The big boys in The BMW arsenal have officially landed in South Africa. The BMW X5 M and X6 M are now available and priced at R 2 632 258 and R2 733 420 respectively, big money in other words, but BMW is only offering the competition version of these cars in South Africa so at least the money does make sense.
Both of these beasts get their 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the M5 producing a meaty 460kW and 750Nm. They have an 8-speed automatic gearbox to handle the power which is sent to all four wheels, making both these large cars get to 100 in 3.8 seconds. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system is Setup to be rear-biased for some tail-happy lunacy but it can be adjusted to 4WD.
Added to the X5 M and X6 M competition are some 21-inch M light alloys in the front and 22-inch in the rear as standard. The exterior was designed to look as mean as can be with large intakes that can surely suck all the air around it with ease, and signature BMW kidney grilles. At the rear, we find an aggressive lower bumper with an equally aggressive diffuser and 4 pipe exhaust for noise.
Inside we see some serious bucket seats made for serious driving, and the technology and driver aids are endless with each of them starting with the letter ‘M’. The suspension settings are adaptable, you get ROAD, SPORT and TRACK settings but you also still have the option of an individual setup up.
BMW means real business with the X5 M and X6 M competition and now it’s only a matter of time before we stop right next to one of them at the traffic lights, just don’t try race one.
Images: BMW SA
