Can the BMW X5M Beat the M3 Coupe Around a Tight Corner?

The X5M may be equipped with a much more powerful 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 pushing out 555-horses to all four corners of the car, but the fact remains that it's a tall and heavy SUV.

The M3 Coupe, on the other hand, makes up for its less potent 414-horsepower naturally aspirated 4.0L V8 by being significantly lighter and far more nimble on the road.

So if you're on a track, the answer to the question we posed in the title should be obvious. Well, at least it should be if you play a fair game. Watch the video after the break and you'll see what we mean.

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Vorsteiner Enhances its BMW X5M Aero Package

Owners of the BMW X5M already have plenty of choices when it comes to improving the styling and/or the dynamics of the V8-powered SUV, but the tuning industry never goes to sleep.

Vorsteiner has just enhanced its existing styling package for the Bavarian crossover with a new rear diffuser made out of carbon fiber. Other aerodynamic components available from Vorsteiner for the X5M include a vented hood and an add-on front apron.

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BMW to Show New 1-Series Performance Concept and New Power Kits in Frankfurt

While the new 2012 1-Series luxury hatchback and M5 sports saloon along with the i3 hatchback and i8 sports coupe concept will highlight BMW's presence in Frankfurt, the Munich-based carmaker has a lot more in store for the press and visitors alike.

BMW will display a range of new accessories and Performance packages, as well as Performance concept car based on the new 1-Series.

The study was developed in cooperation with BMW’s M-division and it features a Performance aerodynamics package comprising of new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a rear diffuser, bespoke body trim and graphics, and a roof spoiler.

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BMW M Car Sales Increase by More than 14 Percent in 2010

Sales of BMW's M car series continue to sprout as the Bavarian company's performance division concluded the 2010 business year with a 14.2 percent increase to 16,967 units, despite the phase out of the V10-powered M5 and M6 models.

The M brand's most popular model remained the M3 with 5,729 units of the coupe, 2,544 units of the Convertible and 1,843 Saloons. Worldwide sales of the newly introduced all-wheel drive X5 M and X6 M totaled 2,778 and 3,082 respectively.

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Hamann Presents the BMW X5 Flash Evo M with up to 670HP

With 555 hp on tap, the stock BMW X5 M has enough power for most mortals, but Hamann disagrees, hence the birth of the Flash Evo M. Featuring an aggressive bodykit, the German tuner's version of the X5 M can be specified with one of two engines upgrades, delivering up to 670 hp, 22 or 23-inch alloys, tweaked suspension bits and bigger brakes. Various interior appointments are also available.

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Opulence, I has it: Russian Humor with Gold BMW X5M

Someone was kind enough to tip us off on this video that appears to be spoofing of all those crazy gold-plated oligarch-mobiles from Russia. Well, maybe they're not so crazy; with that level of cash-money in the bank, I'd probably be highly entertained with gold cars and fleets of mega-yachts, too.

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G-POWER's Modded BMW X5M and X6M Make 600HP

Even though BMW's M-badged cars are supposed to be the crème de la crème of each model series, that hasn't stopped G-Power from offering bimmer buyers more power and exclusivity. Their latest accomplishment is a sport package with aerodynamic and performance enhancements for the X5 M and X6 M.

The German tuner has upgraded the 4.4-liter V8 turbocharged engine found in both M models with a reprogrammed ECU resulting in a modest boost in output to 600 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 700Nm or 516 pound-feet of torque from 2,000 rpm.

Along with the removal of the speed limiter, the two modified SUVs / SAVs / Crossovers (make your pick) are now propelled to a top speed in excess of 300km/h (187mph), with 0 to 100km/h (62mph) acceleration coming in 4.5 seconds and to 200km/h (124mph) in just 16.2 seconds.

There's also a new suspension kit that lower's the ride height of both models by around 30mm.

G-Power was never about subtle aero mods, and the company makes no exception with the X5 M and X6 M. Both models feature a different front bumper with extra large air-inlets on each corner along with a new bonnet made of Kevlar hybrid or full carbon and side skirts.

The rear is marked by a new apron, a diffuser that houses the stainless steel exhaust pipes, a roof spoiler, and in the case of the X6 M, a boot wing also.

G-Power has designed two separate sets of 23-inch alloy wheels that are shod in 315/25 ZR23 high-performance Michelin tires for the X5 M and X6 M.

The company also enhances the interior of the two M models with numerous parts such as a new sports steering wheel, a speedometer in G-POWER design and carbon-fiber covers for the side linings, central console and the dashboard.

G-Power said that €6,990 (plus assembly) will buy you the aero kit, €8,865.55 the new alloy wheels and tires, €3,021 the full stainless steel end muffler and €4,701.68 V8 engine power upgrade.

BMW X5M and X6M with 555HP V8 Priced from $86,225 in the U.S.

BMW has put a price tag on its all-new M Division X5 and X6 sport crossovers that were revealed for the first time at this month's New York and Shanghai motorshows respectively. When the X5 M and X6 M arrive in BMW's U.S. dealerships this fall as 2010 model vehicles, they will retail for $86,225 and $89,725 respectively. The first ever X-Series M models are powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 555HP that accelerates both models from 0 to 60mph in 4.5 seconds. For more details and high-res photos, click here.

Video: BMW X5M and X6M Hit the Track and the Road

Time to get a taste of BMW's new X5M and X6M in action with the first official video clips of the sporty crossovers that are powered by a new 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing a maximum output of 555 horsepower from 5,750–6,000 rpm. The X5M and X6M videos include driving footage on the road and on the track as well as beauty -well, at least not in the literal sense of the word...- shots of the vehicles' interior and exterior.

BMW X5M and X6M Officially Revealed: 73 High-Res Photos of 555HP V8 Crossovers

It's the moment power-hungry crossover lovers have been waiting for; Munich has officially swiped the covers off its first ever M-prepped "X"models, the X5M and the X6M. Without any doubt, these are the most divisive models ever to wear the M badge. However, BMW vows that both crossovers feature all the typical sport characteristics one would expect from an M-badged model. Under the hood, this translates to an all-new 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that cranks out 555HP at 6,000 rpm and a whopping 680Nm or 501-lbs/ft of peak torque available between 1,500 and 5,650 rpm.

Those figures put to shame the M5's and M6's 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V10 that generates 507HP and 520Nm or 383-lbs/ft of peak torque. But no need to worry as from what our sources tell us, the new twin-scroll turbo V8 will replace the V10 in the next generation M5 and M6 models.

For the first time in a BMW M model, the X5M's and X6M's V8 is matted to a six-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel. Both models retain BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system, though it has been revamped to distribute more power to the rear wheels.

In terms of performance, both M models accelerate to 100 km/h (62mph) from a standstill in 4.7 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph) or 275km/h (171mph) with the optional "M Driver's Package".

BMW's M division engineers have also performed upgrades on the X5's and X6's suspension setup as well as on the Dynamic Performance Control, the Servotronic steering system and the brakes which now combine four-piston fixed calipers at the front with floating calipers at the rear, with internally-vented and larger discs.

Cosmetic changes are common for both models. On the outside they include a new bodykit that consists of new front and rear bumpers, rocker panels, side gills, quad exhaust tail pipes and 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the X5M and X6M feature the usual M-branded sport steering wheel and leather seats as well as a revised instrument panel.

BMW X5M PHOTOS

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BMW X6M PHOTOS