BMW Undercuts Mercedes and Porsche With X5 M and X6 M Pricing

Official pricing for the new BMW X5 M and X6 M has found its way onto the interwebs ahead of the official announcement by BMW. Surprisingly both models, while anything but cheap, are far less expensive than expected. We’d also wager they are less expensive than BMW could charge if it wanted to.

The X5 M will start at $85,400 with the X6 M slightly more expensive at $88,900. BMW is currently taking orders for the vehicles (as they are already reaching out to potential owners) and the first deliveries are expected this Fall.

Both vehicles significantly undercut their major competitors from Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. The Mercedes ML63 AMG starts at $90,100 while the Porsche Cayenne Turbo is $98,700. And as for the Cayenne Turbo S, it’s an astronomical $124,800.

Both the X5 M and X6 M are powered by a twin-trubo 4.4-liter V8 engine that makes 555hp and 500 ft-lbs of torque.

Power makes it to the ground through a six-speed automatic mated to BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Also standard is the Dynamic Performance Control system that first made its debut on the X6. It allows for power to not only be distributed between the front and rear wheels, but between the left and right rear wheels.

As a result of all this power and grip either model can hit 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

That speedy sprint is achieved in the Power mode, which can be activated by hitting the M button on the steering wheel. The M button can not only activate the “Sport” program for the engine and transmission, but also an “Efficiency” program, allowing for earlier upshifts and improved fuel-economy.

In terms of the look of the SUV, it stays mostly similar up front but features special front fenders and a distinctive rear diffuser with quad tailpipes. A set of 20-inch wheels is also standard with 275/40/20 front tires and massive 315/35/20 rear tires.

As braking is always an important part of every M-car, and this bruiser no doubt weighs triple what some of the original Ms did, the X5 M gets four-piston calipers with 15.6-inch front rotors and 15.2-inch rear rotors.

[Source: Bimmerfile.com]