2009 BMW X5 Security Plus

BMW is extending its range of security vehicles by an additional model in a new protection class. The BMW X5 Security Plus complies with the requirements of bullet resistance class 6, bringing versatile mobility and comprehensive protection against criminal assault into line with each other. It is the first vehicle produced by a high-volume manufacturer to offer a security concept aimed at lessening the danger of attacks using the world's most widely used handgun of the type AK 47. The vehicle, which was developed on the basis of the successful BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), offers room for up to four persons inside an exceptionally well-protected passenger cabin. Moreover, its superior drive and suspension technology also allows the driver to cope effortlessly with demanding situations, both on the road and on rough terrain. With the BMW X5 Security Plus, BMW is defining a new benchmark in protection against crime on the road.

The security concept for the BMW X5 Security Plus focuses on its armoured passenger cabin. It guarantees excellent protection, including the use of high-performance steel moulded components and panels. The body features sealed joints, which also provide protection in critical areas - e.g. between doors and frames as well as between side panels and pillars - thus preventing bullet or fragment penetration, as well as security glass conceived exclusively for this bullet resistance class. Furthermore, the windows resist attack using clubs, crowbars etc. and feature a polycarbonate coating that protects the interior from glass shatter.

BMW X5 Security Plus: Premiere for a new benchmark in security.

The BMW X5 Security Plus was tested in compliance with the BRV 1999 guideline for bullet-resistant vehicles and offers protection according to VPAM - APR 2006 in the bullet resistance class 6. The professional protection concept for the new BMW X5 Security Plus is, inter alia, designed to combat criminal threats such as robbery, abduction or carjacking, however, additionally for employment in hot spots in which the AK 47 has become a typical firearm used by assailants. The BMW X5 Security Plus offers comprehensive protection against these kind of attacks. Its security features were devised exclusively for this model and thoroughly tested within the framework of product development. The integration of the protective components was effected parallel to the series development of the BMW X5.

Effective protection as standard, perfectly tuned to the Sports Activity Vehicle.

Therefore, like all other BMW security vehicles, the BMW X5 Security Plus also offers comprehensive protection as standard. As opposed to retrofitted armour plating, BMW security vehicle assembly guarantees that all components are perfectly adapted to each specific model and, in addition, correspond the stringent BMW quality assurance guidelines. Assembly of the BMW X5 Security Plus is effected parallel to the production vehicle at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina/USA. The installation of protective features is performed in accordance with BMW processes at the Toluca plant (Mexico). BMW's more than 30 years of experience in security vehicle construction is apparent both in the development and the production of the BMW X5 Security Plus.

The standard security features of the BMW X5 Security Plus include, in addition to the effective armour plating, distinctive technical attributes that provide assistance in dealing with hazardous situations. An intercom system facilitates communication with persons outside the vehicle, without having to open doors or windows. The hold-up alarm ensures that windows and doors lock automatically. Furthermore, acoustic and visual alarm signals are emitted. The system's control elements are located behind a panel on the centre console. Optional features include a rear view camera which transmits its images to the control display of the iDrive operating system located on the dashboard, providing assistance during reversing. The camera of the side view system integrated into the front bumper offers a detailed overview of what is going on in front of the vehicle. For example, when leaving a multi-storey car park or driving through narrow gateways, it is possible to identify cross traffic in good time.

Furthermore, the standard features of the BMW X5 Security Plus also include bi-xenon headlights with adaptive cornering light. These ensure optimum visibility thanks to a light beam that follows the course of the bend. In addition, this cornering light function ensures premature illumination of the road ahead when changing direction at road junctions or driveways.

Agile and safe on any terrain.

Over and above the outstanding level of security, the BMW X5 Security Plus also impresses with the highest degree of comfort, first-class handling and extremely sporty road performance. Thanks to its generous interior, its powerful eight-cylinder engine and intelligent four-wheel drive BMW xDrive, it is adequately equipped both for everyday traffic as well as for situations requiring fast and flexible response.

