BMW Reveals the 2015 X5 M and X6 M

2015 BMW X6 M (Credit: © BMW)

Just days ago, we saw a teaser video for the upcoming X5 M and X6 M, and today BMW has revealed all of the information on this powerful SUVs weeks ahead of their LA Auto Show debut. Some of the changes to these two SUVs were very much anticipated, like the reworked fascias, but other changes were a complete shock and welcomed.

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The X5 M and X6 M both inherited the looks from their respective refreshed base models. The updates include more prominent kidney grilles, to-the-grille headlights, a revised rear fascia and updated body lines. Sure, the exterior changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary, but this is the way Bimmer has worked for decades, and there’s no reason to change now.

2015 BMW X5 M (Credit: © BMW)

Making these M models stand out from the crowd of base X5s and X6s is an aggressive body kit. This kit includes large air intakes and flaps on the front apron to help direct cold air where it’s needed most, a rear diffuser to help reduce lift, M-specific air breathers behind the front wheels, and a quad-exit exhaust system. The X6 M goes one step further by including a rear spoiler.

On the inside, these models also receive plenty of M-specific items. Topping the list of M bits added to the cabin are an M steering wheel with paddle shifters , an M Drive menu, M Drive buttons on the steering wheel, front sport seats, Merino leather seating with contrast stitching and embossed M logos, door-sill strips with model lettering, and an anthracite-colored headliner.

2015 BMW X5 M (Credit: © BMW)

All of the aforementioned additions and changes aren’t the big news. What really made me stand up and take notice is the fact that Bimmer managed to push its 4.4-liter, V-8 engine to new heights. This revised engine now puts down 567 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, which is a 12-horsepower and 53-pound-feet gain over the previous-generation X5 M and X6 M, and seven horsepower and 53 pound-feet more than the 2015 M5 and M6.

Doing the cog swapping is an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission that transfers the power to all four wheels via the xDrive system. The end result of this awesome drivetrain is a four-second 0-to-60-mph time, which is 0.3 seconds faster than the previous X6 M and 0.5 seconds faster than the last X5 M. Incredibly, this also makes the X5 M and X6 M faster to 60 mph than the 2015 M5 and M6 by 0.2 seconds and 0.1 seconds, respectively. Top speed is limited to a very German 155 mph.

2015 BMW X6 M and X5 M (Credit: © BMW)

Both models will hit BMW dealers in the spring of 2015. The X5 M will arrive carrying a $99,650 price tag and the X6 M will start at $103,050. Both prices include a $950 delivery fee.