BMW plans to use a new turbocharged V8 engine in the new M-Class versions of the X5 and X6, the head of the BMW brand said during previews for the Los Angeles Auto Show at which both of the new sport-activity vehicles made their global debut.
Ian Robertson, head of the BMW brand, said that the X5 M and X6 M will deliver a new level of performance and luxury with a package that includes a new suspension, all-wheel-drive and a new powertrain based around a V8 engine that produces even more power for the M-Series “Twin Turbo” technology that delivers 567 horsepower and 553 foot pound of torque that leaves drivers and passengers pushed well back into their seats.
BMW also has upgraded the brakes on the two vehicles that are expected to travel from zero to 60 miles per hour in four seconds. The new entries combine the agility and everyday versatility of the BMW X-line with the high performance promise of the M-Class vehicles that the German automaker has carefully nurtured over the years, Robertson said.
The fuel economy of the new M-Class sport-activity vehicles also has been boosted by roughly 20%, Robertson said. The BMW X5 M is priced at $99,650, while the larger X6 M will sell for $103,050.
Jessica Caldwell, an analyst with Edmunds, said the introduction of the BMW X5 M and X6 M as well as the unveiling of the high number of crossovers and SUVs ranging from the Land Rover Discovery Sport to the Ford Explorer to the Honda HR-V, underscore the importance of SUVs and crossovers.
In recent years, the LA show has been a green show or a luxury show, but this year the SUVs and crossovers have completely dominated the show, Caldwell said.
(First look: 2015 BMW X5 M and X6 M. For more, Click Here.)
Robertson, however, also emphasized the M-Class line is critical to BMW in the United States. More than one third of all M-Class vehicles BMW sells worldwide are sold in the U.S., added Robertson.
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Robertson also showed off the new standard version of the X6 with its new exterior appearance.
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The second generation of the BMW Sport Activity Coupe comes with a long list of new features, including Xenon headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, an automatic tailgate and eight-speed automatic transmission.
The X6 will be sold with two powertrain options, BMW officials said. The first is the BMW xDrive 35i using an in-line six-cylinder engine with “Twin Turbo” technology that puts out 300 horsepower. The other variant, the xdrive 50i V8, produces 445 horsepower.
This sounds like a desperation move to try and sell vehicles few consumer like or will buy based on the odd styling. It is also likely to alienate “M” buyers who pay quite a premium for the exclusive “M” status.