Do you need help? Please contact our support team from 9 to 17 CET via support.pressclub@bmwgroup.com.

To the extent that historical press releases reference BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC as the manufacturer of certain X model vehicles, the referenced vehicles are manufactured in South Carolina with a combination of U.S. origin and imported parts and components.

PressClub USA · Article.

THE NEXT CHAPTER IN THE STORIED HISTORY OF BMW M: All-New BMW X6 M and BMW X5 M Make World Debuts in 2009

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - April 5, 2009... The modern, sustainable legacy of BMW M GmbH began in 1985 when engineers placed the snarling, race-bred inline-6 engine from the M1 supercar into the production BMW 5 Series sedan, reworked the suspension and brakes, and created the first M5. Through this industry-first combination of attributes, the M5 redefined the capabilities of a sedan with levels of power, precision, balance, and linear control never before imaginable. Since then, finding new ways to expand the boundaries of what is possible with existing BMW models has been the singular purpose of the craftsmen at BMW M. Now the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are the first all-wheel-drive models to offer the remarkable performance, dynamic driving experience, athletic design, and premium quality of a BMW M product.

M Cars

Press Contact.

Thomas Plucinsky
BMW Group

Tel: +1-201-307-3701

send an e-mail

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - April 5, 2009... The modern, sustainable legacy of BMW M
GmbH began in 1985 when engineers placed the snarling, race-bred inline-6
engine from the M1 supercar into the production BMW 5 Series sedan, reworked
the suspension and brakes, and created the first M5. Through this
industry-first combination of attributes, the M5 redefined the capabilities of
a sedan with levels of power, precision, balance, and linear control never
before imaginable. Since then, finding new ways to expand the boundaries of
what is possible with existing BMW models has been the singular purpose of the
craftsmen at BMW M. Now the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are the first
all-wheel-drive models to offer the remarkable performance, dynamic driving
experience, athletic design, and premium quality of a BMW M product.

Both models are powered by a newly-developed 4.4-liter V8 M engine delivering
555 hp at 6,000 rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque from 1500 to 5,650 rpm. This new M
engine is the world's first with a pulse-tuned exhaust manifold encompassing
both rows of cylinders combined with high-performance twin-scroll twin turbo
technology.

For the X5 M and X6 M, engineers at BMW M pushed the capabilities of BMW's
intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system and the Dynamic Performance Control
system to manage the power and performance potential of these two new vehicles.
The special M suspension includes Adaptive Drive and newly-developed
Servotronic power steering. These features combine to push the limits of what
was previously possible with a sports-oriented vehicle, and guarantee driving
behavior characteristic of a BMW M product: incredible stability and precisely
controlled steering qualities abound throughout the performance envelope.

The BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M set new standards of acceleration, lateral grip,
steering response, balance, and stopping power among high-performance activity
vehicles. Both models accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.5 seconds and
feature impressive delivery of power from the V8 twin-turbo engine which
provides maximum torque of 500 lb-ft from 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. From a handling
standpoint, both vehicles are notable for superb balance through careful tuning
of xDrive, Dynamic Performance Control, and Dynamic Stability Control with M
Dynamic Mode for linear buildup of cornering forces. These capabilities place
the performance of the X5 M and X6 M on par with the performance of other
recent BMW M vehicles.

The athletic character and amazing performance abilities of the BMW X5 M and X6
M result from levels of development never before applied to this type of
vehicle. As it did when creating the original M5, BMW M has once again shown
that applying new technologies and innovations to a solid BMW production
vehicle type will produce startling performance and an exhilarating drive. Both
of these new models offer capabilities and dynamic driving experiences which
are quite unique, and promise to provide thrills from everyday traffic to the
race track.

Exterior Design: BMW M heritage reflecting function, purpose, and style.
The outstanding potential of both models is communicated clearly in their looks
and design, their performance-bred heritage presented convincingly by the
common design of the front end with its large air intakes.

The hood, front air dam, and headlights are virtually identical on the BMW X5 M
and X6 M. Both models feature special gills in the front fenders, as well as
model-specific 20-inch light-alloy wheels. The signs of distinction of BMW M
are presented in individual style at the rear, confirming the athletic
character of each model. The rear diffuser on each model communicates a
particularly powerful presence, and the quad tailpipes of the exhaust system
are again a signature of BMW M's masterful work.

