Dynamic Performance Control presented for the first time in the BMW X6 and now featured also in the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M enhances driving stability in demanding situations. Variable distribution of drive power between the right and left rear wheel significantly improves steering precision and tracking stability at all speeds, with DSC being required to stabilise the vehicle only under high lateral acceleration.
Ultimately this offers the driver an unparalleled standard of dynamic performance, agility and traction re-defining all existing benchmarks in drivetrain and suspension technology.
In the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M the potentials of both systems are again used in that special style of BMW M, with the driver able to activate the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) by means of the DSC button on the centre console. This mode raises the DSC control thresholds for intervention in the brakes and the reduction of engine power and ensures the steering behaviour typical of BMW M by shifting the xDrive control features more to the rear wheels and interacting with Dynamic Performance Control in the process.
As a result, MDM allows maximum speeds in bends and on winding roads with the system cutting in very late when the vehicle reaches the absolute limit. Even under maximum load in the apex of a bend, therefore, the vehicle follows the steering with utmost precision, giving the driver very high speed when leaving the bend in the interest of optimum performance. And last but not least, the DSC-Off Mode may be activated at the touch of a button.
Special M suspension with Adaptive Drive featured as standard.
The suspension developed specifically for the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M with its double-track control arm front axle and Integral IV rear axle offers M-specific elastokinematics thanks to stiffer track control arm mounts and hydraulic tiebar mounts at the front as well as stiffer axle support mounts at the rear.
Both models come as standard with air suspension featuring self-levelling on the rear axle as well as Adaptive Drive with electronically controlled dampers (EDC) and active anti-roll stability. The special version of Adaptive Drive tailored to the requirements of BMW M also serves to lower the entire vehicle by 10 millimetres or 0.39" versus the "regular" BMW X5 and BMW X6 and incor¬porates stiffer carrier springs, modified auxiliary springs, three-way support mounts and damper control with reinforced connection to the body.
The special Servotronic steering developed for the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M provides individual steering assistance geared to the actual road speed of the vehicle. This allows comfortable parking manoeuvres with lower operating forces as well as exact feedback and a high standard of steering precision at higher speeds.
The degree of power assistance is defined by two control maps. Apart from the standard configuration, the driver is able, through the EDC and, respectively, the M Drive button, to call up the Sports Mode activating an uncompromisingly sporting control map with higher control forces for particularly dynamic driving conditions.
Changing from the Normal to the Sports Mode, the system alters not only the Servotronic control map, but also the damper setting, with the connection of the dampers to the body of the vehicle being significantly reinforced in the Sports Mode. In conjunction with anti-roll stability this allows an exceptionally high standard of linear lateral forces in dynamic bends and on fast, winding roads.
The high-performance brake system guarantees supreme stopping power and high resistance to fading under all conditions. The brakes come with four-piston fixed callipers at the front and swing callipers at the rear, combined in each case with inner-vented lightweight brake discs.
The BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are the only vehicles in their segment to come as standard with different-sized tyres front and rear, running in each case on 20-inch light-alloy rims. The choice of 275/40 R 20 tyres at the front and 315/35 R 20 tyres at the rear is a further result of the special set-up characteristic of both models, with the emphasis on rear-wheel power. The choice of this combination of tyre sizes ideal in terms of driving dynamics promotes both the exceptionally good transmission of power to the rear axle and the precise, exactly dosed steering behaviour of both models.
Dynamic performance according to the driver's personal choice and available at the touch of a button: the M Drive button on the steering wheel.
Apart from the DSC Mode and the specific set-up of both the dampers and the steering, the driver is also able to configure the set-up of the drivetrain on the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M according to his personal requirements. Activating the Power Mode which influences both engine and transmission control, the driver has the choice of both the Sports and Efficiency driving programs.
The Sports program allows precise dosage of engine power also under the most dynamic driving conditions specifically through the linear build-up of the power delivered.
The Efficiency program, in turn, shifts up gears at an early point in time not only to significantly reduce fuel consumption under practical driving conditions, but also to allow a relaxed style of motoring using the supreme torque and pulling force of the engine available from low engine speeds. The result, therefore, is an ideal combination of efficient motoring and supreme driving qualities.
In the M Drive menu the driver is able to pre-configure both the Power Mode and the set-up of DSC and EDC, the combination of settings chosen providing the set-up preferred by the driver under all conditions. The driver is even able to save his favourite set-up and subsequently retrieve it at any time simply by pressing the M Drive button on the steering wheel.
The M Drive menu is yet another specific M feature supplementing the vehicle, infotainment, navigation, air conditioning and communication functions already controlled by BMW iDrive. Both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are equipped with the latest generation of iDrive and come as an option with a Head-Up Display again specific to BMW M. Indeed, this function even enables the driver to vary the type and scope of the data projected on to the windscreen in accordance with the M Drive menu.
M-specific cockpit and sophisticated driver assistance systems for even greater supremacy at the wheel.
The philosophy so typical of BMW M naturally continues into the design and configuration of the driver's "workplace": Both of these all-wheel-drive high-performance sports cars come 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 both the BMW X5 M as well as 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 Aluminium Shadow on both models 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 both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M include BMW's Professional navigation system, four-zone automatic air conditioning, active seat ventilation, full leather upholstery in Merino leather, a panorama glass roof on the BMW X5 M and an electrically operated glass roof on the BMW X6 M as well as the BMW Individual High End audio system.