BMW'S HIGH-PERFORMANCE version of its genre-bending uber-SUV, the X6 M, has finally arrived in Australian showrooms, priced from $179,900 and gunning for a slice of Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Mercedes ML 63 AMG sales.

Although priced higher than the Benz, the BMW X6 M significantly undercuts the Cayenne Turbo and - according to BMW - offers more power, more efficiency and better performance than both.

Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 4.4 litre petrol V8 which develops 408kW and 680Nm of torque, the latter of which is available from between 1500 and 5650 rpm. Performance is suitably brisk: the 0-100km/h sprint can be done away with in just 4.7 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.

All four wheels are driven via a six-speed automatic transmission, which is also equipped with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Suspension hardware is supplemented by BMW's Adaptive Drive system, which features electronically adjustable dampers as well as self-levelling air suspension on the rear axle. The X6 M rides 10mm lower than the 'regular' X6, and the suspension tune is markedly stiffer and more resistant to body roll.

Damper tuning and power steering assistance can be altered via the wheel-mounted M Drive button, which also unlocks sportier throttle mapping and shift mapping.

A selectable M Dynamic Mode unlocks a less invasive stability control program, and diverts more power to the rear wheels to enhance cornering feel.

The X6 M's interior gets heated seats, a unique instrument cluster design with white illumination, an M leather steering wheel and M-branded kickplates and footrest.

Standard equipment includes bi-xenon headlamps, daytime running lamps, a sunroof and quad chrome exhausts. A heads-up display and adaptive headlights with high beam assist are optional extras.

Available in seven exterior colours and with black, white or beige leather upholstery, the 2010 BMW X6 M is available now, with prices starting from $179,900 before on-road costs.

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• reply ” like !

  

  Shifter says,
  2 years ago

  I don't care if it goes like the wind and they put an M badge on it, i reckon it is one of the ugliest cars around when you see it in the flesh, it is just not elegant at all IMO. That and the Ssangyong Stavic. Urgghhhh.
• reply ” like !

  

  Martin says,
  2 years ago

  Shifter, I'd disagree. I think it looks great and even better in person. What's so ugly about it? It's an X5 with a sloping roofline.
  
  What is ugly though are the Falcon/Mondeo/Fiesta/Focus, really quite repulsive styling.
• reply ” like !

  

  Shifter says,
  2 years ago

  I suppose we all have different tastes which is good, i had one of these things overtake me on the freeway and myself and passenger both went eewwww, how hideous, bulbous rear end out of proportion with anything. Strange, i don't mind the look of the mondeo although not a ford fan generally.
• reply ” like !

  

  Mark says,
  2 years ago

  I don't really see the point of this car. Why not just have the X5?
  
  This thing would have a smaller boot......
  
  Someone in BMW marketing must see a market for it; ie, the people who have too much money to throw around!
• reply ” like !

  

  Martin says,
  2 years ago

  Mark, Or people who want a four door coupe with a high driving position.
• reply ” like !

  

  DM says,
  2 years ago

  Yeah yeah yeah... but what we really want to know is, what is the economy like?
• reply ” like !

  

  paddy says,
  2 years ago

  DM I'd think economy is pretty pathetic =] Although V8 petrols are becoming much better now, and X6 aeros would probably be better than X5.
  
  Overall though. The X6 was meant to be a stylish looking X5, it always looks nicer in the metal
• reply ” like !

  

  BMW X6 M says,
  2 years ago

  [...] The BMW X6 M comes with a twin-turbocharged 4.4 litre petrol V8 which develops 408kW and 680Nm of torque, the latter of which is available from between 1500 and 5650 rpm. Performance is suitably brisk: the 0-100km/h sprint can be done away with in just 4.7 seconds. For the full story please visit themotorreport.com.au [...]
• reply ” like !

  

  Martin says,
  2 years ago

  Quick google search revealed fuel economy to be 20mpg on a combined cycle aka. about 11.7L/100kms.
  
  Of course, it all depends on how you drive it.
• reply ” like !

  

  Mark says,
  2 years ago

  I think the owners of Ssangyong Stavic's will like this car too.
  
  It's the dumbest car I've seen. Is it meant to go offroad, or is it a sports coupe? It's a confused design. (Refer Top Gear S14).
• reply ” like !

  

  Matt says,
  2 years ago

  They look better in person than in photos (like the Panamera I saw yesterday) but I just dont see the point. Though I like the figures from that engine
• reply ” like !

  

  denis says,
  2 years ago

  The X6 is far from an X5. I,ve got both in the family and are far from the same cars. The drive,handling, bonnet and front guards,need I go on.The only similarity is the interior finish in terms of 'cladding'.Try one on the track- they're unbelievable at nearly 2.5t and you can't do anything wrong.The X5 is a truck by comparison.If you wants looks go to acschnitzer.com and have a look at the X6 Falcon. I'm working one up now.