BMW X6 M 2010
It was pretty hard to get much of an early read on BMW’s newest - and most controversial - M model, the 2010 BMW X6 M (the X5 M, which is being launched simultaneously, was unavailable for testing). Our initial short stint featured a bit of highway driving and a quick run on some slightly twisty roads, allowing us briefly to feel how smooth, yet powerful this 5300-plus-pound beast really is. You’re in touch with the road, but there’s no bounce or jounce in the X6 M, just smooth sailing - even in the more aggressive M mode.
BMW had some real driving fun in store for us at our final destination - several hot laps on the 2.54 mile, 12-turn Road Atlanta circuit. After a few lead-follow instructional passes, we were set loose in the X6 M on the famed racetrack. The massive elevation changes, fast sweepers, and blind, off-camber corners really show you what the X6 M is made of.
Exiting the pits, you stay right, wait for the first slight left-hander, then dive into a hard right that leads you into the esses. A fast, sweeping-downhill left leads into a fast, sweeping-downhill right, where you hit the apex and let the 547-horse, 501 pound-foot, twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V-8-powered truck drift out to the left edge. Then it’s back up hill through the rest of the esses, which you can basically take straight.
2010 BMW X6 M Badge
Stay right to set up for the uphill blind left, then its back down to another fast right, and into the tightest corner, an almost 90-degree right that leads you onto the long back stretch. Here you’ll nudge 140 mph (the X6 M is limited to 155 mph) before jumping on the binders in a downhill braking zone, then a quick left-right and head back to the pits.
The X6 M seems to shrink around you the harder you drive. There’s minimal body roll - even through tight corners, the vehicle stays relatively flat. That planted feeling is no doubt due in large part to the X6 M’s self-leveling air springs at the rear, and its Adaptive Drive system, composed of Active Roll Stabilization and M Electronic Damping Control. Normal and Sport modes are available, and all systems are calibrated to emulate BMW M’s signature handling and ride characteristics.
However hard you push, the X6 M has your back. Even if you miss your apex in a turn, the M Dynamic Mode reels you back in - keeping you on line and off the grass. The steering feel is what you expect from BMW: crisp, and responsive with good feedback, heavier when going slower, lightening up the faster you go.
We did our first three hot laps in automatic sport mode, letting the X6 M do the shift thinking. It worked like a charm considering the transmission is really just an automatic with the ability to manually shift. From the burble when you lift off throttle, to the exhaust brrrp when it shifts, it’s raised the bar in the world of driver-oriented automatics. There were only a few times it upshifted where we would’ve stayed in the lower gear.
The last three laps were in manual mode and, just as the BMW engineers said, the tranny did not upshift automatically, bouncing off the 6800-rpm limiter until you grab the next gear. And the transmission will downshift for you at the appropriate revs if you just hold the downshift paddle while braking and entering a corner.
The last three laps were in manual mode and, just as the BMW engineers said, the tranny did not upshift automatically, bouncing off the 6800-rpm limiter until you grab the next gear. And the transmission will downshift for you at the appropriate revs if you just hold the downshift paddle while braking and entering a corner.
One thing we’d like to see BMW add is shift lights. The engine revs so quickly (peak horsepower is achieved at 6000 rpm, with peak torque available from 1500 to 5650 rpm) and you need the extra few hundred rpm for the shift carry over, the lights would complete the M package.
BMW estimates the X6 M will hustle from 0 to 60 in a scant 4.5 seconds. That’s super quick for a vehicle this big, but after our laps, we have no reason to doubt that figure.
If there is a chink in the X6 M’s high-tech armor, it’s the brakes. The 15.6-inch, four-piston ventilated discs up front and 15.2-inch single-piston units at the rear started to fade toward the end of our lapping session. It takes a lot to slow a vehicle that goes this fast and weighs this much. Though the brakes never failed, the fade going into that last brake zone definitely increased the pucker factor a bit.
BMW estimates the X6 M will hustle from 0 to 60 in a scant 4.5 seconds. That’s super quick for a vehicle this big, but after our laps, we have no reason to doubt that figure.
If there is a chink in the X6 M’s high-tech armor, it’s the brakes. The 15.6-inch, four-piston ventilated discs up front and 15.2-inch single-piston units at the rear started to fade toward the end of our lapping session. It takes a lot to slow a vehicle that goes this fast and weighs this much. Though the brakes never failed, the fade going into that last brake zone definitely increased the pucker factor a bit.
Inside the cabin of this four-seater is more of what we’ve come expect from BMW’s M-badged vehicles. The M sport seats hold you comfortably and give you plenty of support when you hit the track. The standard M wheel is a nice addition to any vehicle, and the true left down, right up shift paddles are a great improvement over the up/down levers on other BMW automatics. Other interior highlights include an M driver’s footrest, specific M instruments and functional displays, and, of course, the fourth generation of BMW’s iDrive, along with all the other bells and whistles befitting a vehicle that lists for $89,725.
