BMW announces triple-turbo diesel X5 and X6 pricing
BY MIKE COSTELLO | 14th May 2012
Both models mark the debut of the BMW Group’s new 280kW/740Nm tri-turbo engine, which it claims to be the most powerful volume-produced six-cylinder diesel unit in the world.
The high-performance SUV twins are the first members of the Bavarian company’s new M Performance sub-brand to appear Down Under, ahead of a just-announced 1 Series hatch version slated to debut before the end of this year.
The X6 xDrive M50d will be priced at $157,000 plus on-road costs, and headlines a mid-life update of the whole X6 range that adds subtle design tweaks while making a fifth seat and internet connectivity standard features.
The upgrade also brings a price increase of $1000 to all variants in the line-up except for the X6 M petrol flagship (not to be confused with the new M50d), which is now an extra $5400.
The price increase on the M variant has been countered by extra features including adaptive LED headlights and a ‘powerdome’ bonnet design.
The X5 xDrive M50d, meanwhile, will be priced from $147,000, slotting into the range between the xDrive 50i Sport ($134,000) and the M flagship ($178,200).
BMW Group Australia managing director Phil Horton said the two M Performance models are pitched at a market above the standard X5 and X6 variants but beneath the flagship M division petrol vehicles.
“These M Performance vehicles each have a distinctive character and open up an entirely new model category,” he said.
“They will appeal to the particularly sporty driver for whom everyday practicality is also an important consideration.” The 3.0-litre, six-cylinder tri-turbo-diesel engine in both models produces its peak torque between 2000 and 3000rpm, and maximum power between 4000 and 4400rpm.
The X6 is claimed to sprint from zero to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds, while the X5 is one-tenth slower.
Combined fuel efficiency is listed at 7.7 litres per 100km for the X6 and 7.5L/100km for the X5.
The triple-turbo system works on a staggered format that sees each blower kick in at different revs.
At low revs, only a single variable-turbine turbo is operational, before a larger second unit kicks in at 1500rpm, and the third is added from 2600rpm.
Power in both models is channelled through BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system that provides a rear-drive bias before engaging the front wheels when slip is detected.
As the sportier of the two, the coupe-styled X6 also sports BMW’s Dynamic Performance Control –which counters understeer by rerouting power to the outside rear wheel and corrects oversteer by switching drive to the inside rear wheel – as standard.
The M Performance upgrades on both models include different suspension tuning, adaptive air suspension, new mapping for the hydraulic steering and new bodyshell and powertrain mountings.
The X5 and X6 M Performance variants are differentiated from their more humble siblings, as well as the thoroughbred M petrol models, by new front aprons with large air inlets, grey exterior mirror caps, 20-inch double-spoke alloy wheels and bigger exhaust pipes.
Standard equipment levels reflect the premium positioning of both models, and include M-tuned Servotronic steering, adaptive bi-Xenon headlights, and Alcantara and leather sports seats with contrasting stitching and M lettering.
| BMW M Performance pricing (plus on-roads): | |
| X5 xDrive M50d (a) | $147,000 |
| X6 xDrive M50d (a) | $157,000 |
| BMW X6 range pricing (plus on-roads): | |
| xDrive 30d (a) | $110,900 (+$1000) |
| xDrive 35i (a) | $121,000 (+$1000) |
| xDrive 40d (a) | $127,400 (+$1000) |
| xDrive 50i (a) | $150,400 (+$1000) |
| xDrive M50d (a) | $157,000 (new model) |
| X6 M (a) | $190,900 (+$5500) |
