The new X5M and X6M seem mighty promising, with more than 600 hp on tap from a 4.4-litre turbo V8 and some of the best looks in the BMW range.
The 2024 BMW X5 (and, by extension, the X6) appears to be quite promising. It avoids BMW’s new trend of confrontational exterior style tweaks, which is a good thing. With its large curved screen, it’s also quite attractive on the interior. The M60i’s performance appears to be strong as well, with a max output of 523 horsepower, but BMW wasn’t going to stop there. Enter the BMW X5M and X6M Competitions in 2024.
As one might imagine, the M division has taken the already spicy X5 and X6 and dialled them up to full Alfred Molina in Boogie Nights standard, while dropping the non-Competition versions completely.
The X5M Competition and X6M Competition are powered by a new(ish) mild hybrid turbocharged V8 engine that delivers 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This is being dubbed the S68 by BMW, and if the name seems familiar, it’s because it’s the same engine that will power the flagship XM SUV. This engine is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the 48-volt hybrid components are integrated into the transmission, which is cool.
The majority of the chassis is comparable to the base X5 and X6, with the addition of retuned dampers, revised suspension arms, and a different alignment. BMW states that the rear torsional rigidity is enhanced over non-M models, resulting in a more predictable driving experience. BMW also modified the steering gear for the M models.
Braking is essential in any car, but it is especially critical in a 600-plus-horsepower big SUV. To avoid surprises, BMW M equipped the X5M and X6M with six-piston front callipers with 15.6-inch perforated discs in the front and single-floating-piston callipers with 15.0-inch discs in the back.
The styling of the X5M and X6M is typical of M-series vehicles: Make the standard automobile more aggressive by adding blacked-out trim and meaner-looking wheels. If something isn’t broken, why fix it?
The 2024 BMW X5M Competition and X6M Competition will start production in South Carolina in April and retail for a starting price of $123,295 for the X5M and $128,195 for the X6M, both including a $995 destination fee.