The X6 M defies all reason. BMW has made a big, tall, heavy truck drive and handle like a performance car, even if the brakes prove you can’t really argue with the laws of physics. But one can’t help wondering whether all that time, effort, and money would’ve been better spent on something more relevant to the storied M brand. Like a fast, light, high.
The X6 M defies all reason. BMW has made a big, tall, heavy truck drive and handle like a performance car, even if the brakes prove you can’t really argue with the laws of physics. But one can’t help wondering whether all that time, effort, and money would’ve been better spent on something more relevant to the storied M brand. Like a fast, light, high.
BMW xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control with a special set-up for optimum dynamics.
The outstanding success of BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology is based on the fact that the system not only improves traction on rough terrain, but also enhances driving dynamics on the road. Electronically controlled, variable power distribution to the front and rear axle prevents even the slightest tendency to over- or understeer right from the start, before DSC Dynamic Stability Control is even required to cut in.
Dynamic Performance Control presented for the first time in the BMW X6 and now featured also in the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M enhances driving stability in demanding situations. Variable distribution of drive power between the right and left rear wheel significantly improves steering precision and tracking stability at all speeds, with DSC being required to stabilise the vehicle only under high lateral acceleration.
Ultimately this offers the driver an unparalleled standard of dynamic performance, agility and traction re-defining all existing benchmarks in drivetrain and suspension technology.
In the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M the potentials of both systems are again used in that special style of BMW M, with the driver able to activate the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) by means of the DSC button on the centre console. This mode raises the DSC control thresholds for intervention in the brakes and the reduction of engine power and ensures the steering behaviour typical of BMW M by shifting the xDrive control features more to the rear wheels and interacting with Dynamic Performance Control in the process.
As a result, MDM allows maximum speeds in bends and on winding roads with the system cutting in very late when the vehicle reaches the absolute limit. Even under maximum load in the apex of a bend, therefore, the vehicle follows the steering with utmost precision, giving the driver very high speed when leaving the bend in the interest of optimum performance. And last but not least, the DSC-Off Mode may be activated at the touch of a button.
Special M suspension with Adaptive Drive featured as standard.
The suspension developed specifically for the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M with its double-track control arm front axle and Integral IV rear axle offers M-specific elastokinematics thanks to stiffer track control arm mounts and hydraulic tiebar mounts at the front as well as stiffer axle support mounts at the rear.
Both models come as standard with air suspension featuring self-levelling on the rear axle as well as Adaptive Drive with electronically controlled dampers (EDC) and active anti-roll stability. The special version of Adaptive Drive tailored to the requirements of BMW M also serves to lower the entire vehicle by 10 millimetres or 0.39" versus the "regular" Bmw X5 and Bmw X6 and incor¬porates stiffer carrier springs, modified auxiliary springs, three-way support mounts and damper control with reinforced connection to the body.
The special Servotronic steering developed for the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M provides individual steering assistance geared to the actual road speed of the vehicle. This allows comfortable parking manoeuvres with lower operating forces as well as exact feedback and a high standard of steering precision at higher speeds.
The degree of power assistance is defined by two control maps. Apart from the standard configuration, the driver is able, through the EDC and, respectively, the M Drive button, to call up the Sports Mode activating an uncompromisingly sporting control map with higher control forces for particularly dynamic driving conditions.
Changing from the Normal to the Sports Mode, the system alters not only the Servotronic control map, but also the damper setting, with the connection of the dampers to the body of the vehicle being significantly reinforced in the Sports Mode. In conjunction with anti-roll stability this allows an exceptionally high standard of linear lateral forces in dynamic bends and on fast, winding roads.
The high-performance brake system guarantees supreme stopping power and high resistance to fading under all conditions. The brakes come with four-piston fixed callipers at the front and swing callipers at the rear, combined in each case with inner-vented lightweight brake discs.
The BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are the only vehicles in their segment to come as standard with different-sized tyres front and rear, running in each case on 20-inch light-alloy rims. The choice of 275/40 R 20 tyres at the front and 315/35 R 20 tyres at the rear is a further result of the special set-up characteristic of both models, with the emphasis on rear-wheel power. The choice of this combination of tyre sizes ideal in terms of driving dynamics promotes both the exceptionally good transmission of power to the rear axle and the precise, exactly dosed steering behaviour of both models.
Dynamic performance according to the driver's personal choice and available at the touch of a button: the M Drive button on the steering wheel.
