First Official pics: BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M - Page 4

RickM5X3 · 7th April 2009, 03:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by rassi

Just not sure what the "M" brand means anymore? "M" as in "AMG"?

M used to be:

1) NA high-reving engines unique to the M models
2) Applied to a saloon, coupe or convertible (the latter IMHO just wrong) body style that could be taken to a track (hence no 7 series or X model - until now)
3) Rear-wheel drive

Instead we get this new X "M" philosophy:

1) Turbo-charged engine, also found in the normal X5/X6/7 series just tweaked
2) SUV bodystyle
3) 4 WD

Hmmmm.... Ironically BMW now goes turbo-charging when Mercedes AMG has gone from supercharger (E55) to big capacity NA instead (C63, E63, etc)

Good list. I would add to the requirements of an ///M that it has to be a manual; either SMG or a 'traditional' manual. But maybe the programming is that good on the autobox? Seems hard to believe. I'd also add a requirement of servicability. No diffs that can't be drained and filled (definitely nothing called 'lifetime' fluid), and no electronic dipsticks.

But when any 'non-M' argument centers on weight, complexity, and/or track-worthiness, that's when it becomes easier to poke holes in the position. The E60 and E39 M5s are not typical choices for track duty either are they? Doesn't seem like it on these boards. So the guy who shows up to the local car club track day in the X5M probably won't be excluded from having fun and might even run comparable or better times in the M Truckster. Where does M begin and end? Maybe it was always just the E30 M3?

Diny · 7th April 2009, 04:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickM5X3

Maybe it was always just the E30 M3?

*cough* M1 *cough*

RickM5X3 · 9th April 2009, 04:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diny

*cough* M1 *cough*

Yikes. Nice one. Big oversight on my part.

b757236 · 9th April 2009, 17:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by firebird400

I think fast SUV's are cool and all, but I don't think there should ever be an M badged SUV. I think it somewhat soils M division's history and truly makes it into just another marketing gimmick. The ///M badge isn't as powerful and unique as it used to be

Well Said!!! This is very sad!! I was reading in the newest Roundel that the M division will not produce "unique" engines anymore. The E90 M3 was the last independent “M” engine. They will be modifying "line engines" from BMWs-WITH TURBOS!!??

The M division has lost its original purpose!
These M trucks may be faster that my e39 but I own a true “M”. I am lusting after an E30 M3- the pinnacle of the letter M. I hope BMW learns a lesson!! I hope I lust after a new “M” again but I just don’t see it.

100%Cocoa · 9th April 2009, 18:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkQC

I just don't get the entire category of SUV/SAV's.

I don't think you can justify them on paper, but all I can say is don't knock it til you've driven one. If you had to bomb around all day long doing crappy stuff like school runs and shopping etc, then a big fat SUV is one hell of a nice place to do it from. They're big, comfortable, very safe (for the occupants only, admittedly!) and in BMW's case they drive amazingly well too. If I had kids I'd get one in a second.
It's the same as having a big luxury house - there is no point other than the fact that it's a lot nicer to spend time in one!

As for an 'M' X5 or X6, then I guess BMW have little choice - if they left it to Porsche and Range Rover etc, they would get left behind in surprisingly lucrative market, in what is otherwise a struggling industry. On top of that, it is an unfortunate fact of life that everything genuinely cool becomes the victim of marketing 'strategy' in the end, and gets diluted. This will remain the case as long as accountants run our world.......

Mattkins99 · 9th April 2009, 19:43

BMW is dead to me...

My next car will be a 911...

This just so reminds me of Chevy putting SS on virtually everything to try to get it to sell.

Diny · 9th April 2009, 20:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by b757236

I hope BMW learns a lesson!!

The lesson that they're gonna learn is that they're going to sell a hell of a lot of these. Only enthusiasts care about "the badge" and we are not the average customers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 100%Cocoa

They're big, comfortable, very safe (for the occupants only, admittedly!) and in BMW's case they drive amazingly well too.

Safety is debatable. Surely they can be safe in the event of a crash, but they are worse when it comes to avoiding one. Stopping distance is shortened drastically and they are prone to rolling over because they are top-heavy.

Now, this may not be the case with these trucks, but the whole "SUVs are safer" is a half-truth.

Gustav · 29th April 2009, 02:29

"they will retail for $86,225 and $89,725 respectively"

The latest models from BMW’s M Division arrive in U.S. Dealers this Fall.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - April 27, 2009... On the occasion of the world debut of the BMW X5 M at the Shanghai International Auto Show, BMW today announced U.S. retail pricing for both the X5 M and the X6 M. The X6 M was unveiled for the first time at the New York International Auto Show on April 8th. When the X5 M and X6 M go on sale this fall as 2010 model vehicles, they will retail for $86,225 and $89,725 respectively (including $825 Destination & Handling).

Both the BMW X5 M and X6 M feature a new reverse flow V8 engine with patented twin-turbo technology. The lag-eliminating Cylinder-bank Comprehensive Manifold (CCM) enables the engine to produce 555 horsepower and accelerate both models from 0 to 60mph in 4.5 seconds. At BMW M, “the chassis must always be more powerful than the engine.” The X5 M and X6 M exploit the limits of physics through their reworked Integrated Chassis Management systems to provide maximum road-holding without conceding to harsh ride characteristics.

Power is delivered through an M derivative of BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive, allowing M typical throttle-steering. At the rear axle is BMW’s revolutionary Dynamic Performance Control, tailored by BMW M to ensure near-perfect distribution of power. Four M-characteristic tailpipes emerge from the aerodynamic diffuser in the rear. Enormous brakes round out the package, providing confidence under all conditions.

The modern, sustainable legacy of BMW M 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 BMW’s first M5. The M5 redefined the capabilities of a sedan with levels of power, precision, and linear control never before imaginable. Ever since, the craftsmen at BMW M have been focused on finding new ways to expand the performance boundaries using existing BMW models as a basis.

US price was not that bad compared to what the European price is.