We knew it was bound to happen, and you knew it too. BMW has finally spilled the beans on its range-topping performance SUVs - or SAV and SAC if we are to stay true to the BMW jargon. The 2020 X5 M and 2020 X6 M mark the third-generation of high-riding M-badged models by borrowing the M5’s 591-horsepower V-8 engine to go with a long list of goodies and upgrades, so let’s check them out.

2020 BWW X5 and X6 M

The new 2020 BMW X5 M and X6 M are blessed with the same hot-vee 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that moves the M5 sedan. Besides those, BMW thought the range needed some sugar and spice, so it granted the high-performance SUVs with Competition versions, which rely on 617 horsepower (625 PS) and 553 pound-feet (750 Newton-meters) of torque coming from the same feisty mill.

The newfound levels of power make the 2020 X5 M and X6 M rise above their predecessors as far as oomph is concerned courtesy of 24 more horsepower (25 PS extra). For those who don’ recall this, the outgoing BMW X5 M and X6 M pack 567 horsepower and 553 pound-feet (750 Newton-meters) of twist and are capable of zapping from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed limited at 155 mph (250 km/h).

The route is completed by the Active M differential positioned on the rear axle. There’s also the option of selecting the 4WD Sport preset, which further accentuates the amount of torque sent to the rear wheels

Once everything’s set, the 2020 BMW X5 M and X6 M can blast from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds (that’s 0.3 seconds quicker than the previous X5 M and X6 M), while the Competition variants can dispatch the same interval in 3.8 seconds. That’s quite impressive if we vector in the fact that both the X5 M and the X6 M tip the scales at over 2,200 kilos (that’s over 4,850 pounds).

As far as road dynamics are concerned (BMW claims the X5/X6 M isn’t just about straight-line acceleration, but we doubt owners will ever take them away from paved roads or to the track) customers get the very best that comes out of BMW’s M division, including the likes of an adaptive suspension setup with electronically controlled dampers, active roll bars, M Servotronic steering, and the M Dynamic Mode setting embedded into the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system.

You need stopping power on performance vehicles of all sorts, let alone on those that are considerably heavier than your low-slung sports cars.

The carmaker’s performance division also mentions that in order to smoothen the synergy between the engine, gearbox, xDrive, and suspension, it took the X5 M and X6 M for intensive tweaking work at its testing facilities in Miramas and Arjeplog, as well as on the go-to location these days that is the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Don’t expect a lot of changes on the inside. You can configure and save two variants of the M setup, based on settings that alter the engine’s response, the dampers, steering, and suspension, as well as the parameters of the M xDrive setup. You can switch to any of them at any time by pressing one of the two red M buttons on the steering wheel.

Standard gear for the X5 M and X6 M also includes BMW’s Head-Up Display setup with M-specific graphics, M seats with Individual Merino leather trim, the Live Cockpit Professional multimedia setup with navigation, as well as BMW’s Parking Assistant feature.

2020 BMW X5 M/X6 M specifications

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 BMW X5.

Read our driven review on the 2019 BMW X5 M50d.

Read our full review on the 2020 BMW X6.

Read our full review on the 2017 BMW X5 M.

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Read our full speculative review on the 2020 BMW X5 M.