Not sure what to think about this high-performance SAV? Well then, let Senior Editor Dan Pund explain it to you. He just spent a whole day behind the wheel of the 2010 BMW X6 M on a track and around the streets of Atlanta.
Like you, he was skeptical of an M-badged vehicle with an automatic and all-wheel drive. He also notes its considerable weight. Thankfully there's also a massive hunk of horsepower under the hood which is always helpful.
Is it enough to make this odd-looking crossover into a true "M" vehicle? Allow Dan to explain.
hondacura4 says:
08:49 AM, 07/ 9/09
When I first heard of the M badged X5/6 M's I was a bit confused as I couldn't imagine such heavy vehicles with the traditional ///M small displacement/high revving, high specific output engines. Then of course more information leaked and it was confirmed these 2 monsters would use a modified version of the 750i's TTV8.
I don't have a problem with the vehicles as much as I have a problem with the labeling of these SAV's as M models. Neither of the vehicles possess traditionally what makes an M...an M and because of that reason I will say that they are only ///M's in labeling alone.
I truly think BMW should have used a designation such as the last high performance X5 4.8is. That would have made more sense and it wouldn't dilute what defines an M. However, I think BMW thinks that the ///M badge is better for marketing reasons and greater sales vs the 4.8is.
BMW, as great as the TTV8 is PLEASE don't implement this engine in the next M5. That high revving character has defined and currently defines the ///M car. Simply keep the V10 layout, add direct injection, knock displacement up a liter and keep the stratospheric rev limit. A 6.0L DOHC V10 with a 580-600hp/460ftlbs of torque sounds awesome.
fuhteng says:
10:23 AM, 07/ 9/09
That is a rather good photo of the big-ugly. I like it. The ///M part though, no. Instead of making these, I think they should have spent the money on an M1 supercar. Quite an engine though!
brn says:
11:06 AM, 07/ 9/09
I thought Europe was the land of 52hp economy cars? :)