The new BMW X5 M and X6 M Competition are BMW’s most extreme SUVs ever

CUV may never catch on, but Competition with a capital C is the name of the new models, in the tradition of BMW’s highest echelon of M performance cars. There are lots of M Comp cars already of course, including a potent X3 among the firm’s SUVs, but with the X5 M Competition and its coupe-styled X6 twin, it is the first time BMW’s largest SUVs have been endowed with the badge.

It is a badge they have had to earn. At 616bhp, the new top-of-the-range Xs have 50bhp more than the outgoing X5 M and X6 M, which is enough to pull out quite a power lead over Porsche. The motor’s essentially the same – a 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8 – but with beefed-up cooling and oil systems and tuned-up with a sports exhaust to the benefit of both power and, says BMW, an “emotionally stirring soundtrack”.

The body has been made more rigid than the previous-gen X5/6 M, allowing the suspension to be optimised for more dynamic ability. M-specific adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers and active roll stabilisation feature, along with the familiar rear-biased xDrive all‑wheel-drive system and active M Differential.

Brakes, steering and eight-speed Steptronic transmission are all the mightiest M has to offer, and wheels are 21 inches at the front and 22 inches at the rear. There are lots of drive modes including a Track setting for those want to explore their 2.37 tonne, 1.7m-tall behemoth on a circuit. The handling has been tuned at the Nürburgring Nordschleife so it should feel right at home.

One thing for sure, with 616bhp it won’t be slow. BMW is claiming a best 0-62mph time (for the X6 M Comp) of 3.8 seconds, with the X5 just a tenth behind. That puts it in the front rank of performance SUVs alongside Porsche whose Cayenne Turbo Coupe is credited with 3.9 secs. Autobahn fiends can have the BMW’s top speed derestricted, unleashing an impressive 180mph.

Just standing still, it’s clear this is no ordinary X5 or X6. The styling has been ramped up along with everything else. M design elements include larger air intakes, the BMW kidney grille with black double bars, M gills on the front side panels and, at the rear, a roof spoiler and rear apron with diffuser elements. All the best M bits feature inside, including particularly impressive looking front seats and standard head-up display.

The Competition versions have some unique touches – a few standalone design elements and the best leather as standard – but most of the styling, interior and handling upgrades are common to the non-Competition versions. We will never know; BMW is offering the pair in the UK only in 616bhp Competition form, with prices from £110,610 for X5 M Competition and £113,310 for the X6. Expect first deliveries April 2020.