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BMW Unleashes Competition Package For X5 And X6 SUVs

Published

7 years ago

October 2, 2019

The Germans are at it again, after unveiling the M variant of the BMW X5 and X6 SUVs, they have now unleashed a more brutal variant. Enter the competition package of the BMW X5 M and X6 M.
Based on the third iteration of the X5 and X6, the M and M Competition models offer more luxury, more style, more tech, and of course, more horsepower than the standard SUVs on which they’re based.

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Engine/Transmission

Using the same twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8, the X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition produce 617 hp (460 kW) at full tilt. Though, the same 553 lb-ft of torque from the traditional M variants carries over. Paired to a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission (same as the standard M models), the X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition can sprint to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 kph).

Opt for the extra M Driver’s package, though, and that increases the top speed figure to 177 mph (285 mph). Buyers who choose the package also get an instant invite to one of BMW’s Performance Center Driving Schools for driver training, so they can cope with all that newfound speed.

The all-wheel-drive system has an electronically controlled clutch pack that can send power to the front or rear axle as necessary. BMW builds in a rear bias, but unlike the M5, the X5 M and X6 M lack a selectable rear-drive mode. The closest you can get to a “drift” mode is the 4WD Sport mode, which maintains the rear bias, presumably to give these two 5000-pound-plus beasts a rear-drive flavor. Also, working to that end is an electronically controlled rear differential.

Equipment and ride quality

But speed isn’t the only thing that separates these new M models from their traditional counterparts. BMW and M engineers reworked the suspension, giving these models an adaptive M suspension setup and with Active Roll Stabilization standard (both M and M Competition). The brakes are larger too – 395-millimetre front disks with fixed six-piston callipers and 380-millimeters rear disks – and both the X5 M and X6 M ride on new 21-inch M Sport wheels. Buyers also select three different driving modes from behind the wheel: Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus.

BMW upgraded both the exterior and interior with M elements, including trim-specific kidney grilles, aerodynamic side mirrors, and larger vents, as well as unique M-colored stitching, illuminated door sills and unique knee padding inside. Of course, like the standard X5 and X6, the M models also adopt BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional with the latest version of the iDrive infotainment system. The centre screen stretches to a whopping 12.3 inches.

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Driver Assist

Active Guard Plus, featuring front collision warning with brake intervention and Lane Departure Warning, can be supplemented by the addition of numerous other optional driver assistance systems. These include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, the Night Vision System and the Driving Assistant, which comprises Lane Change Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Collision Prevention. The Driving Assistant Professional package adds a number of features, such as the Steering and lane control assistant. The Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection, the Lane Change Assistant, the Evasion Assistant, the Emergency Stop Assistant and the Crossroads warning, Wrong-way warning and Front Cross Traffic Alert systems.

The standard Parking Assistant comes to the driver’s aid when selecting and manoeuvring into parking spaces. Active Park Distance Control and a rearview camera are standard. The Reversing Assistant also forms part of standard equipment, and there is the option of upgrading to Parking Assistant Plus. The Top View, Panorama View, 3D Top View and Remote 3D View functions.