The 4.8-litre V8 power unit of the BMW X5 Security Plus delivers an output of 261 kW/355 bhp and a maximum torque of 475 Nm achieved at an engine speed of 3,400 rpm. The BMW X5 Security Plus accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h.

Thanks to its intelligent four-wheel drive system xDrive, the BMW X5 Security Plus is not restricted to driving on tarmac alone, but can also cope confidently with problematic off-road terrain. The cross-linking of the four-wheel drive with the stability control system DSC within the Integrated Chassis Management system (ICM) facilitates distribution of power that is optimally and precisely adapted to each driving situation. Taking into consideration the data supplied by the DSC sensors, iDrive transfers power at lightning speed to the wheels with the best traction.

The suspension featured by the BMW X5 Security Plus is perfectly adapted to the increased weight. For this purpose, specific suspension components such as springs and dampers have been employed and the software for suspension management has been adapted to the unique characteristics of a security vehicle. In order to further enhance superiority in demanding situations, the BMW X5 Security Plus features as standard a high-performance brake system, speed-dependent Active Steering and the Adaptive Drive system, comprising active anti-roll control and variable damper adjustment. In addition, the BMW X5 Security Plus boasts tyres with emergency running properties. This ensures that the tyres remain functional even after a total loss of pressure, e.g. after being shot at or after running over sharp or pointed objects. When the vehicle is partially loaded, they permit safe driving over a distance of around 150 kilometres at a speed of up to 80 km/h.

A further advantage of the protection concept available ex factory is the neutrally designed integration of all security components. Even to the practiced eye, security vehicles built by BMW can hardly be distinguished from corresponding production models. This does justice to customer demands for discretion and also provides passengers with a higher level of security.

At the same time BMW offers its customers comprehensive global support. This ranges from discreet consulting and all-round service to the supply of spare parts. All security vehicles are designed to facilitate maintenance and repair at regular BMW garages. The service also includes a company-owned pool comprising security and high-security vehicles.

Moreover, BMW provides special security vehicle driver training. These courses, which BMW has conducted for more than 20 years now, are offered at various grades, depending on the participants' previous knowledge, and are held at several different locations worldwide. These training courses are conducted by highly qualified experts. The contents range from comprehensive theoretical tuition and practical vehicle handling to instruction on tactical behaviour.

[Source: NetCarShow]

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2010 BMW 760Li

The new BMW 7-Series already sets the benchmark in luxury performance motoring - and now BMW is moving up the standard of maximum exclusivity and supremacy in this supreme class to an even higher level, following a completely new definition: The new BMW 760i and the new BMW 760Li are taking over the top position within BMW's model portfolio, representing the highest level of motoring refinement in their segment.

The heart and foundation of this exceptional new standard comes from the twelve-cylinder power unit featured in both top models in the BMW 7-Series. Developed as a completely new engine from the ground up, the V12 is a masterpiece of modern engine technology. Superior power of 400 kW/544 hp comes at an engine speed of 5,250 rpm, with maximum torque of 750 Newton-metres (553 lb-ft) from just 1,500 rpm.

Combined with the likewise brand-new eight-speed automatic transmission, this twelve-cylinder offers not only unparalleled motoring refinement, but also supreme driving dynamics through its ability to convert seemingly unlimited power reserves spontaneously and with precise control at all times into supreme driving dynamics.

Once again, BMW's twelve-cylinder power unit is the epitome of refined performance, grand touring comfort, and stylish exclusivity. The new BMW 760i as well as the new BMW 760Li with its wheelbase extended by 14 centimetres or 5.5" for particular comfort - if not to say, luxury - at the rear, provide the clear answer to the question as to what one may expect of a genuine luxury performance saloon, with fascinating new features underscoring BMW's claim to leadership in the luxury segment.