Apart from the DSC Mode and the specific set-up of both the dampers and the steering, the driver is also able to configure the set-up of the drivetrain on the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M according to his personal requirements. Activating the Power Mode which influences both engine and transmission control, the driver has the choice of both the Sports and Efficiency driving programs.
The Sports program allows precise dosage of engine power also under the most dynamic driving conditions specifically through the linear build-up of the power delivered.
The Efficiency program, in turn, shifts up gears at an early point in time not only to significantly reduce fuel consumption under practical driving conditions, but also to allow a relaxed style of motoring using the supreme torque and pulling force of the engine available from low engine speeds. The result, therefore, is an ideal combination of efficient motoring and supreme driving qualities.
In the M Drive menu the driver is able to pre-configure both the Power Mode and the set-up of DSC and EDC, the combination of settings chosen providing the set-up preferred by the driver under all conditions. The driver is even able to save his favourite set-up and subsequently retrieve it at any time simply by pressing the M Drive button on the steering wheel.
The M Drive menu is yet another specific M feature supplementing the vehicle, infotainment, navigation, air conditioning and communication functions already controlled by BMW iDrive. Both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are equipped with the latest generation of iDrive and come as an option with a Head-Up Display again specific to BMW M. Indeed, this function even enables the driver to vary the type and scope of the data projected on to the windscreen in accordance with the M Drive menu.
M-specific cockpit and sophisticated driver assistance systems for even greater supremacy at the wheel.
The philosophy so typical of BMW M naturally continues into the design and configuration of the driver's "workplace": Both of these all-wheel-drive high-performance sports cars come with a special M cockpit with the instrument cluster featuring a variable pre-warning field in the rev counter, specific vehicle function displays, and white display illumination. And both the BMW X5 M as well as the BMW X6 M boast M seats and an M leather steering wheel.
The driver's superior style of motoring is enhanced additionally by innovative driver assistance systems, both models fitted as standard with cruise control incorporating its own brake function. The wide range of optional features, in turn, includes Adaptive Headlights and a High-Beam Assistant.
Supplementing BMW Park Distance Control naturally featured as standard, there is also an optional back-up camera including its own very special Top View function.
The wide range of standard features includes electrical seat adjustment complete with a memory function and seat heating at the front, two-zone automatic air conditioning, extended Merino leather, a HiFi audio system with 12 loudspeakers and 230 Watt amplifier output, M entry trim, an M footrest, interior trim in brushed Aluminium Shadow on both models as well as a BMW Individual instrument panel finished in leather and automatic operation of the tailgate on the BMW X6 M. The optional comfort features available on both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M include BMW's Professional navigation system, four-zone automatic air conditioning, active seat ventilation, full leather upholstery in Merino leather, a panorama glass roof on the BMW X5 M and an electrically operated glass roof on the BMW X6 M as well as the BMW Individual High End audio system.
The outstanding success of BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology is based on the fact that the system not only improves traction on rough terrain, but also enhances driving dynamics on the road. Electronically controlled, variable power distribution to the front and rear axle prevents even the slightest tendency to over- or understeer right from the start, before DSC Dynamic Stability Control is even required to cut in.
Dynamic Performance Control presented for the first time in the BMW X6 and now featured also in the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M enhances driving stability in demanding situations. Variable distribution of drive power between the right and left rear wheel significantly improves steering precision and tracking stability at all speeds, with DSC being required to stabilise the vehicle only under high lateral acceleration.
Ultimately this offers the driver an unparalleled standard of dynamic performance, agility and traction re-defining all existing benchmarks in drivetrain and suspension technology.
In the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M the potentials of both systems are again used in that special style of BMW M, with the driver able to activate the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) by means of the DSC button on the centre console. This mode raises the DSC control thresholds for intervention in the brakes and the reduction of engine power and ensures the steering behaviour typical of BMW M by shifting the xDrive control features more to the rear wheels and interacting with Dynamic Performance Control in the process.
As a result, MDM allows maximum speeds in bends and on winding roads with the system cutting in very late when the vehicle reaches the absolute limit. Even under maximum load in the apex of a bend, therefore, the vehicle follows the steering with utmost precision, giving the driver very high speed when leaving the bend in the interest of optimum performance. And last but not least, the DSC-Off Mode may be activated at the touch of a button.
Special M suspension with Adaptive Drive featured as standard.
The suspension developed specifically for the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M with its double-track control arm front axle and Integral IV rear axle offers M-specific elastokinematics thanks to stiffer track control arm mounts and hydraulic tiebar mounts at the front as well as stiffer axle support mounts at the rear.
