BMW has unveiled a pair of hot ‘M Competition’ versions of two of its largest SUVs – the X5 and the coupe-like X6.
Featuring the same 4.4-litre V8 as the most powerful BMW performance models – including the flagship M8 and M5 Competition – the engine produces an impressive 616bhp and 750Nm on both cars. This can accelerate the X6 M Competition to 60mph in just 3.6 seconds, or 0.1 seconds later in the case of the X5. Each has a top speed of 155mph, or 180mph if the M Driver’s Package is chosen.
An eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission delivers its power to all four wheels. BMW has also been hard at work stiffening the chassis and making the suspension more performance-focused, so that the two cars can deal with this much power.
Each car benefits from special ‘M’ styling, which includes 21-inch alloy wheels, along with a revised kidney grille, a new roof spoiler and a revised rear thanks to a new front bumper with a diffuser, and two sets of exhaust tailpipes.
The interior also benefits from sports seats, an M-specific cockpit and a head-up display that comes with revised functions. A high-quality Merino leather interior is also fitted as standard – an expensive option on the regular X5 and X6.
The two cars will be making their public debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November, with first deliveries expected in April 2020. Given these are BMW’s most powerful SUVs, the prices are unsurprisingly steep. Prices for the X5 M Competition start from £110,610, with the X6 M Competition costing from £113,310.
These new models could pave the way for a powerful sports version of BMW’s largest SUV – the Range Rover-rivalling X7.