Compared with the standard BMW X5 and BMW X6, the body-color surface area on
the side skirts are designed to place greater emphasis on their road-going
orientations. On both models the body designs fulfill major functions in terms
of aerodynamics and the carefully controlled flow of cooling air.

The first modern turbocharged M engine: twin scroll twin turbo technology with
a patented exhaust manifold.
Using BMW's innovative, 4.4L reverse-flow V8 engine with High Precision Direct
Injection and twin turbochargers as a basis, the new M engine introduces
twin-scroll twin turbochargers and patented exhaust manifold technologies to
achieve outstanding thrust and pulling force, while preserving the most compact
dimensions possible. Two low-mass twin-scroll turbochargers are positioned
together with the catalytic converters in the "V" section between the two banks
of cylinders. By reversing the flow of gases through the engine from
traditional arrangements, the intake and exhaust ducts are shortened and
widened. The result is that pressure losses on the exhaust side are minimized.

The goals: virtually eliminate turbocharger lag while maximizing combustion
efficiency and power output. Tremendous power and performance are delivered by
the engine in the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M through a new design and construction
principle. The new M V8 engine with twin-scroll twin turbo technology uses a
single exhaust manifold with tuned-length runners, incorporating both cylinder
banks and connecting cylinders in carefully-selected pairs. This configuration,
patented by BMW M and known as Cylinder-bank Comprehensive Manifold (CCM),
offers lightning-quick response, a linear build-up of engine power, and a
broad, consistent torque curve by feeding each of the twin turbochargers with a
"charge pulse" at approximately every 90 degrees of crankshaft rotation, rather
than the more traditional "irregular schedule" of charging.

The managed flow of exhaust gas provided by the CCM ensures high-velocity flow
of combustion gases. The appropriate separation of exhaust gas flow from
different cylinders is maintained until the gas reaches the turbine wheel,
spooling the two twin-scroll turbochargers without back-pressure. With maximum
boost pressure of 1.5 bar (21 psi), the use of twin-scroll twin turbo
technology and the CCM exhaust manifold allows complete exploitation of the
benefits of turbocharging.

Immediate response and remarkable thrust characterize the new V8
twin-turbocharged engine from BMW M GmbH. The impressive onset of power is
accompanied by unique, engaging engine sounds that accentuate the quick-revving
characteristics with the dynamic acoustic effect typical of a BMW M product.
The sounds are always civilized, but transform from relatively calm to
extraordinarily intense as the boost and revs build from idle. Reflecting the
tremendous power of the engine, the turbocharged M V8 is equipped with an
advanced cooling system developed specifically for the two new models. One
notable feature in this context is the presence of two high-capacity
water-to-air intercoolers which consistently optimize performance under the
most demanding driving conditions. An aluminum oil sump exclusive to BMW M with
a special finned surface guarantees optimum cooling at all times even under an
extremely demanding style of driving.

The turbocharged M V8 engine develops its outstanding power with remarkable
efficiency. In addition to BMW's High Precision Direct Injection, both the BMW
X5 M and the BMW X6 M are equipped with a range of technologies from BMW's
EfficientDynamics engineering strategy. These include on-demand control of the
electric fuel pump, an on-demand compressor for the air conditioner, and a
flow-controlled supply of hydraulic fluid to the Active Roll Stabilization
system. By operating these features specifically on demand, energy waste is
minimized. The engine fulfills the requirements of the US LEV II standard as
well as the EU5 requirements in Europe.

M Sports Automatic and M shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Featured for the first time on a BMW M model, the 6-speed M Sports Automatic
transmission enhances the high-performance character of the BMW X5 M and the
BMW X6 M through its instantaneous response, direct connection to the engine,
and a high degree of shifting comfort. The new M Sports Automatic is commanded
by an electronic selector on the center console and offers the driver not only
the Drive mode, but also Sport and M Manual modes for absolute control of gear
selection.

