BMW Performance Range For X5 And X6 Previewed

BMW used last month’s 2010 Geneva Motor Show to unveil a new range of performance accessories to be sold under the “BMW Performance” line of factory backed modifications. The BMW Performance line was originally introduced a couple of years back for the 3-Series and was quickly expanded to cover the 1-Series and Z4 models.

Now it’s the X5 and X6 models getting the performance makeover. The wide range of products from BMW Performance offers numerous options for customizing the vehicles, including modifications for the drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics and cockpit.

Some of the items include an aerodynamics kit, which is made up of a new front bumper, side-sills and an insert for the rear bumper, all finished to match the vehicle’s body color. Other pieces include a rear spoiler, rear fins in matt black and a front grid finished in high-gloss black paint.

The powertrain modifications have been developed specifically for the V-8 power unit in the X5 and X6 xDrive50i and the straight-six in the BMW X5 and X6 xDrive35i and significantly improve power and torque levels.

By adjusting the engines’ respective electronic control modules, BMW engineers were able to raise output of the xDrive50i’s twin-turbocharged V-8 to 448 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque--up 41 horsepower and 37 pound-feet of torque over the standard models. The xDrive35i sees gains of 20 horsepower and 37 pound-feet of torque, resulting in an output of 326 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque.

Benefiting from the modifications, the models all accelerate 0.2 seconds faster from a standstill to 62 mph, the X5 and X6 xDrive50i with the upgrade completing this sprint in 5.2 seconds and the modified X5 and X6 xDrive35i doing it in 6.5 seconds

A new sports exhaust system is also available.

For the interior, customers will be able to select from a new sports steering wheel with a flattened rim at the bottom and Alcantara trim and aluminium pedals.

All features in the BMW Performance product line will be available individually this June and all the accessories and features will be sold and fitted by official dealers and special BMW retail outlets.

[BMW]