The drivetrain with all its technical features is a masterpiece of supremacy in every respect. This applies both to the 6.0-litre all-aluminium power unit with TwinPower Turbo Technology, High Precision Injection with fuel injected directly into the combustion chambers, and to BMW's infinite double-VANOS camshaft adjustment as well as the eight-speed automatic transmission featured for the first time in a BMW.

Benefiting from all these technologies, the new BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li offer a new standard of motoring refinement, dynamic performance and all-round efficiency in a vehicle with this kind of power and output. Acceleration to 100 km/h comes in just 4.6) seconds, average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 12.9) litres/100 kilometres on the new BMW 760i.

In determining the cars' fuel consumption, BMW's engineers have already taken the stricter EU5 emission standard into account, meaning that with the cars' performance improving significantly fuel consumption is down by approximately 4.5 per cent versus the former model.

The new BMW 7-Series: the perfect saloon for supreme motoring refinement.

Boasting superior suspension technology, innovative driver assistance systems and luxurious comfort, as well as a combination of elegance and sporting performance borne out clearly by the car's design, the BMW 7-Series offers all the qualities required to enjoy a truly incomparable driving experience with a new twelve-cylinder power unit of a standard never seen before.

Both the new BMW 760i and the new BMW 760Li come as standard with Dynamic Damping Control including Dynamic Driving Control operated at the touch of a button on the centre console, speed-related Servotronic steering assistance, and BMW's Dynamic Drive anti-roll stability system.

In addition to these outstanding technologies, the BMW 760Li features air suspension including self-levelling on the rear axle. And as an option both models are available with Integral Active Steering offering speed-related adjustment of the steering angle on the rear wheels. With this enhanced steering function both front and rear, particularly the cars' grand touring comfort on the rear seats reaches an even higher level, above all when changing lanes at high speeds.

The supreme grand touring comfort offered by the new top-of-the-range models in the BMW 7-Series is further underlined by comfort seats, BMW's navigation system Professional, automatic air conditioning with four-zone control, cruise control complete with an automatic brake function, Park Distance Control, and Automatic Soft Close on the doors all featured as standard.

The innovative driver assistance systems available as an option include Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Active Cruise Control with Stop-&-Go function, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, the BMW Head-Up Display, a back-up camera and the Side View system. And to supplement the bi-xenon headlights as a further option, BMW offers the High-Beam Assistant and Adaptive Headlights including Bending Lights, variable light distribution and adaptive headlight range control, setting new standards for safe driving at night.

Design: discreet signals on the outside, stylish exclusivity inside.

The outstanding looks of the BMW 760i and BMW 760Li benefit from the harmonious combination of elegance, sportiness and natural presence so characteristic of the new BMW 7-Series in its design. Offering 14 centimetres or 5.5" longer wheelbase, the extended version allows particularly comfortable access to the rear seats. And thanks to the unique design of the roofline and C-pillar contours, the side view of the car, despite the extra headroom for the rear-seat passengers, maintains the same overall impression as on the "regular" saloon with its "normal" wheelbase. Both body versions, incidentally, come with the longest wheelbase in their respective segments.

Visual reference to the V12 power unit on the outside of the BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li is similarly stylish and discreet. The kidney grille for the radiator boasts an extra-wide chrome frame in slightly concave design as well as bars extending powerfully to the front. From the side, 19-inch light-alloy wheels available exclusively on these models as well as the V12 model designation on the chrome-plated gills with their integrated side direction indicators at the transition point between the front side panel and the driver's and, respectively, front passenger's door likewise serve to identify these very special models.

An additional chrome bar between the unique dual tailpipes on the exhaust system provides a special sign of distinction at the rear of both models. The exhaust tailpipes integrated in the rear air dam at the right and left, in turn, are made up of two adjacent, rectangular pipe units embellished with chrome trim and cut at a slight angle, flush to their surrounds.