Aluminum pull-style paddles on the steering wheel exclusive to BMW M allow
manual shifting (Right for upshifts, Left for downshifts). Upshifts occur
significantly quicker than in the past thanks to new technology that reduces
torque in the transmission through momentary deactivation of individual
cylinders. This significantly enhances the athletic character of the vehicle.
In the M Manual mode, each chosen gear is held up to redline in order to give
the driver perfect throttle-steering control of the vehicle under the most
demanding driving conditions. The transmission does not upshift or downshift
automatically in this mode. A further option in the M Manual mode is to
activate the Launch Control feature, which enables the driver to accelerate
from a standstill with maximum performance. To activate Launch Control, the
driver stops the vehicle, moves the gear selector into the M/S position and
activates the Sports Power mode, as well as the M Dynamic mode, or
respectively, the DSC-Off mode. Then, with the transmission in stage M1, the
driver presses down the brake pedal and moves the accelerator to at least 60%
throttle, setting Launch Control to standby. Standby status is confirmed by
"starter's flag" symbol in the instrument cluster. As soon as the driver
releases the brake pedal, the vehicle will accelerate with full power in
"genuine racing style." In the process, the M Sports Automatic transmission
automatically upshifts at the ideal points, with the fastest possible shifts
and optimum wheelspin control. The driver may terminate the Launch Control
process at any time by reducing the throttle position.

BMW xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control with a special M setup for optimum
dynamics.
The outstanding success of BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology
is based on quick, electronically-controlled power distribution to the front
and rear axles. When combined with the superb, near 50-50 static weight
distribution of any BMW, xDrive can prevent the tendency for the vehicle to
oversteer and understeer as long as possible, reducing the need for Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) to provide electronic assistance.

BMW's Dynamic Performance Control was presented for the first time in the BMW
X6 and is now featured in the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M. Put succinctly,
Dynamic Performance Control enhances driving stability in demanding situations
and is thus perfectly suited to a powerful M vehicle. Vectoring of torque
between the right and left rear wheels (both on throttle and off) significantly
improves steering precision and tracking stability at all speeds, with DSC
being required to stabilize the vehicle only under extreme lateral
acceleration. Ultimately this offers the driver an unparalleled standard of
performance, agility, balance, and traction, and re-establishes the benchmarks
in drivetrain and suspension technology for all types of performance-oriented
vehicles.

In the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M the potentials of both xDrive and Dynamic
Performance Control are maximized by BMW M, with the driver able to activate
the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) with the DSC button on the center console or the
steering wheel-mounted M Button. This mode raises DSC thresholds of
intervention and ensures throttle-steering behavior typical of BMW M by
shifting the xDrive bias more to the rear and involving the Dynamic Performance
Control in the process. A pictogram in the Control Display in the instrument
cluster allows the driver to monitor the activity of Dynamic Performance
Control and xDrive through a clear visual depiction, which shows the driver how
much power is being distributed to each wheel.

As a result, M Dynamic Mode allows maximum speeds in bends and on winding roads
with the DSC system intervening only when the vehicle reaches the absolute
physical limits of grip. Even under maximum load in the apex of a bend, the
vehicle follows steering inputs with tremendous precision, giving the driver
very high speeds when exiting a turn in the interest of optimum performance.
Last but not least, DSC may be completely deactivated by experienced drivers at
the touch of a button.

Beyond the stabilizing effects of Dynamic Stability Control provided by
individual brake activation and engine power reduction under extreme
conditions, DSC in the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M includes a wide range of
additional features tuned to BMW M standards to promote safe and exciting
driving. These include ABS anti-lock brakes, Trailer Stability Control, Hill
Descent Control, Dynamic Brake Control which maximizes brake force when
required, Cornering Brake Control for advanced trail-braking, Brake Fade
Compensation for extreme driving conditions, automatic Brake Drying when the
windshield wipers are activated, Start-Off Assistant for driving on steep
hills, and a braking function for use by the standard cruise control.

Both vehicles come with an electrohydraulic parking brake which features the
Autohold (Auto H) function. Auto H is a convenience feature that holds the
vehicle in position as soon as it comes to a stop at an intersection or in
stop-and-go traffic, without requiring the driver to hold constant pressure on
the brake pedal. As soon as the driver touches the accelerator again, the brake
is instantly released.

