can’t get the most out of the super sporty SAC, who can, right? They were also the ones that helped the journalists invited for the official launch get an idea of the perfect lines around the course.

What we have in the video below is a showcase of how a car that weighs over 5,000 lbs can handle itself on a proper track without looking ridiculous. Not only that but it shows performance beyond what we expected.

Apart from the technical improvements, BMW also realized that selling some cars with runflat tires isn’t a great idea. Therefore, they teamed up with Michelin and created a special tire for the X6 M that would suit its needs perfectly.

After two years of research, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport in 21” guise was offered for the X6 M, measuring exactly 285/35 up front and 325/30 round the back. To get an idea of just how expensive they are you should know that the rear ones (that are also bigger) will set you back around $500 depending on the vendor. Furthermore, they have to be custom ordered so you’ll think twice before burning rubber with this car.

On the performance front, the new X6 M has a revised 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 making 575 HP and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque, 20 HP and 70 Nm (52 lb-ft) of torque more than the previous model. They might not seem like much but combined with the new 8-speed gearbox and the revised xDrive system the changes are obvious.

The 0-60 mph sprint takes 4 seconds flat and that’s more than just impressive considering the car’s weight. Furthermore, thanks to the revised chassis and the improved suspension, you’ll be able to hoon this thing around like it wasn’t nearly 1,689 mm (66.5 inches) tall.

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