Inside the BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li the luxurious ambience is supplemented by various design features tailored specifically to these two models and matched in perfect harmony, again expressing the exclusive character of the V12 models. Stainless-steel door entry trim with an illuminated V12 cover, the instrument panel finished in nappa leather and surrounded by elegant seams, the roof lining and sun visors in alcantara as well as top-quality wood trim in exclusive burr walnut with individual inlays help to give the BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li a further stylish sign of distinction versus the other models in the BMW 7-Series.

The new V12 power unit: perfection as the underlying principle, innovation as the driving power.

The twelve-cylinder power unit in a BMW 7-Series Luxury Performance Saloon guarantees a driving and travel experience quite unique in every respect. No other engine offers such an outstanding combination of power and refinement, no other power unit provides the same supreme standard of prestige.

Now these features come out even more clearly, with BMW's new V12 offering significantly more power and torque compared with their predecessors, optimising engine response and the ongoing surge of power, and further refining the engine's acoustics. The progress achieved in this way is clearly recognisable right from the start.

These features also stand out clearly from the BMW 750i which, with its modern V8 featuring TwinPower Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection, as such already offers the power and performance of a conventional twelve-cylinder.

Hence, the new V12 maintains the outstanding position of BMW's twelve-cylinder models also in the new generation of the BMW 7-Series, giving the driver of a BMW 760i and, respectively, a BMW 760Li all the assurance of absolute supremacy in the luxury class. Yet a further point is that the new engines combine the outstanding qualities of a V12 with up-to-date efficiency, offering a level of fuel economy and emission management even better than eight-cylinder models in the same segment as the BMW 7-Series.

By tradition, the twelve-cylinder enjoys a special status worldwide unmatched by other engines of different design and configuration. The twelve-cylinder represents the highest level of competence in engine technology and justifies its outstanding position through qualities only this drive concept is able to offer.

The unique status of the twelve-cylinder as an incomparably powerful and, at the same time, refined power unit is based on a construction and design principle which offers perfect conditions for supreme power and performance achieved without the slightest effort. Benefiting from an angle of 60° between the two rows of cylinders, the V12, in its supreme elimination of vibrations, comes closer to the highest standard conceivable in physics than any other engine.

All components and design features on the all-aluminium engine block are built and constructed for supreme stiffness on minimum weight. Using a closed-deck structure combined with bolts holding the cylinder head down on the floor plate of the crankcase, the engine, to mention just one example, ensures maximum stability on the cylinder liners. Double bolts on the main bearings with an additional connection to the side panels through threaded support bushes and bolts reduce the influence of lateral forces from the crankdrive on the crankcase.

Further components of the engine block serving in typical BMW twelve-cylinder style to reduce vibrations to an absolute minimum are iron-coated aluminium pistons, forged connecting rods assembled through the cracking process, as well as the crankshaft also forged for absolute perfection. This also makes the sound of the engine when idling a very special experience where the driver first has to look at the rev counter to see whether the engine is running at all.

The new V12 power unit comes with 5,972 cc maintaining exactly the same cylinder volume as on the former engine. Displacing 497.7 cubic centimetres per cylinder, the engine therefore offers exactly the right size and dimensions acknowledged by engine specialists as absolutely ideal. Bore of 89 mm/3.50" and stroke of 80 mm/3.15" provides a ratio between these two parameters of 0.9, while the compression ratio is a remarkably high 10.0 : 1 quite unusual on a turbocharged power unit.

Intelligent solution for even more power and supremacy.

The introduction of TwinPower Turbo Technology raises the twelve-cylinder to a level of output and torque a naturally-aspirated power unit would achieve only with much larger displacement. The increase in engine size and weight inevitable in such a case, together with negative effects on the centre of gravity, fuel consumption and the agility of the car, are all avoided most efficiently and intelligently through turbocharger technology.

A further point is that TwinPower Turbo Technology gives the new V12 its unparalleled power and performance characteristics borne out in particular by the superior development of full power and torque right from the start just above idling speed and then maintained over a wide load range.