M Suspension with standard Adaptive Drive.
The suspension developed specifically for the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M with its
double-wishbone front control arms and integral four-link rear axle offers
M-specific geometry and damping. This is accomplished through optimized control
arm and A-arm bushings at the front, as well as stiffer axle support mounts at
the rear.

As part of the advanced Integrated Chassis Management system which networks all
drivetrain and suspension components, both models feature standard
self-leveling rear air suspension and Adaptive Drive with Electronic Damping
Control (EDC) and Active Roll Stabilization (ARS). The special version of
Adaptive Drive tailored to the requirements of BMW M lowers the entire vehicle
by 10 millimeters or 0.4" versus the standard BMW X5 and BMW X6.

To quickly and reliably process data, Adaptive Drive uses the high-speed
FlexRay data transmission protocol. FlexRay enables Adaptive Drive to transfer
data through the vehicle's on-board network at an extremely fast rate. This
enables lightning-quick changes to settings for individual shock absorbers,
swaybars, and other components as conditions and driving demands warrant. For
example, if the front wheel encounters a bump, the system responds quickly
enough before the rear wheel reaches the same bump. On the X5, X6, and 7
Series, BMW is the first carmaker in the world to use FlexRay as a regular
technology.

The special Servotronic steering developed for the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M
provides variable steering assistance geared to the road speed of the vehicle.
This allows the driver to negotiate parking maneuvers with lower effort while
preserving exact feedback and the highest standard of steering precision at
higher speeds.

The degree of power steering assistance is defined by two control maps. Apart
from the standard configuration, the driver is able, through the Adaptive Drive
button or the M Drive button on the steering wheel, to call up the Sport Mode.
This activates a sports driving control map with higher control forces for
particularly dynamic driving conditions.

When changing from Normal to Sport Mode, the system alters not only the
Servotronic steering control map, but also the damper setting, with the shock
absorbers of the vehicle being significantly stiffened in Sport Mode. In
conjunction with Active Roll Stabilization, this allows an exceptionally high
standard of linear lateral forces in dynamic bends and on fast, winding roads,
and keeps body roll to a minimum.

M Brakes and tires to match the M Power.
Outstanding stopping power with fade reduced to a minimum is guaranteed by the
high-performance M brake system, which combines giant four-piston fixed
calipers at the front with floating calipers at the rear, combined in each case
with large, internally-vented lightweight brake discs. The brake rotors
themselves measure 15.6" in diameter at front and 15.2" at rear. They feature a
riveted connection to join the aluminum rotor hats with the cast-iron rotor
discs.

The BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are the only vehicles of their type equipped with
staggered-size tires front and rear, running on 20-inch light-alloy wheels. The
choice of runflat tires in sizes 275/40 R 20 at the front and 315/35 R 20 at
the rear is a result of the special setup of both models, with the emphasis on
rear-wheel power and dynamic handling balance. This promotes exceptionally good
transmission of power to the rear axle and precise, razor-sharp steering
behavior of both models. Transitional stability is also world-class.

Maximum performance at the touch of a button: M Drive button on the steering
wheel.
In addition to the DSC mode (On, MDM, or Off) and the specific setup of the
shock absorbers and Servotronic steering, the driver may also configure the
setup of the drivetrain on the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M. Activating the Power
mode influences both engine and transmission behavior, and the driver can
choose from the Sport and Efficiency driving programs. The Sport program allows
precise control of engine power under the most dynamic driving conditions, and
ensures a linear build-up of the power delivery. The Efficiency program, in
turn, upshifts at earlier points not only to significantly reduce fuel
consumption under normal driving conditions, but also to allow a relaxed style
of driving by taking advantage of the new M engine's prodigious torque and
power available from low engine speeds. The result, therefore, is an ideal
combination of flexibility for daily use and all-out performance when desired.

When customizing the response of the steering wheel-mounted M Drive button, the
driver uses the M Drive menu to preselect the desired Power Mode and the setup
of DSC and EDC, making a personalized combination of settings that can be
activated on-demand. The driver's favorite setup settings are saved and
subsequently activated at any time simply by pressing the M Drive button on the
steering wheel. Pressing the M Drive button again returns the vehicle to its
previous configuration.

