X5 And X6 Lead BMW Performance Models

(Thursday 26 January 2012)

BMW is introducing a new range of performance models designed to bridge the gap between the existing M Sport and higher-powered M variants, and it has chosen the X5 and X6 to get the process going.

Both the X5 M50d and the X6 M50d use a three-litre six-cylinder engine which BMW says is the most powerful diesel it has ever made. Based on the existing TwinPower unit, it features no fewer than three turbochargers, two small, high-pressure ones and a a larger, lower-pressure ones.

One of the smaller turbos operates from very low engine speeds. The large one comes into play from 1500rpm, and at 2700rpm the other small compressor is introduced. The effect is to give decent performance potential no matter how slowly the car is going, plus a peak output of 381bhp from 4000rpm. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard on both cars, and the suspension, component mountings and electronic controls are more sports-oriented than on the regular X5 and X6.

The X6 M50d costs £62,260 and has a 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds, the top speed being limited to 155mph. Combined fuel economy is 36.7mpg and CO2 emissions are 204g/km.

The X5 version is slightly cheaper at £60,325, partly because the electronically controlled dampers with active anti-roll function which are standard on the X6 are an extra-cost option on this one. The X5 is slightly slower, with a 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds, but the economy and CO2 are better at 37.7mpg and 199g/km respectively.

In other news the X6 range as a whole is being given a facelift, while the M versions of both the X6 and X5 will become the first BMWs to be fitted with adaptive LED headlights as standard.

The cheapest X6 of the revised range will be the £46,725 xDrive30d, while the X6 M will cost £85,680 and the X5 M £83,260. Like the new M50d versions, they are due to go on sale in the UK on June 16.

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