BMW vows to launch blistering X5 M early in 2010

BMW Group Australia has done a backflip over its X5 M high-performance SUV, announcing a January 2010 arrival alongside its X6 M twin after initially vowing not to introduce it Down Under.

The Bavarian marque this week confirmed that both V8-powered AWD SUVs will be priced from around $180,000, with the first customer deliveries of the X6 M taking place late in December, a few weeks ahead of the X5 equivalent.

Attempting to muscle in on the market niche that has proven lucrative for Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, BMW’s first M-division SUVs feature a modified version of the 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8, which in this application produces 408kW at 6000rpm and 680Nm from 1500-5650rpm.

The so-called ‘M TwinPower Turbo’ drives all four wheels through an M Sports six-speed automatic transmission, enabling the 2.38-tonne X5 M to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds and reach a (governed) top speed of 250km/h – or 275km/h with an optional M Driver’s Package fitted.

Fuel consumption is rated at 13.9L/100km combined, or 19.3L/100km when confined to urban areas, while CO2 emissions are 325g/km.

Among the chassis highlights are the standard fitment of air suspension, adjustable dampers and ‘active’ anti-roll control, while braking hardware includes four-piston callipers clamping on to 395mm diameter vented discs at the front, and single-piston callipers gripping 385mm vented rotors at the rear.

While on the subject of braking, BMW Australia this week told GoAuto that no X5 or X6 models delivered to Australian customers are affected by a safety recall in the US, in which all 2009 models of both SUVs are being called back into dealers for a brake check..

According to a recall notice issued last week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the rear brake discs might not have been manufactured according to specifications.

“As a result, a reduction in braking performance at the affected rear wheel could occur,” the notice said. “In an extreme case, the affected rear brake disc could break, resulting in a loss of braking at that wheel, increasing stopping distances and the risk of a crash.”