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BMW xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control

The BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are the first all-wheel-drive models built by BMW M GmbH, combining BMW xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control with all the specific requirements and qualities of a high-performance vehicle in typical M style. The characteristic highlight of both models is their outstanding driving dynamics combined with supreme driving stability and excellent traction. Driving pleasure is further enhanced by a level of agility unparalleled in this segment and the unusually neutral steering behavior.

Intelligent all-wheel drive ensures variable distribution of drive power front--to-rear. Dynamic performance control, in turn, varies the distribution of power between the two rear wheels and allows particularly dynamic acceleration when leaving a bend. BMW xDrive, Dynamic Performance Control, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Servotronic and Adaptive Drive are all coordinated by Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) as the central control unit. The result is an unusually high standard of driving dynamics and motoring safety in terms of agility, traction and driving stability.

The Servotronic steering developed specifically for the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M provides individual steering assistance related to the speed of the car and varied by two control maps. Substantial steering support at low speeds, for example, allows comfortable parking maneuvers, while exact feedback through higher control forces at higher speeds ensures a superior style of motoring and greater steering precision when travelling fast. Apart from the standard configuration of the Servotronic steering, the driver is also able to call up the Sports Mode by means of the EDC or M Drive button, activating an uncompromisingly sporting control map for particularly dynamic requirements.

Special M Suspension with Adaptive Drive

The suspension with its double-track control arm front axle and the integral IV rear axle comes with elastokinematics again boasting all the features of BMW M. The BMW X6 M comes as standard with air suspension and self-leveling on the rear axle as well as Adaptive Drive with electronically adjustable dampers (EDC) and active anti-roll control. The newly developed three-way support mounts give both the suspension and dampers a particularly sensitive response, and pressing either the EDC or the M Drive button the driver is able to choose either the Normal or Sports damper setting as well as the Servotronic control map. The special configuration of EDC and anti-roll control tailored again to BMW M ensures a linear build-up of lateral forces in fast and dynamic bends. And the high-performance brake system in lightweight technology, to mention yet another example, offers superior stopping power with virtually no fading and optimum control of the brakes.

The M Dynamic Mode (MDM) activated by the DSC button raises the control thresholds for intervention by the brakes and the reduction of engine power and provides that typical steering behavior so characteristic of BMW M by shifting drive power to the rear in the xDrive setting and interacting appropriately with Dynamic Performance Control. MDM therefore allows maximum speeds in bends plus unrestricted safety when driving to the extreme. In the process the car remains absolutely neutral in following the steering, allowing the driver to take even fast bends in a controlled drift under maximum load in the bend apex.

Safety

Both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M come with a special body structure designed and built for maximum occupant safety. The occupants are protected among other things by three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, six airbags - frontal, side and head airbags - as well as crash-activated headrests at the front. Bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime driving light function, adaptive brake lights and 20-inch light-alloy rims with different-sized runflat tyres front and rear all come as standard.

Innovative driver assistance systems raise the superior driving experience in the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M to an even higher level of perfection. These systems include, as an option, BMW's Head-Up Display again tailored to BMW M, Adaptive Headlights, and a High-Beam Assistant. And to supplement Park Distance Control featured as standard, there is also an optional back-up camera complete with a Top View function.

M-Specific Cockpit and Sophisticated Driver Assistance Systems

The philosophy so typical of BMW M naturally continues into the design and configuration of the driver's "workplace". This all-wheel-drive high-performance sports car comes with a special M cockpit with the instrument cluster featuring a variable pre-warning field in the rev counter, specific vehicle function displays, and white display illumination. And the BMW X6 M boast M seats and an M leather steering wheel.

The driver's superior style of motoring is enhanced additionally by innovative driver assistance systems, both models fitted as standard with cruise control incorporating its own brake function. The wide range of optional features, in turn, includes Adaptive Headlights and a High-Beam Assistant.

Supplementing BMW Park Distance Control naturally featured as standard, there is also an optional back-up camera including its own very special Top View function.

The wide range of standard features includes electrical seat adjustment complete with a memory function and seat heating at the front, two-zone automatic air conditioning, extended Merino leather, a HiFi audio system with 12 loudspeakers and 230 Watt amplifier output, M entry trim, an M footrest, interior trim in brushed Aluminum Shadow as well as a BMW Individual instrument panel finished in leather and automatic operation of the tailgate on the BMW X6 M. The optional comfort features available on the BMW X6 M include BMW's Professional navigation system, four-zone automatic air conditioning, active seat ventilation, full leather upholstery in Merino leather, an electrically operated glass roof on the BMW X6 M as well as the BMW Individual High End audio system.

The BMW X6 M features the latest generation of BMW iDrive control serving to mastermind the navigation, infotainment, air conditioning and communication functions as well as the M Drive menu. The latter - the M Drive menu - comprises the various EDC settings including Servotronic, DSC, the Power Mode, and the optional Head-Up Display enabling the user to save his favorite configuration then retrieved by the M Drive button on the steering wheel.

BMW X6 M: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications