Previous variants have...
Previous variants have only come in saloon or estate guises, but the newcomer features a sleek roofline and practical tailgate. It"s called the Concept Sportback, and insiders at the company say it gives an accurate view of the forthcoming Lancer"s styling. The machine seen here will make its debut in the metal at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
It"s M for mighty! Following...
It"s M for mighty! Following in the wheel tracks of the M3 and M5, BMW has set its M Performance arm to work on its off-roaders ò€“ and the result is two of the fastest, most powerful SUVs ever: the X6 M and X5 M.
On sale in October, both are powered by a newly developed 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 555bhp and an incredible 680Nm of torque from a mere 1,500rpm. Thatò€™s enough to rocket the 4x4s from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph ò€“ or 171mph if owners specify the optional M Driverò€™s Package.
Standard transmission is an uprated six-speed paddleshift auto, which cuts the ignition briefly for extra-fast upshifts. Launch control is also fitted.
Both cars get an intelligent 4x4 system that varies power distribution to improve cornering, along with air-suspension, adaptive dampers and speed-sensitive steering. Also standard is a dramatic bodykit, 20-inch alloy wheels and M badging.
Low fuel economy and high emissions mean owners need deep pockets: both cars return 20.3mpg combined and put out 325g/km of CO2. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but the X5 M is likely to cost Ò£60,000-plus and the X6 M in excess of Ò£70,000