The new BMW X5 M Competition and the new BMW X6 M Competition.

BMW M GmbH has set about honing the profile of its high-performance cars in the luxury Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupé segments with extensive modifications in terms of performance, presence and digitalisation. The new BMW X5 M Competition (fuel consumption combined: 13.1 – 12.9 l/100 km [21.6 – 21.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 295 – 291 g/km in the WLTP cycle; figures for the NEDC cycle: – ) and new BMW X6 M Competition (fuel consumption combined: 12.9 – 12.7 l/100 km [21.9 – 22.2 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 292 – 287 g/km in the WLTP cycle; figures for the NEDC cycle: – ) boast a new V8 engine with 48V technology and maximum output of 460 kW/625 hp, exterior design updates and the latest-generation iDrive control/operation system, complete with the BMW Curved Display and BMW Operating System 8.

The drive system upgrades and electrification result in even more responsive power delivery. Fresh design accents emphasise the dynamic and extravagant aura of both models. Digital technology not only optimises control and operation, it also delivers advances in the field of automated driving and parking systems.

The first high-performance models from BMW M GmbH to feature 48V technology.

The latest generation of drive technology fitted in the new BMW X5 M Competition and new BMW X6 M Competition marks the debut of 48V technology in the brand’s high-performance models. An electric motor integrated in the compact housing of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission delivers up to 9 kW/12 hp of additional drive power and 200 Nm (147 lb-ft) of torque, while also functioning as a crankshaft-mounted starter generator. The energy required for this is supplied by a 48V battery housed in the engine compartment. The battery is charged through highly efficient adaptive recuperation under braking and on the overrun.

The 48V technology joins forces with a new M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine. As well as its cross-bank exhaust manifold, the 4.4‑litre unit now also features a reinforced crankshaft drive, further developed turbocharging, a new air intake duct and an optimised oil supply system and oil separation process. It delivers peak torque of 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) between 1,800 and 5,800 rpm and generates maximum output of 460 kW/625 hp at 6,000 rpm.

The sharper response and high-revving character of the V8 engine, together with the boost provided by the electric motor, take the performance attributes for which M cars are renowned to an even more enthralling level. The new BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition each accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds. The drive system’s more effervescent nature can also be clearly felt when putting in a quick burst of speed. The standard M Sport exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps adds another layer to the performance experience with its exhilarating drive sound. New catalytic converters, meanwhile, do their bit to improve the petrol engine’s emissions performance.

Precise transfer of power: new eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, new application of M xDrive, Active M Differential.

The engine’s power is relayed to a new version of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic that offers a choice of three shift settings in both automated and manual mode. New features include, among other things, a retuned setup and a sharper shift action.

Further adding to the distinctive performance experience offered by the new BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition is a newly adapted version of the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which teams up with the Active M Differential at the rear axle. The M Setup menu lets the driver switch from the default 4WD setting to 4WD Sport mode, which makes it possible to execute controlled drifts by splitting power with a distinct rear-wheel bias.

Precise chassis setup offering supremely assured performance.

The body structure and chassis mountings have an exceptionally stiff design, ensuring both models handle with M’s signature blend of dynamism, agility and precision. The suspension and damping systems also enable them to offer an exceptional breadth of ability from out-and-out sportiness to long-distance comfort. The toe-in values at the rear axle have been modified for even greater poise at high speeds.

Standard specification includes adaptive M suspension Professional featuring reworked electronically controlled dampers and active roll stabilisation. A modified application of the steering gear result in an M Servotronic steering ratio that is even more conducive to sharp handling dynamics. The M Compound brakes work in tandem with the latest-generation integrated braking system in an M-specific configuration that presents the driver with two pedal feel settings.

Instead of just being interconnected with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) as before, the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and the Active M Differential also work in unison with near-actuator wheel slip limitation for the first time in the new BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition. This ensures even swifter and more precise reactions to changes in the driving situation, along with greater traction.

