BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M Announced

Photos and product information of the new 2009 BMW X5 M and the 2009 BMW X6 M.

The modern, sustainable legacy of BMW M GmbH began in 1985 when engineers placed the snarling, race-bred inline-6 engine from the M1 supercar into the production BMW 5 Series sedan, reworked the suspension and brakes, and created the first M5. Through this industry-first combination of attributes, the M5 redefined the capabilities of a sedan with levels of power, precision, balance, and linear control never before imaginable. Since then, finding new ways to expand the boundaries of what is possible with existing BMW models has been the singular purpose of the craftsmen at BMW M. Now the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are the first all-wheel-drive models to offer the remarkable performance, dynamic driving experience, athletic design, and premium quality of a BMW M product.

Both models are powered by a newly-developed 4.4-liter V8 M engine delivering 555 hp at 6,000 rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque from 1500 to 5,650 rpm. This new M engine is the world’s first with a pulse-tuned exhaust manifold encompassing both rows of cylinders combined with high-performance twin-scroll twin turbo technology.

For the X5 M and X6 M, engineers at BMW M pushed the capabilities of BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system and the Dynamic Performance Control system to manage the power and performance potential of these two new vehicles. The special M suspension includes Adaptive Drive and newly-developed Servotronic power steering. These features combine to push the limits of what was previously possible with a sports-oriented vehicle, and guarantee driving behavior characteristic of a BMW M product: incredible stability and precisely controlled steering qualities abound throughout the performance envelope.

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The BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M set new standards of acceleration, lateral grip, steering response, balance, and stopping power among high-performance activity vehicles. Both models accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.5 seconds and feature impres¬sive delivery of power from the V8 twin-turbo engine which provides maximum torque of 500 lb-ft from 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. From a handling standpoint, both vehicles are notable for superb balance through careful tuning of xDrive, Dynamic Performance Control, and Dynamic Stability Control with M Dynamic Mode for linear buildup of cornering forces. These capabilities place the performance of the X5 M and X6 M on par with the performance of other recent BMW M vehicles.

The athletic character and amazing performance abilities of the BMW X5 M and X6 M result from levels of development never before applied to this type of vehicle. As it did when creating the original M5, BMW M has once again shown that applying new technologies and innovations to a solid BMW production vehicle type will produce startling performance and an exhilarating drive. Both of these new models offer capabilities and dynamic driving experiences which are quite unique, and promise to provide thrills from everyday traffic to the race track.

2009 BMW X5 M and X6 M Product Information