BMW will be rolling out its new 2010 X5 M model this fall. While official photos have been released, actual access to the car has been somewhat limited. So let’s take a look at what BMW has to tell us about this new car.
BM says their new X5 M will redefine what a sedan can do, offering new heights of power, balance and precision. The X5 M and its sister X6 M will be the first models to offer all wheel drive in this new line.
Both models come standard with a 4.4 liter, V8 M engine. The engine delivers 555 horsepower with 500 lb-ft of torque. The engine has an exhaust manifold it describes as pulse-tuned, which BMW says takes in each of the two cylinder rows and combines twin turbo technology for high performance. The vehicles will also feature the xDrive all wheel drive system, along with their Dynamic Performance Control system. These new M class vehicles will also have Servotronic power steering – a new development – and Adaptive Drive suspension. These changes should make the vehicles handle less like SUVs and more like BMWs.
In addition, for the first time, BMW is using a 6 speed M Sports automatic transmission on an M model vehicle. To offer the driver complete control over gear selection, the driver can choose from Drive mode, Sport mode and M Manual mode. This is designed to provide a direct connection with the engine, an instantaneous response and comfortable shifting for drivers of all levels of experience.
The BMW M also allows manual shifting through aluminum paddles on the steering wheel – the driver merely moves the paddle right to up shift and left to down shift. Individual cylinders are momentarily deactivated in the transmission, reducing torque and making for significantly quicker up shifts. In M Manual mode, the transmission doesn’t automatically up or down shift; each gear is held to the redline. In M Manual mode, the driver can also activate a feature known as Launch Control, which allows for acceleration from a standstill with maximum performance.
The xDrive all wheel drive technology is designed around electronically-controlled distribution of power to the front and rear axles, which reduces the tendency to over- or under-steer. Overall, this means less assistance from the Dynamic Stability Control feature, which is designed primarily for demanding situations where driving stability is needed. BMW claims that this will offer drivers unparalleled performance, balance, traction and agility.
The 2010 BM X5 M will also offer a feature called Autohold – an electro-hydraulic parking brake. In stop and go traffic or at an intersection, Autohold will keep the car stopped without the driver having to apply constant pressure on the brake. A touch of the accelerator and the brake is released, which could ultimately reduce gas mileage and wear and tear on the brake system components.
With all these features in mind, the price for the BMW X5 M is expected to be around $86,000 when it’s released. Although this may seem pricey, it’s worth considering if you’ve got the extra pocket money for such a purchase.