To ensure sensitive and precise dosage of power at all times, the compressed turbocharger air is cooled by a technically very demanding and elaborate indirect intercooler. This serves to minimise the overall volume of air required and shorten any delay times, again enabling the engine to respond ideally to the driver's foot on the gas pedal. An additional coolant pump feeds the separate coolant circuit required for this purpose with its air/coolant heat exchanger positioned directly on the intake unit.

The catalytic converters on the new twelve-cylinder come with the most advanced and sophisticated exhaust gas sensors and quickly reach their optimum operating temperature thanks to their special position close to the engine. Efficient treatment of exhaust gases ensures full maintenance of all international emission standards, the BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li fulfilling the EU5 emission standard in Europe and the ULEV II standard in the USA.

To reduce counter-pressure the exhaust system comes on the underfloor with largely straight pipes and manifolds increased in size to the largest possible diameter. Exhaust flaps around the silencer masterminded by the electronic control unit as a function of engine maps provide exactly the right engine sound precisely geared to current driving conditions. When idling, therefore, the V12 remains absolutely silent, not emitting any noise at all. The same applies to cruising conditions, with only very discreet sound from the engine being emitted to the outside. So it is only at higher engine speeds that the driver receives appropriate acoustic feedback on the development of power, with the engine providing its muscular V12 sound when accelerating fast and under full power. Again, this special sound effect under such dynamic conditions authentically reflects both the capacity of the engine and the intensity of power coming from within the engine compartment, characterising the dynamic qualities of BMW's twelve-cylinder.

Flexible, up-to-date, oriented to the future.

With the number of transmission components being increased only slightly over the former six-speed automatic transmission, the new eight-speed automatic offers an unusually high level of internal efficiency. So-called gear-mesh efficiency, for example, is more than 98 per cent in each gear. And being configured as a direct gear, sixth gear reduces frictional losses to zero.

The low weight of the new transmission virtually identical to that of the former six-speed automatic likewise benefits the overall efficiency of the car, with the integration of an additional gearset being compensated by the optimisation of weight in other areas.

In all the minimum converter slip, the high degree of internal efficiency, low frictional losses with only two clutches open at a time, the longer transmission ratios on the higher gears and the transmission management giving preference to low engine speeds at all times offer a reduction of fuel consumption versus the former six-speed automatic by approximately 6 per cent.

As a result of these improvements and highlights in technology, the new eight-speed automatic transmission is not only the optimum system currently available, but also a future-oriented solution for the transmission of power in a premium car.

The new transmission may be combined with all kinds of engines and levels of performance, and may be integrated not only in cars with rear-wheel drive, but also in all-wheel-drive models. At the same time the eight-speed automatic transmission may be combined with hybrid drive, making it part of BMW's Active Hybrid technology combining an eight-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. This innovative drive concept will be reaching production standard in the first hybrid model in the BMW 7-Series in the course of 2009.

[Source: NetCarShow]

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2010 BMW X6 M

Now the discerning customer has the opportunity to enjoy the unique high-performance character of a BMW M car also in the segment of BMW X models: The BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are the first all-wheel-drive models to offer the supreme performance, dynamic driving features, athletic design, and premium quality of a typical BMW M Car.

Both models are powered by a newly developed V8 high-performance engine delivering 408 kW/555 hp at an engine speed range between of 6,000 rpm from an engine capacity of 4,395 cc. The new M TwinPower Turbo engine is indeed the world's first power unit with a common exhaust manifold encompassing both rows of cylinders and featuring Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology.

BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system is naturally geared to the specific power and performance characteristics of the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M, just like Dynamic Performance Control also standard on both models. Interacting with the cars' special M suspension including Adaptive Drive and the newly developed Servotronic power steering, this ensures the driving behaviour so characteristic of a BMW M Car, combining unique driving stability with precisely controlled steering qualities all the way to the highest level of driving dynamics.

The BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M set new standards in this segment of high-performance models in terms of acceleration, lateral dynamics, steering behaviour, stopping power, and efficiency. Both models accelerate to 100 km/h from a standstill in 4.7 seconds and stand out not only through the truly impressive delivery of power by the V8 turbo engine providing maximum torque of 680 Newton-metres or 501 lb-ft in the broad speed range between 1,500 and 5, 650 rpm, but also through the likewise smooth and consistent build-up of lateral forces meeting the highest requirements and the most dynamic level of performance in bends.

The exclusive character of both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M results to a large extent from a level of driving performance never seen before even in this particular segment. Both models offer the ultimate in their segment in every respect, providing performance and dynamic driving reserves quite unique versus the competition and ensuring an experience of unlimited supremacy in everyday traffic.

Design: features typical of BMW M for supreme dynamics and exclusivity.

The truly outstanding potential of both models comes out clearly in their looks and design, their joint DNA borne out by supreme performance on the road presented convincingly by the common design of the front end with its large air intakes.

The engine compartment lid, the front air dam and the headlight graphics carried over from the BMW X6 are identical in both cases. The proportions of the two cars, on the other hand, clearly differ through the variability of the BMW X5 M Sports Activity Vehicle as opposed to the dynamic qualities of the BMW X6 M Sports Activity Coupé.

Both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M feature special gill intakes in the front side panels tailored to each model as well as individually designed 20-inch light-alloy rims.

The signs of distinction so typical of BMW M are likewise presented in individual style at the rear, in both cases confirming the outstanding dynamism of each model: The rear air dam on the BMW X6 M demonstrates particularly powerful presence, while the two dual tailpipes in the exhaust system surrounded in both cases by the rear air dam are again typical of BMW's M philosophy.

Compared with the "regular" BMW X5 and the BMW X6, the share of black plastic surfaces around the lower section of the body is reduced on both new models, giving even greater emphasis to the road going-orientation of the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M. Particularly the body elements fulfilling major functions in terms of aerodynamics and the flow of cooling air are clearly accentuated on both models.

Beyond these common features, both of these all-wheel-drive high-performance sports cars stand out clearly as unique models in their own right: The BMW X5 M clearly boasts its superior power and exclusivity at very first sight, while the BMW X6 M, in its unique design, alludes to fascinating driving dynamics and the car's athletic charisma.

M Sports Automatic with electronic gear selector lever and shift paddles on the steering wheel.

Featured for the first time on a BMW M Model, the six-speed automatic transmission enhances the high-performance character of the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M through its spontaneous gearshift, direct connection to the engine, and the high standard of shift comfort. The new M Sports Automatic is controlled by an electronic gear selector lever on the centre console and offers the driver not only the D Mode, but also an S and M Mode for an even more sporting gearshift.

Aluminium gearshift paddles on the steering wheel exclusive to BMW M allow a manual gearshift significantly shortening gearshift times by the new technology reducing torque in the transmission through the deactivation of individual cylinders.

This significantly enhances the sporting character of the car, the gear in mesh being held in position in the M Mode up to maximum engine speed in order to give the driver optimum control of his vehicle also under the most dynamic driving conditions. In other words, the transmission does not shift up automatically at a certain engine speed in this mode.

A further option in the M Mode is to activate the Launch Control function enabling the driver to accelerate from a standstill with maximum performance: With the driver pressing the gas pedal fully down, M Sports Automatic shifts gears automatically at the ideal point and with optimum wheel spin control. An aluminium oil sump again exclusive to BMW M with a special finned or ribbed structure on the surface guarantees optimum cooling at all times even with an extremely sporting style of motoring.

BMW xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control with a special set-up for optimum dynamics.

The outstanding success of BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology is based on the fact that the system not only improves traction on rough terrain, but also enhances driving dynamics on the road. Electronically controlled, variable power distribution to the front and rear axle prevents even the slightest tendency to over- or understeer right from the start, before DSC Dynamic Stability Control is even required to cut in.

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.

[Source: NetCarShow]

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