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| 2016 BMW X6 M and 2016 BMW X5 M |
Both the BMW X5 and the X6 are in their latest generations and now, they've been given their more potent M versions that will give these heavyweight Bimmers a chance to let loose on the wild, however there's something wrong about these two heavyweight behemoths dressed in gym shorts.
For starters, both the X5 M and X6 M have shared the same fate as the latest M3 and M4 have witnessed. For the X5 M, the codename is not classified as "F15" as with the normal X5 and for the X6 M, it's no longer classified as "F16" as with the normal X6. Instead the latest X5 M is classified as F85 and the new X6 M is classified as F86. That sounds like a big conspiracy for the Bimmer geeks but maybe because these new models come with a combination of high-strength steel and carbon composites. It's the same thing happened on the latest M3 and M4, but best to leave this ludicrous conspiracy for now.
Both the new X5 M and the X6 M still come with the same 4.4L twin turbo V8 engine from the previous model but now, it's been uprooted with 20HP more so that now, it produces 575HP of power output and 750Nm of torque. It would reach to 100kph in 4.2 seconds and they're electronically limited to 250kph. With that kind of engine output, both the X5 M and the X6 M will have its Porsche Cayenne Turbo S rival hanging in the balance, or that's the theory because when it comes to taking on the corners, looks like the more powerful Cayenne will outwit both these big, beefy M SUVs because even with the weight loss thanks to the combination of high-strength steel and carbon composites, their handling capabilities won't make a cut against that Porsche.
I know that sounds crazy but this is physics and both the X5 M and the X6 M feels like they're failing the physics class where the Cayenne Turbo S will excel. When the Cayenne handles like a horse at the Grand National, both the X5 M and the X6 M handle like if you were carrying a fully-loaded Balikbayan Box from the back of its boot. That electric power steering and four-wheel drive really made them feel like someone's trying to stretch your face or get stuck with Mighty Bond all over. If this is the first time driving either of these, it takes time to getting used to it because just because it's complicated to drive doesn't mean you don't want to drive one. If you're very careful, it will feel more accessible for you and you can find its hidden potential underneath their heavyweight bodywork.
Another thing you will notice in both of the new M SUVs is the implementation of the 8-speed double clutch gearbox and the idea of the double-clutch gearbox is to deliver quicker shiftings than the previous models. That sounds very great but very complicated to take care of it. There's also the M Drive manager where you can select either COMFORT, SPORT, or SPORT+ but no matter the setting, these doesn't affect both the M SUVs' behaviors.
If you even thinking about using either of these as a family car, you'd better off with a cheap van rather than both of these because using either of these while going to the shops can be as embarrassing as you letting your parents taking a picture of you and themselves at a 3D art museum and since your parents have occupied most of the time taking pics of you and them, you don't have time to do your grand plan. Tough love, buddy. Tough love.
The new X5 M starts at 114,300 Euros while the X6 M starts at 117,700 Euros. That sounds a lot for a family car but they're not made to be either a family car nor a track-day car because their bulky, beefy, and too much for its own right. Even though they're more affordable to own than the powerful Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, I would better have one but if I don't like how the Cayenne looks, guess there's no other choice than choosing either of these heavyweight behemoths.
Photo: BMW AG
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