This X5 M is the first high-performance model from BMW M GmbH to feature 48V technology.
BMW M GmbH is forging ahead with electrification just months after celebrating its 50th birthday. It is already the best selling premium brand for two years in a row, so this latest version of the X5 will have enough waiting customers.
The 48V technology makes its debut in the brand’s high-performance models here, joining forces with a new V8 engine featuring M TwinPower Turbo technology.
Together, the boost provided by the electric motor and the high-revving character of the V8 engine take the performance attributes for which M cars are renowned to an even more enthralling level.
The electric motor, complete with power electronics, is integrated into the compact housing of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and delivers an additional up to 12 hp of output and 200 Nm of torque.
The result is noticeably more rapid power delivery, enabling the drive unit to respond to every movement of the accelerator. The build-up of power then continues steadily into the highest reaches of the engine speed range.
For the driver, this means extremely spirited and assured performance, both when sprinting off the line and during midrange acceleration.
With the electric motor performing a supporting role for the combustion engine under steady loads, in many situations the engine can work within an optimum load window for increasing its efficiency.
The energy required for the additional electrical power is stored in a 48V battery housed in the engine compartment. The battery is charged through highly efficient adaptive recuperation under braking and on the overrun, and also supplies the car’s electrical system with recuperated energy.
In addition, the electric motor works as a crankshaft-mounted starter generator. This ensures the combustion engine sparks into life extremely smoothly, something the driver will also notice when the Auto Start Stop function is called into action.
When pausing at junctions or in traffic congestion, the 48V generator shuts off the V8 engine with minimal vibration and starts it up again unobtrusively.
New V8 engine with optimised power delivery and increased efficiency
The newly developed design of the combustion engine combines a classically high-revving profile with state-of-the-art M TwinPower Turbo technology. The 4.4-litre V8 engine in the new BMW X5 M Competition and its close sibling, the new BMW X6 M Competition stands out with its even sharper response and increased efficiency.
As well as a cross-bank exhaust manifold, the engine now also features a reinforced crankshaft drive, further developed turbocharging – mounted close to the exhaust manifold and with an electrically controlled blow-off valve – plus a new air intake duct, a new vane-type oil pump and a weight-optimised plastic oil sump. The emissions performance of the drive system is further enhanced by an optimised oil separation process with a variable impactor.
In addition to the two turbochargers with indirect charge air cooling located between the cylinder banks, the V8’s M TwinPower Turbo technology also includes High Precision Injection direct petrol injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and double VANOS continuously variable camshaft control.
Visually, the latest generation of drive units is identifiable by a new engine cover with red graphic elements and a coloured M logo. As an option, the engine cover is also available in carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) with exposed fibre structure.
A thirst for revs and relentless build-up of power are further qualities of the new V8 engine. It delivers peak torque of 750 Nm between 1,800 and 5,800 rpm and generates maximum output of 625 hp at 6,000 rpm.
The new BMW X5 M Competition and new BMW X6 M Competition each accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reach a speed of 200 km/h in 13.8 seconds and 13.6 seconds respectively.
The engine’s stirring effervescence also comes to the fore when the driver injects short bursts of speed. The new BMW X5 M Competition will sprint from 80 to 120 km/h in 3.2 seconds (4th gear) and 4.2 seconds (5th gear) respectively.
The top speed of both models is electronically limited to 250 km/h. It can be raised to 290 km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package.
