BMW's XM Radio. X-Files? X-cess? X-treme? Your Call.

by Robert Farago

Published: April 16th, 2009

bmw s xm radio x files x cess x treme your call

BMW has begun the business of selling its X5 M (not MX5) and X6 M (not MX6) to paying customers. Here’s the heritage-scented pitch:

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.

Convinced?

Robert Farago

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2 of 22 comments

Durishin on Apr 17, 2009

Call me old fashioned. I like the Colin Chapman approach to driving machines: "Simplicate, then add in lightness." These things are beasts: unattractive to my eye and sense of motoring decorum.

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Speedlaw on Apr 17, 2009

It's not about performance of the Automotive sort. It's about parking lot parity. The ///M at the Golf Club, or in the executive parking lot. That'll show Cayenne Turbo guy ! Take that, G Wagon-man. I out snob you, Range Rover gal ! $2500 in each car for $25,000 in return is good money. You sports car guys don't really matter for this one. You are not the market. That ///M is justifiably worth money attached to most of the cars that get it. That some idiot wants an "m class" X6 in no way diminishes your M5. BMW gets his 25k, most of which is pure profit. Why should they leave money on the table (lots of it) because some sportcar guys whine ? I'd not buy one, but.....

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