Both models come as standard with air suspension featuring self-levelling on the rear axle as well as Adaptive Drive with electronically controlled dampers (EDC) and active anti-roll stability. The special version of Adaptive Drive tailored to the requirements of BMW M also serves to lower the entire vehicle by 10 millimetres or 0.39" versus the "regular" Bmw X5 and Bmw X6 and incor¬porates stiffer carrier springs, modified auxiliary springs, three-way support mounts and damper control with reinforced connection to the body.
The special Servotronic steering developed for the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M provides individual steering assistance geared to the actual road speed of the vehicle. This allows comfortable parking manoeuvres with lower operating forces as well as exact feedback and a high standard of steering precision at higher speeds.
The degree of power assistance is defined by two control maps. Apart from the standard configuration, the driver is able, through the EDC and, respectively, the M Drive button, to call up the Sports Mode activating an uncompromisingly sporting control map with higher control forces for particularly dynamic driving conditions.
Changing from the Normal to the Sports Mode, the system alters not only the Servotronic control map, but also the damper setting, with the connection of the dampers to the body of the vehicle being significantly reinforced in the Sports Mode. In conjunction with anti-roll stability this allows an exceptionally high standard of linear lateral forces in dynamic bends and on fast, winding roads.
The high-performance brake system guarantees supreme stopping power and high resistance to fading under all conditions. The brakes come with four-piston fixed callipers at the front and swing callipers at the rear, combined in each case with inner-vented lightweight brake discs.
The BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are the only vehicles in their segment to come as standard with different-sized tyres front and rear, running in each case on 20-inch light-alloy rims. The choice of 275/40 R 20 tyres at the front and 315/35 R 20 tyres at the rear is a further result of the special set-up characteristic of both models, with the emphasis on rear-wheel power. The choice of this combination of tyre sizes ideal in terms of driving dynamics promotes both the exceptionally good transmission of power to the rear axle and the precise, exactly dosed steering behaviour of both models.
Dynamic performance according to the driver's personal choice and available at the touch of a button: the M Drive button on the steering wheel.
Apart from the DSC Mode and the specific set-up of both the dampers and the steering, the driver is also able to configure the set-up of the drivetrain on the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M according to his personal requirements. Activating the Power Mode which influences both engine and transmission control, the driver has the choice of both the Sports and Efficiency driving programs.
The Sports program allows precise dosage of engine power also under the most dynamic driving conditions specifically through the linear build-up of the power delivered.
The Efficiency program, in turn, shifts up gears at an early point in time not only to significantly reduce fuel consumption under practical driving conditions, but also to allow a relaxed style of motoring using the supreme torque and pulling force of the engine available from low engine speeds. The result, therefore, is an ideal combination of efficient motoring and supreme driving qualities.
In the M Drive menu the driver is able to pre-configure both the Power Mode and the set-up of DSC and EDC, the combination of settings chosen providing the set-up preferred by the driver under all conditions. The driver is even able to save his favourite set-up and subsequently retrieve it at any time simply by pressing the M Drive button on the steering wheel.
The M Drive menu is yet another specific M feature supplementing the vehicle, infotainment, navigation, air conditioning and communication functions already controlled by BMW iDrive. Both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are equipped with the latest generation of iDrive and come as an option with a Head-Up Display again specific to BMW M. Indeed, this function even enables the driver to vary the type and scope of the data projected on to the windscreen in accordance with the M Drive menu.
M-specific cockpit and sophisticated driver assistance systems for even greater supremacy at the wheel.
The philosophy so typical of BMW M naturally continues into the design and configuration of the driver's "workplace": Both of these all-wheel-drive high-performance sports cars come with a special M cockpit with the instrument cluster featuring a variable pre-warning field in the rev counter, specific vehicle function displays, and white display illumination. And both the BMW X5 M as well as the BMW X6 M boast M seats and an M leather steering wheel.
The driver's superior style of motoring is enhanced additionally by innovative driver assistance systems, both models fitted as standard with cruise control incorporating its own brake function. The wide range of optional features, in turn, includes Adaptive Headlights and a High-Beam Assistant.
Supplementing BMW Park Distance Control naturally featured as standard, there is also an optional back-up camera including its own very special Top View function.
The wide range of standard features includes electrical seat adjustment complete with a memory function and seat heating at the front, two-zone automatic air conditioning, extended Merino leather, a HiFi audio system with 12 loudspeakers and 230 Watt amplifier output, M entry trim, an M footrest, interior trim in brushed Aluminium Shadow on both models as well as a BMW Individual instrument panel finished in leather and automatic operation of the tailgate on the BMW X6 M. The optional comfort features available on both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M include BMW's Professional navigation system, four-zone automatic air conditioning, active seat ventilation, full leather upholstery in Merino leather, a panorama glass roof on the BMW X5 M and an electrically operated glass roof on the BMW X6 M as well as the BMW Individual High End audio system.
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