2010 BMW X6 M and X5 M Confirmed - Car News

The crossovers break with BMW M tradition and take the Ultimate Driving Machine in a whole new direction.     Contrary to all previous notions that M-badged BMWs must be track-tuned, rear-wheel-drive cars with high-revving naturally aspirated engines, the German automaker confirms it soon will unleash higher-performance versions of the X6 and X5 crossover SUVs adorned with the coveted "M" label of its in-house performance unit. Unveiled via internet video (watch below) in prototype form, the vehicles represent a stark contrast to the purified ethos of existing M cars in that both the X6 and X5 top 5000 pounds, feature all-wheel drive, and are motivated by large V-8 engines mated to six-speed automatic transmissions. Specifics are murky, but BMW M's Bernd Limmer—demonstrating the handling prowess of the test mules—says the X6 M will come to market with an enhanced version of the existing 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 (likely near 500 hp), as well as an optimized chassis/suspension setup and a stronger rear-wheel bias to the all-wheel-drive system for greater agility and less understeer. Keep Reading: 2010 BMW X6 M and X5 M Confirmed - Car News