BMW has confirmed pricing and specs for its most potent SUVs.

The newX5 and X6 M high-performance SUVs combine the latest version of BMW’s 4.4-litre turbocharged V8, with advanced driver assistance technologies. And they won't come cheap to South African fans ofthe Munich motor brand.

Dominating the engineering specification of these new M-SUVs is the bi-turbo engine. Twin-scroll turbochargers ensure that lag is kept to a minimum and the 4.4-litre V8’s output numbers bear testament to BMW’s finest engineering.

Both the X5 and X6 M Competition models boost 460 kW and 750 Nm. With an active M-differential and BMW’s specifically calibrated xDrive system, these SUVs are incredibly fast, considering their size.

BMW claims 0-100 kph in only 3.8 seconds. Perhaps even more impressive is the 0-200 kph accelerationin a mere 13.4 seconds. Top speed runs to a true 290 kph.

Compared to the previous X5 and X6 M variants, these new Competition edition models are 37 kW more powerful and run the benchmark 0-100 kph sprint nearly half a second quicker.

Balancing overall driving dynamics are electronically-controlled dampers, whilst the adaptive suspension has sophisticated active roll mitigation. Wheel sizes are also staggered, to ensured optimal grip, with the X5 and X6 M Competitions rolling 21-inch alloys up front and 22s at the rear. This curious wheel size combination is designed to work best with the all-wheel-drive system’s trick traction sensitivity and torque distribution.

Cabin highlights are the BMW live cockpit and head-up display, although pride of place goes to those dramatic M-Multifunction seats, featuring a contoured design and Merino upholstery inserts.

Reflecting the influence of a softening Rand, the X5 M Competition and its X6 sibling are more expensive than initial price projections foresaw.

In April BMW tabled prices of R2400000 for the X5 M Competition and R2493000 for itsX6 version. Those have now ballooned to R2605900 and R2702200, as these high-performance SUVs arrive in South Africa.

Pricing

BMW X5 M Competition – R2 605 900

BMW X6 M Competition – R2 702 200

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