BMW admits that it would like to draw customers away from vehicles like the Mercedes Benz ML63 AMG and Porsche Cayenne, and in an effort to make its M SUVs more appealing has fitted the pair with standard 20in wheels, sports seats, red needle gauges, and Merino leather trim.
Both models are powered by a newly-developed 4.4L V8 M engine delivering 555hp (412kW) at 6,000rpm and 500lb-ft (677Nm) of torque from a low 1,500 to 5,650rpm - enough to send the vehicles from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds.
The vehicles also have a reworked chassis, with new M-specific adaptive suspension, an uprated intelligent xDrive AWD system, and newly-developed Servotronic power steering. Finally, they are offered with a six-speed automatic transmission with an electronic selector on the center console offering three different driving modes – Drive, Sport and M Manual modes for absolute control of gear selection.
For more information about either the X5 M or X6 M, check out our previous story by clicking here.