2010 BMW X6 M Better Then Cayenne Turbo

BMW has finally made official the long-rumored M versions of the X5 and X6 "Sports Activity Vehicles". Of the two new power 'utes, which are closest competitors to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, the 2010 BMW X6 M is the more exciting, with its rakish shape and a brand new BMW M Power engine finally packing enough ponies to give the X6 its day in the sun.

BMW M Power models have always been about so much more than straight-line speed, so to make the 2010 X6 M a well-rounded car with enough capabilities in the twisties to justify its lineage was part of the deal. The torque distribution and suspension systems that debuted on the X6 did not need a whole lot of modification to be up to the M challenge, but early drive reports should confirm that BMW has really gone the extra mile here.

The M engine in question, a brand new twin-Garett-turbo packing 4.4 liter V8, is an evolution of the naturally aspirated V8 used in X5 and X6 models. The 8 marks the first time a BMW M Model has received any type of force feeding. Output is pegged at 555 horses, which is not-so-coincidentally 5 more horsepower than the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.

Torque is rated at 500 lb-ft., nothing crazy by the X6 M's competitor standards, but the innovative turbocharging system BMW has developed should make sure all that thrust is available at a moment's notice with little-to-no turbo lag.A complex intake and exhaust management system BMW is calling Cylinder-bank Comprehensive Manifold (CCM) makes sure that reused exhaust gases are passed through the turbo system and back into the manifold with every cylinder rotation rather than in the waves of power found in conventional turbos. The result is a promised constant stream of boost, and at 21 PSI there's plenty of it.

To prepare for all that boost, BMW has beefed up the new 4.4's internals dramatically. 4.5 super-smooth seconds through 60 mph tell the tale that such a heavy and tall monstrosity has true sporting potential.Price info has not been finalized. The Cayenne Turbo runs a hair under $100,000 to start, so expect something in the $90,000s.

Chassis
Brakes (Front) 15.6 inch rotors
Brakes (Rear) 15.2 inch rotors
Tires Front 275/40-20 Bridgestone
Tires Rear 315/35-20 Bridgestone
Wheels 20 inch light-alloy M Sport wheels
Rear Suspension Integral four-link rear axle
Front Suspension Double-wishbone front control arms

Front Engine, AWD
Transmission 6 Speed M Sport Paddle-Shifted Automanual
Differential Electronic front and rear LSD

Engine Type:
Direct injection BMW M Sport V8
Induction Twin Garett turbochargers, 21.0 PSI
Displacement 4.4 liters
Torque 500 lb-ft. @ 1500 to 5650 rpm
Horsepower 555 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Compression Ratio 9.30:1

Exterior
Body Type 2 Door, 4 Seat SUV

Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph 4.5 seconds