The new BMW X6 M combines the characteristic features of the successful BMW X family – exclusivity, robustness, agility and everyday usability – with the commitment to high performance that defines an M car. The latter is resoundingly highlighted by the cars’ impressive performance figures. This X6 M will complete the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds in conjunction with the standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.
Innovative engine technology
The new M TwinPower Turbo engine for the BMW X6 M is the most powerful unit ever developed by BMW for an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Boasting innovative M TwinPower Turbo technology with a pair of TwinScroll turbochargers, cross-bank exhaust manifolds, VALVETRONIC and High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, the 4.4-litre V8 produces maximum output of 575 hp between 6,000 and 6,500 rpm. That represents a four per cent increase over the predecessor models. The step up is even clearer when it comes to the power development of the new engine. Peak torque has been boosted by 70 Nm, which equates to a rise of 10 per cent. Its 750 Nm can be enjoyed across a broad rev range between 2,200 and 5,000 rpm.
At the same time, fuel consumption of the new BMW X6 M in the EU cycle has been cut by 20 per cent – from 13.9 l/100 km (20.3 mpg imp) to 11.1 l/100 km (25.5 mpg imp). CO2 emissions are likewise down by more than 20 per cent, to 258 g/km.
Powerful looks and exclusive equipment
With their striking use of forms in this X6 M. BMW uses a high-quality interior to impress with its well-thought-through combination of sporty features, exclusive materials and flawless workmanship. The M instrument cluster, M leather steering wheel with aluminium gearshift paddles and M gearshift lever – which works in the same way as the familiar M Double Clutch Transmission – are complemented by electrically operated M sports seats for the driver and front passenger, an M driver’s footrest and the optional Head-Up Display which, in addition to the standard system, also includes an M-specific display with gear indicator, rev band and shift lights.
A finely balanced overall concept
At BMW M GmbH, high performance is about more than engine output and top speeds alone. Here, high performance means all of a vehicle’s components working in perfect harmony and the precise interplay of various details resulting in maximum performance, agility, precision, poise and assurance out on the road. This sense of balance is a defining feature of all the cars produced by BMW M GmbH.
Function-led design
Thanks to a clever aerodynamics concept, the airflow is guided so efficiently around the car that drag is minimised and lift is also reduced. The engine, powertrain and brakes are all kept sufficiently cool, even when placed under extreme loads on the track. Elements which look like pure design accents when they first catch the eye are, in fact, busy fulfilling functional tasks. For example, the M-specific Air Breathers behind the front wheels reduce turbulence in the front wheel arches.
Optimum temperature management The high-performance engine under the bonnet of the new BMW X6 M requires a high-performance cooling system in order to guarantee the optimum operating temperature in all conditions – i.e. normal everyday driving, stop-start traffic and extreme action on the race track. A highly efficient, newly developed combination of low-temperature and hightemperature radiators, which also handles the cooling of the turbochargers, charge air and transmission oil, maintains an optimum temperature, even with all components working flat out.
Eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic The new BMW X6 M send the engine power to the wheels via the newly developed eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, which mirrors the operating concept of the M Double Clutch Transmission used by other M models. With its instantaneous responses, rapid gear changes and super-direct reaction to load changes, the torque converter auto links up seamlessly with the new higher-torque turbocharged engine and showcases its talents in hugely impressive style. At the same time, its wider ratio spread allows it to offer a clear drop in fuel consumption over the six-speed transmission of the previous-generation cars, as well as an increase in driving comfort and improved performance. This is also the first torque converter to enable “creep on demand” through the Low Speed Assistant.
The new eight-speed M Steptronic transmission allows drivers to sit back and enjoy automatic shifts or change gear manually using the gearshift paddles on the M leather steering wheel. And for the perfect getaway, the driver can activate the Launch Control system adapted from use in racing cars. Here, the driver keeps their foot on the brakes and pushes the accelerator down almost to the floor, which prompts the system to dial in the ideal getaway rpm. Releasing the brakes prompts Launch Control to let the car off the leash, and it accelerates off the line with maximum propulsion.
The driver can also use the three-stage Drivelogic function to choose whether to prioritise fuel economy, comfort or sports performance. This function is available both in automatic mode and in sequential SPORT mode.
Intelligent all-wheel drive
BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive and Dynamic Performance Control play a key role in the outstanding dynamics of the new BMW X5 M and new BMW X6 M. The xDrive system employs an electronically controlled multiplate clutch to allow fully variable distribution of drive between the front and rear axles – from 100 per cent at the rear to up to 100 per cent at the front. This ensures the best possible traction in all road conditions. In the interests of greater agility, xDrive brings a rear-biased basic set-up to the BMW X6 M.
The driving dynamics system Dynamic Performance Control oversees the continuous distribution of drive between the rear wheels – both under load and on the overrun – regardless of engine output. Working in combination with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the result is a whole new bracket of dynamic flair, agility and traction. The car follows the course set by the driver far more accurately, whatever the road surface, and the system also reduces the amount of wheel work required of the driver: the steering responds more directly and far fewer corrections are necessary. Moreover, the inherent propensity of conventional all-wheel-drive vehicles to understeer is eliminated. An improvement in traction is also impressively noticeable (on road surfaces with differing friction levels, in particular), and active safety is markedly enhanced as a result. The driver can see how Dynamic Performance Control is operating on the display, with arrows at all four wheels visualising where the engine power is currently being sent.
From race track to road
In the development of every model at BMW M GmbH, a familiar maxim applies: it must be “fit for the Nordschleife”. The aim in the development of BMW M cars is to master the world’s most challenging race track at race speed without a hitch. The extreme lateral and longitudinal acceleration generated when lapping the Ring places huge demands on the engine’s oil supply. But sophisticated oil sump and suction snorkel geometry allows the new BMW X6 M to hit up to 1.2 g without creating a problem.
The cooling systems for the new BMW X6 M is similarly track-ready, as highlighted the first time you set eyes on the cars by the large air intakes in the front end. A combination of low-temperature and hightemperature radiators ensures that the optimum temperature is maintained for cooling the engine water, charge air, engine oil and transmission oil – even when venturing into high-performance territory.
The exhaust system has been modified to satisfy the sporting ambitions of the new M models. A distinctively familiar BMW M engine note resonates out across the whole rev range via electrically controlled flaps, which open or close according to demand, and sounds even sportier and emotionally richer than that of its predecessor. Selecting one of the preconfigured driving modes, moreover, engages a finely balanced set-up that also provides acoustic feedback on the engine load at any one time.
More sport, more comfort
The list of exclusive M options includes a fully electric M multifunction seat in Merino leather. This seat variant stands out with its integral head restraint and specially formed bolsters around the seat cushion and shoulders to further improve lateral support. Active seat ventilation is available for the M multifunction seat as an option.
The new M models can be treated to yet a further upgrade in the form of Merino full-leather appointments, carbon-fibre interior trim strips and two new and exclusive M paint finishes (Long Beach Blue metallic and Donington Grey metallic).
The high-performance character of the new BMW X6 M is further emphasised by the standard Launch Control feature adapted from its application in racing cars.
