MUNICH: BMW is powering up its middle class of SUV with up to 625hp in new M versions of its X5 and X6 off-roaders.
On sale from May in its home market in Europe at prices starting at €128,100 (RM600,000), the high-performance X5 M and X6 M seem to be all about what's under the bonnet.
The 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine in its basic configuration almost doubles the range's horsepower figures to at least 600hp, and even manages 625hp in the so-called Competition models.
The beefed-up crossovers can manage a sprint from 0 to 100kph in 3.8 seconds before hitting a top speed of 250kph, which you can have increased to 290kph on request.
However the powerful performance comes at a price to efficiency. BMW puts standard fuel consumption in even the most frugal version at 12.5 litres (284 g/km CO2), at best average for an SUV and almost twice the figures of the most efficient crossovers.
BMW says it has also modified the four-wheel drive, putting more power in the rear. Drivers can meanwhile expect a modified design on the inside with extended equipment and sports seats.
BMW is pricing the X5 M as a Competition version for €141,400 (RM663,000), while the X6 M is only available in the more powerful version from €144,200 (RM676,000).
