You’ve heard of hot hatches, but as you probably are aware, the BMW X5 M and X6 M represent another type of “hot” vehicle – the high-performance crossover. Yesterday, BMW took the wraps off the 2016 versions of both vehicles, introducing the world to two new premium CUVs that won’t have anything to be ashamed of on the track.
Both 2016 BMW X5 M and X6 M come with the same 4.4-liter twin turbo V8 under the hood, but horsepower is now up from 555 to 567 and torque from 500 to 553 lb/ft. The engine, previously paired with a six-speed automatic, is now mated to an eight-speed BMW M Steptronic transmission. The vehicles run on xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, and thanks to the new and improved V8 engine/Steptronic transmission combo, the X5 M and X6 M are now capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds time. Not bad at all for a CUV, huh?
And if you think these vehicles will be huge gas-guzzlers, you’ll have to think again; reports claim that the models boast of 20 percent less carbon dioxide emissions, and 20 percent better fuel economy. Also worth noting is the abundance of performance-oriented physical changes, including 21-inch M wheels, side gills, quad exhausts, and huge intakes.
The 2016 BMW X5 M will cost $99,650 and the X6 M will be priced at $103,050 in the United States, both prices including destination fees. No word, though, as to when they’ll be available at dealerships.