M-specific cockpit and sophisticated driver assistance systems for even greater
ability at the wheel.
The BMW M philosophy naturally continues into the design and configuration of
the driver's "office." Both of these all-wheel-drive high-performance sports
vehicles come with a special M cockpit with the instrument cluster featuring a
variable redline, specific vehicle function displays, and white display
backlighting. Both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M feature power, heated front M
sport seats, an M sport leather steering wheel, M door sills, and driver's
footrest.

Infotainment functions, standard on-board Navigation with Real-Time Traffic
data and communication functions are all controlled by BMW's 4th-generation
iDrive. The standard HiFi audio system features 12 loudspeakers and a 230 watt
amplifier. In addition, both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M may be equipped with
a Head-Up Display programmed specifically by BMW M. This option enables the
driver to customize the type and scope of data projected onto the windshield
through settings available in the M Drive menu.

Innovative driver assistance systems are fitted as well, with both models
featuring standard Dynamic Cruise Control, Rain Sensor, Auto-Dimming Mirrors,
Park Distance Control, and BMW's Xenon Adaptive Headlights. The list of
optional features includes a Driver Assistance Package which includes High-Beam
Assistant, Head-Up Display, and Rear View Camera with the spectacular new Top
View feature. Top View provides the driver with an "birds-eye view" of the
vehicle on the iDrive control screen, using input from a camera on each side of
the vehicle and the traditional rear-view camera. Top View provides the driver
with additional confidence for tight parking scenarios.

Stable bodyshell and advanced safety equipment.
The BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M come with extremely stiff bodyshells. To ensure
maximum solidity, BMW's body engineers focused on the use of intelligent
lightweight materials technology. Both the choice of materials and the
arrangement and geometry of the support bars, braces, and mounts on both models
are based on an overall concept that combines maximum crash safety with supreme
agility - which helps avoid crashes in the first place. At BMW, the ability to
avoid a crash is the best safety feature of all.

Forces acting on the unibody in the event of a crash are diverted through the
engine carriers and the chassis along several load paths in order to avoid
extreme loads acting on individual structures and help keep impact energy away
from the stable passenger cell.
Both the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M come with frontal and hip/thorax airbags, as
well as curtain head airbags to protect the occupants both front and rear from
injury. Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts are at all seating positions with
force limiters and, on the front seats, an additional seatbelt pretensioning
function. To help protect occupants from cervical spine injury in the event of
a rear impact, the front seats feature crash-activated active head restraints.
ISOFIX child seat anchors are standard on the rear seats.

All restraint systems are controlled by the vehicles' central safety
electronics, which take the type and severity of a collision into account so
that the most effective safety elements are activated in any given crash. The
frontal airbags feature two-stage activation, to allow deployment in varying
intensity as a function of crash severity. Networked with Dynamic Stability
Control, the standard rollover sensors activate both the curtain airbags and
the seatbelt pretensioners, to ensure occupants are best positioned for and
protected from the unlikely event of a vehicle rollover.

BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW
Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial
service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including
motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars;
DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology
office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.
BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global
manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5
Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales
organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger
car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle
retailers, 83 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car
dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North
America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet
at:

www.bmwgroupna.com
www.bmwusa.com
www.bmwmotorcycles.com
www.miniusa.com
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

# # #

Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products is available
to journalists on-line at the BMW Group PressClub at the following address:
www.press.bmwgroup.com and select "USA" from the list of National PressClubs.
Broadcast quality video footage is available via The NewsMarket at
www.thenewsmarket.com.

# # #

Article Offline Attachments.

Article Media Material.

My.PressClub Login
 

PressClub Information

AUTO CHINA 2024.

Beijing. 24/25 April 2024.

Here you can see the Webcasts of the BMW Group Night and Press Conference at the Auto China 2024; with the World Premieres of the new MINI Aceman and the new BMW i4.

Open Streaming Page

Add your filter tags.

Press Release
Press Kit
Speech
Fact & Figures
Updates
Top-Topic
Submit filter
Clear all
 
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
 
Login