If you’re a keen follower of local car launches you may have noticed that BMW has been particularly busy over the first few months of 2015. We’ve already seen them launch the X6 and their two electric specials, the i3 and i8. Added to that growing list is the X5 M, X6 M and the 2-Series Cabriolet which, we spent the day driving around the Western Cape.

BMW X5 M &X6 M

Those of you who crave extremism in your road-going SUV will be over the moon with BMW’s second attempt at going full M at the X5 and X6. It’s incredibly powerful at 423 kW with 750 Nm of torque, that’s nearly 20 kW and 70 Nm more than the predecessor. The twin-turbo 4.4-Litre V8 is also 20% more efficient than before, but will still drink around 11.1L/100km. Zero to 100kph takes just 4.2 seconds and the speed limiter will stop you at 250kph.

It’s absolutely savage to be able to go this fast in an SUV, the brutal acceleration is enhanced by the high driving position that exaggerates the feeling of speed and G-forces. Both X5 M and X6 M are fitted with xDrive – BMW’s all-wheel drive system that allows it to send power forwards and backwards. It can send 100% of the power to either the front wheels or rear wheels if it deems it necessary. In the X5 M and X6 M the power has been given a rear bias to promote a more dynamic feel.

Ride Comfort

The ride is improved over the previous generation, but is still harsh, driving over anything less than a billiard table surface creates feedback into the cabin. Most of the blame can be laid squarely at the low profile tyres in combination with BMW’s runflat technology. According to BMW, there’salso a standard tyre on offer that doesn’t have run flat tech and I would highly recommend that just to avoid the aggravation that the constant road noise gives.

There’s not much else to complain about on an M model from BMW, it’s fully kitted with everything BMW has to offer from night vision mode to rear screens and multiple driving modes that can tailor the M to your exact driving needs. The special wheels pinned on the BMW X5 M and X6 M are a massive 21-inches and the bodykit on both models looks aggressive whilst also reducing the visual height of the SUV.

Which should you buy?

The obvious answer as to which model you should buy when both are identical is easy. You should buy the X5 M. It’s more practical, has a two-part folding tailgate which gives you a place to sit when you go out picnicking and the X5 looks less outrageousthan the X6 M. If none of those things matter to you and you like the bold and thug-like looks of the X6 M then it only costs you around R30k more.

BMW X5 M and X6 MPrice in South Africa

BMW X5 M 8-Speed auto – R1643000

BMW X6 M 8-Speed auto – R1676500