BMW X5, X6 M Competition 2020 revealed: V8 power for new flagship luxury SUVs

BMW’s X5 and X6 large SUV twins have been given a hardcore M and even more hardcore M Competition makeover, with only the latter scheduled to blast into Australian showrooms in the second quarter of next year.

Both versions are powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, but M versions are tuned to 441kW/750Nm, while M Competition grades feature 460kW/750Nm – the same output as the M5 Competition sedan and upcoming M8 Competition coupe.

Compared to its rivals, the X5/X6 M Competition will outmuscle the 423kW/700Nm Range Rover Sport SVR and 441kW/730Nm Maserati Levante Trofeo, while the 430kW/760Nm Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and 404kW/770Nm Porsche Cayenne Turbo sport more torque than the new BMW twins.

With drive sent to the road via an xDrive rear-biased all-wheel-drive system and eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, the X5 and X6 M Competition can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in a hot hatch-busting 3.9 and 3.8 seconds respectively.

To compliment the extra grunt, the new flagships SUVs are also equipped with an active M differential, sports exhaust, beefed-up engine cooling, adaptive suspension and M Compound brakes.

Three driving modes are also available including ‘Road’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’.

The X5 and X6 Competition grades sport a head-up display, M-specific instrument cluster, and M leather steering wheel.

From the outside, the X5 and X6 M Competition variants can be differentiated by a blacked-out kidney grille, chiselled lower bumper, aerodynamic exterior mirrors, front fender vents, body-coloured wheelarch extensions and 21-/22-inch wheels front/rear.

Inside, both X5 and X6 Competition grades sport a head-up display, M-specific instrument cluster, M leather steering wheel, hexagonal quilting on the seats and Merino leather trim.

The X5 and X6 M Competition will make their public debut at the Los Angeles motor show in November, with full Australian specification and pricing to be announced at a later date.

Expect to see a circa-$200,000 before on-road costs pricetag though, given the current top-spec X5 M50i and X6 M50i retail for $151,900 and $155,900 respectively.