VIDEO: BMW gives sneak preview of new X6 M
Click above to watch video after the jump
The BMW X6 remains something of an enigma, specifically, why does it exist? Nonetheless, it does and BMW is working on additional variants including a two-mode hybrid for release later this year and an M version. We don't have much detail yet on the X6 M, but BMW has put a video up on YouTube with Bernd Limmer from M GmbH demonstrating a prototype. The X6 M will evidently have a higher output version of the current twin turbo V8, probably hitting the magic 500 hp mark. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system is also being re-jiggered to send more torque to the rear axle. That should help reduce the understeer that the nose heavy V8 X6's are prone to. So far there is no word on when we will see the X6 M in the flesh, but either the Geneva Motor Show in March or Frankfurt Motor Show in September seem's likely. Follow the jump to see the X6 M for yourself in high-res video. Thanks to xeyad for the tip!
[Source: YouTube]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Seminole 1:06PM (1/05/2009)
The regular X6 has a 5 month wait list. I can't imagine what this will have.
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Darrell 1:35PM (1/05/2009)
I'd seen one in my neighborhood the other day. it looks a lot better in person than in pictures. the X6 M will be magical
TKE 1:13PM (1/05/2009)
Why buy?
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Crackberry Addict 1:16PM (1/05/2009)
I feel bad for the tires! idk where i saw a review, but after some "spirited" driving the tires were almost completely worn do to the massive understeer!
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Torrent 1:17PM (1/05/2009)
My GAWD this is one fugly lil POS.
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Michael 1:20PM (1/05/2009)
Like, oh my god, my husband has like an M3 or M5 or something like that and jeez I need to have an M BMW too so I did some research and I found out that I can get an M SUV like oh my god isn't that awesome? The girls at the gym will love it!
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Torrent 1:27PM (1/05/2009)
Once again, I lol.
mkM3 1:46PM (1/05/2009)
And she should tell her husband to hold onto that M5 too. Because, in its next iteration, the very nice 8000+ RPM V10 in that car will be swapped out for this very same turbo V8 in this X6 M. And the next M3 will get a turbo I6. True story.
Say "so long" to the high-revving motors. It's 7k RPM turbos from here on out. :(
Michael 1:48PM (1/05/2009)
@mkM3
I know. :\ I can definitely understand why BMW is doing that (sort of), but it's still a shame.
On the plus side, however, you'll be able to make a lot more power on them easily, like the [1,2]35i and most turbo cars.
Michael 1:48PM (1/05/2009)
Err, that should have said "[1,3]35i".
Michael 1:49PM (1/05/2009)
Or, actually, "{1,3,5}35i".
God I suck.
mkM3 1:57PM (1/05/2009)
@Michael
Actually:
{1, 3, 5, Z4 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X6 xDrive}35i
Just kidding :D
But yeah, the turbo powerplants make sense from economy/emissions POV. However, I just wish they would turbocharge the existing S65 V8 and S85 V10 instead of merely taking the N54 I6 and N63 V8 from the regular lineup and tweaking them. :(
garlinski 1:28PM (1/05/2009)
I know I've read something on this blog in the past from the Bavarians that they would NEVER build an M edition of an SUV. Am I correct in saying that?
That said the X6 is ugly.
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mkM3 2:05PM (1/05/2009)
Yes you've probably read that here and elsewhere since it is a line that has commonly been trumpted by M Division talking heads for years.
However, times are a-changin' at the M Division. No more ferrari-like engine in a street car. No more race-bred tuning philosophy. Its now the AMG way - big honkin' low-reving torque monster under the hood of every body-type we can get our hands on. I'm sure they will be nice cars, but I am going to miss the high revving M motors. :(
Jason 4:33PM (1/05/2009)
yes you are actually, and yes its ugly..
larry a 4:34AM (1/06/2009)
they said they would never build an M version of the 7 series because it was too big, then they go and build these POS, I dont get it either
Alvin 1:30PM (1/05/2009)
As a BMW enthusiast, I'm just hoping they don't make an X3 and X6 M. We don't need the M division becoming as diluted as AMG.
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Dude 1:43PM (1/05/2009)
Yes. Why cheapen the M name? Why not just an X6 5.0is model?
I hope they don't actually make it an "///M".
Eddie 2:26PM (1/05/2009)
Good point, why not an X6 5.0is? I remember the X5 4.8is being badass.
Jason 4:35PM (1/05/2009)
enthusiast or employee?