New BMW X5 and X6 M Competition – V8 monsters with a twist

The new BMW X5 and X6 M Competition are coming to South Africa – offering a blend of luxury cruising and fast-paced action that the iconic badge is known for.

The two super SUVs are landing in the country in the third quarter of 2023 alongside the standard X5 and X6 models, with pricing to be announced closer to the time.

Performance

As you’d expect from something bearing the Munich automaker’s signature M credentials, the X5 and X6 M Competition will feature a behemoth of a 4.4-litre, V8 engine rocking the brand’s TwinPower Turbo technology.

That’s not all though, because, in a first for the manufacturer’s racing division, each SUV will also see the inclusion of 48V mild-hybrid systems.

This means the V8s will reap the benefits of another 9kW and 200Nm, courtesy of an electric powerplant that doubles as the starter motor, leading to an impressive power figure of 460kW and 750Nm.

To control the massive output, the BMWs are equipped with the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with a Drivelogic function that allows for a choice of three shift settings – Road, Sport, and Track – in both manual and automatic modes.

Additional track-focused fittings comprise an Active M differential on the rear axle, a stiffened chassis over the standard models, adaptive M suspension, M compound brakes, and a special 4WD Sport mode that allows drivers to execute controlled drifts by splitting the power distribution with a bias towards the rear.

The result of all this engineering is that the X5 and X6 will be able to rocket to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds, an astonishing 0.2-seconds faster than the much lighter M2, and the active M exhaust with electronically-controlled flaps serves to enhance the dynamic driving experience with a beastly soundtrack.

M specifications

The exterior of the high-performance X-badged siblings has seen the addition of Matrix LED headlights, fibre optic tail-lights, twin exhausts, and 21-inch light forged alloy wheels at the front, with bigger 22-inch alloys at the back.

Aggressive M-specific bumpers are installed, and the brand’s kidney grille has been given an all-black makeover this time around, and features horizontal crossbars instead of vertical struts.

Inside, the most exciting new feature is the automaker’s new 8th-generation curved cockpit screen, which consists of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and another 14.9-inch glass screen for the entertainment functions.

The various cabin panels and instruments have received a Fineline black wood finish with a high-gloss metal effect, which is complemented by new ambient backlighting and M logo graphics.

The M leather steering wheel now comes standard with paddle shifters, the multifunction seats are covered in fine-grain Merino leather, and the cabin is fitted with a Harman Kardon surround sound system.

Optional extras include a panoramic sunroof, Bowers and Wilkins stereo, and Travel & Comfort accessories like a folding table, clothes hangers, and tablet storage.

On the assistance front, both the X5 and X6 now come standard with front collision warning and lane departure warning with steering assist. Additionally, buyers can option speed limit assist, active navigation, traffic light recognition, emergency stop assist, lane-change assist, and an automated park function with a range of up to 200m.