Very first Drive Evaluation
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Defying logic—and physics—yet once again.
When the M versions of the BMW X5 and X6 first appeared in 2009, they represented a number of heresies for the M brand: They employed turbocharged engines, they had all-wheel drive, and they were—oh no!—sport-utility automobiles. Given that then, BMW’s M division has quite significantly brushed aside notions of what does or doesn’t constitute heresy. The new M3 and M4 use a turbocharged engine (as do the M5 and the M6). All-wheel drive is coming to the M5. And practically 20,000 M-badged SUVs roam the streets.
Now comes round 2 for the M version of BMW’s SUVs, in both traditionally shaped X5 and genre-bending X6 “sports activity coupe” forms. The latter, of course, is one more blow to conventionality—some would add widespread sense—but BMW responds by pointing to 250,000 total X6 sales considering that its debut in 2008. So as we head deep into the heart of Texas to drive the new X6 M, we will not bother to examine the concept, only the execution.
Seeking the Part
Approaching a row of identical X6 Ms in Extended Beach Blue lined up in the paddock at the Circuit of the Americas, the vehicle’s hulking, linebacker physique appears tiny changed. The 2015 X6 M is 1.8 inches longer, its width and height are inside a fraction of its predecessor’s, and it rides on the identical 115.5-inch wheelbase. The most significant design departures are the deep, increasing crease on the rear fenders and the larger, 21-inch twin-spoke wheels (up from the preceding 20s). The latter are specific to the M, which also gets a distinctive front fascia incorporating huge air intakes and its own rear fascia with a diffuser and twin exhaust outlets, as properly as side gills in the front fenders and a functional rear spoiler.
Inside, M-ness is bestowed by the M-particular sport seats, gauge cluster, and steering wheel. Upscale trim, including a leather-covered dash and a suedelike headliner, is normal. The automobiles on hand for our test drive are additional fancified with the optional full-leather interior, carbon-fiber trim, and superb, higher-backed, multicontour seats. In all, the materials and execution are befitting of a 6-figure luxury SUV (starting value: $ 103,050).
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What It’s Packin’?
This second-generation X6 M’s mechanical package also doesn’t stray far from the original’s. The engine and transmission are new, but the engine retains its same configuration and displacement. The 4.4-liter V-8 once again characteristics 2 twin-scroll turbos nestled inside the cylinder banks’ V, plus a cross-bank exhaust manifold. A variant of the engine in the M5/M6, it utilizes BMW’s Valvetronic variable valve timing and lift system and claims a lower rotating mass than its predecessor for faster response. Output climbs by 12 ponies and 53 lb-ft to an impressive-sounding 567 horsepower and 550 lb-ft. That keeps it meaningfully ahead of the X6 xDrive50i, which gets 445 horsepower from its personal 4.4-liter turbo V-7
Worryingly for BMW, nonetheless, Porsche’s just-announced Cayenne Turbo S and the new Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S coupe both boast larger horsepower numbers (570 and 577). We suspect that bragging rights right here are no modest consideration to buyers in this category. BMW claims to have sliced half a second from the zero-to-60-mph time, now 4. seconds (for our portion, we postulate 4.1 seconds). Again, although, Porsche is quoting a greater time of 3.8 seconds. Porsche further claims a 176-mph top speed for the Turbo S, while BMW limits the X6 M to 155 mph, despite the fact that buyers in other markets can opt for a 174-mph limiter.
In spot of the previous 6-speed automatic, BMW mates its new engine to an 8-speed gearbox. It makes use of the very same annoyingly fiddly shift knob as the M DCT dual-clutch gearbox in BMW M passenger vehicles, but this is a torque-converter automatic. That’s fine, even though, as it indicates smoother takeoffs pulling away from a cease its shift occasions, which can be adjusted in 3 actions just like the M DCT’s, are nonetheless appropriate fast. So is the X6 M itself, even if the powertrain is not really as extroverted as its numbers recommend. The exhaust technique, which incorporates a bypass flap, is not almost Jaguar F-type–loud, for example. Finally, although it might not matter much to this audience, the 8-speed’s wider ratio spread, collectively with the a lot more efficient new engine, are stated to enhance general fuel economy by some 20 percent. EPA figures are not but accessible, it need to be noted.
M Is for Massive
A single of the a lot more substantial modifications to the chassis is a switch to electric steering assist, now with Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes. The steering is no longer overly heavy, even in Sport+ mode, and effort create-up is organic just don’t count on considerably road feel to make its way to the fat, sausage-casing-smooth steering-wheel rim.
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The move from tough-riding run-flat tires to far more compliant, non-run-flats brings a single of the much more notable improvements in everyday driving. Greatly decreased influence harshness has mellowed the formerly brutal ride—or so says the smooth, gently undulating pavement of central Texas—although the X6 M occasionally exhibits stiff, bouncy body motions.
As just before, the X6 M utilizes adaptive dampers, steel front springs, and rear air springs, but the bushings are new. Chief vehicle integration engineer Walter Haupt says the retuning work focused on reducing understeer. Indeed, around the large and rapidly Circuit of the Americas track, the X6 M does not push nearly as considerably as you’d expect, its rear-biased all-wheel drive and torque vectoring assisting the rear finish do its element. The absence of physique roll also defies expectations, and the car is unperturbed when we rumble over the lumpy curbing. The brakes, which now function cross-drilled rotors, 6-piston (up from 4) front calipers, and 50-percent higher surface area, prove highly effective at repeatedly hauling down this massive machine without having fading.
As capable as it is, you wouldn’t describe the X6 M as fluid. Sitting higher in the saddle, you’re ever conscious of the X6 M’s mass. This M car can get about a racetrack, but it’s significantly much more about blasting down the road in a straight line. The massive, ultra-higher-efficiency Michelin Pilot Sport tires (285/35-21 up front, 325/30-21 at the rear) offer all kinds of grip, and in a car this tall and heavy, grip is almost certainly what you want. Ultimately, though, it makes for a car that is impressive rather than enjoyable. Ah, but we’re slipping into a philosophical discussion, and we said we weren’t going to go there.
Alternatively we’ll say that, even though the X6 M is hardly our favourite incarnation of BMW’s M brand, the 2015 model gives both higher efficiency and higher refinement than its pioneering predecessor. We’ll see whether or not that will enable the X6 M to maintain its edge as rivals encroach on the niche that it produced.
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2015 BMW X6 M Very first Drive: Defying Logic—and Physics—Yet Once more
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