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The troublesome two: BMW announces 567-horsepower X5 M and X6 M

If the M3 and M4 are the quarterbacks of BMW’s M family, the X5 M and X6 M are definitely the linebackers of the bunch.

BMW officially announced 2015’s formidable duo this week ahead of their debut at the 2014 LA Auto Show.

The X5 M retains the boxy, commanding shape of its third-gen Sports Activity Vehicle parent, while the interior of the M model wears brilliant red leather contrasted with aluminum and dark upholstery. There’s also an optional Head-Up Display with an M-specific rev band, shift lights, and a gear indicator for those ‘spirited’ moments.

Since this is an M car, you know there’s more to this ‘SAV’ than gadgets. BMW has fitted a new TwinPower Turbo V8 to the X5, which carries over to the X6 M. The engine uses two TwinScroll turbos to produce a maximum output of 567 horsepower and 553 pound-feet between 2,200 and 5,000 rpm.

The handling has been considerably beefed up as well, and both crossovers wear self-leveling air suspension, stiffened springs, Dynamic Damper Control, Active Roll Stabilization, adjustable M Servotronic steering, and a 10-milimeter shorter ride height. BMW says the cars will safely operate in up to 1.2 gs of lateral acceleration.

Both models share a front bumper, headlight assembly, side skirt package, wheel set, and aerodynamic mirror array, so the X6 M embraces many of the same styling components as the X5.

Where the X6 differs, though, is in the running shoe-esque profile of it Sports Activity Coupe layout, which awkwardly resembles the rear end of a hardtop Z4 stuck to the back of an SUV. Many would struggle to call it a pretty vehicle, but the ‘SAC’ class continues to catch on nonetheless. The interior is virtually identical to the X5 M, although caramel-colored Merino leather is an option on either.

Where the X5 and X6 M really shine is performance. They use the same powertrain, so the brawny Germans will equally accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds with the help of M-specific all-wheel drive. Both will pace to a limited top speed of 155 mph.

The X5 M starts at S99,650, while the X6 M retails for $103,050. BMW expects an on-sale date of spring 2015.

Andrew Hard
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
The week in EV tech: From sky-high dreams to ground-level drama
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Welcome to Digital Trends’ weekly recap of the revolutionary technology powering, connecting, and now driving next-gen electric vehicles. 
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