Both models come as standard with 21-inch M light-alloy wheels at the front paired with 22-inch M light-alloy items at the rear. Forged M light-alloy wheels with the same dimensions are available as optional extras. They include a new variant in a Jet Black solid finish.

Exuding exclusivity and a marked increase in presence.

Sporting dominance and an extrovert visual attitude headline the exterior design of the new BMW X5 M Competition and new BMW X6 M Competition. The increased presence is mainly down to the new front-end design. Both models now have new matrix LED headlights with adaptive control and BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam. The outline of the new headlight units is 35 millimetres narrower than on the outgoing models. They can also be specified as an option as M Shadowline lights. The BMW kidney grille is now all-black in colour. Horizontal kidney grille bars and enlarged model badging add some eye-catching touches. In addition to this, the BMW kidney grille and central lower air intake now form a single black, x-shaped area.

The side view shines a spotlight on the clear design language of the two models and their distinctive proportions. Their exterior mirror caps and the rear spoiler of the BMW X6 M Competition are also available in carbon as an option. On both models, a prominent diffuser insert extends downwards at the lower edge of the rear apron. It also provides a sophisticated border for the two pairs of twin exhaust tailpipes familiar from other M models. The BMW X5 M Competition now uses x-shaped fibre-optic light guide elements for its rear lights and brake lights, providing another head-turning attraction at the rear end.

Modern, digital, exclusive: M cockpit with BMW Curved Display.

At the heart of the design updates for the interior of the new BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition is the BMW Curved Display, which gives the M-typical cockpit a modern and exclusive feel. It is formed by a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches, with a single glass surface incorporating both. The control display’s touchscreen enables digital control of numerous functions, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of buttons and controls.

Other new features include the broad interior trim strip in Fineline Black fine wood with high-gloss metal effect, the ambient light bar with effective backlighting and the addition of an M logo to its graphic, plus the M leather steering wheel with its new carbon gearshift paddles. Also to be found on the standard equipment list are M multifunction seats, knee pads, fine-grain Merino full leather trim and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. The Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and a new Travel & Comfort System are just some of the optional extras available. A wide choice of model-specific BMW M Performance Parts from the Original BMW Accessories range are also available for the exterior and interior.

Significantly expanded selection of driver assistance systems.

Comfort and safety in the new BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition are further enhanced by a much wider selection of automated driving and parking systems. The standard front collision warning’s range of functions has been extended so that it also now reduces the risk of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians and oncoming traffic when turning off a road. The Lane Departure Warning function has been upgraded with the addition of lane return with steering assistance. The list of available options now also includes features such as automatic Speed Limit Assist, the exit warning function, Active Navigation, route speed control, traffic light recognition (not available in all markets), the Emergency Stop Assistant and the Lane Change and Merging Assistant.

The new optional Parking Assistant Professional makes it possible to control automated parking manoeuvres into and out of spaces – as well as other full manoeuvres covering a distance of up to 200 metres – from outside the vehicle using the My BMW App on an Apple iPhone. The driver is able to control each manoeuvre either from inside the vehicle or remotely while they monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.

Familiar M control/operation concept, new digital services.

The M-specific control/operation concept includes the Setup button for direct access to the settings options for the engine, chassis, steering, braking system and M xDrive. The amount of content shown in the displays can also be individually adjusted, as can the level of driver assistance system functionality. After pressing the M Mode button on the centre console, drivers are able to choose between ROAD, SPORT and TRACK settings.

Besides the BMW Curved Display with M-specific readouts, the latest-generation BMW iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8 also brings new digital services to the BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition. The standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional also features the BMW head-up display and the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system complete with Augmented View function. Whenever the vehicle is stationary, the driver and front passenger are able to enjoy streaming content from both YouTube and the Bundesliga in-car app on the control display.

The optional BMW Digital Key Plus enables customers to lock and unlock their car using compatible smartphones with either an iOS or Android operating system by means of ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology. Optimised smartphone integration, the personalised BMW ID functionality and a Personal eSIM designed for new 5G mobile technology are also all available to use.