SINGAPORE — BMW M dealer Munich Auto launches its two new models, the X5 M and X6 M today. These high-performance SUVs first arrived on the automotive scene back in 2009. Six years later, both cars are now face lifted, following the refreshes of the regular machines they are based on. 

Both models run M’s twin-turbo direct petrol injection, 4-4-litre, V8 engine with four percent more power, or 575bhp. Peak torque has been boosted by 70Nm, which equates to a rise of 10 per cent.

This is all very good news for Singapore’s crossover thrill-seekers. To add more music to your ears, the fuel consumption of the new BMW X5 M and X6 M has been improved by 21 per cent — from 13.9L/100km to 11.1L/100km. Even CO2 emissions have been cut down to 258g/km as compared to 2009’s 325g/km.

The X5 starts at $503,800, with its curvaceous sister the X6,  at $528,800, both with COE. Both models come with start-stop ignition, 20-inch wheels, a headlight washer system, adaptive LED headlights, a rear-view camera, and a Harman Kardon surround sound system as standard.

MORE: BMW’s X5 M: The ‘Monster’ SUV

Both models send power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission whose wider ratio spread allows for a drop in fuel consumption over the six-speed transmission of the previous-generation cars. Naturally for high-performance M cars, you can also change gear manually using the gearshift paddles.

There is also the “Launch Control System.” When this is engaged, your left foot stays on the brakes while your right depresses the accelerator down to the metal. This prompts the system to dial in the ideal getaway RPM and lets the car off with maximum propulsion.

A key area of improvement are the brakes: the surface of the brake linings is 50 per cent larger compared with those on the predecessors. At the same time, weight is down by 1.6kg which helps to reduce unsprung and rotating masses making the new X5 and X6 track-ready.

MORE: We tested the X6 M on a Formula One circuit

For an additional $32,000, you can opt for the Navigation, Essential or Advance package. The first gives you a heads-up display, extended smartphone connectivity, real time traffic information, concierge and remote services.

The Essential package includes a soft close door function, roller sunblind for the side windows, multifunctional seats for both driver and front passenger, and the surround view camera system.

If you want active front seat ventilation, parking assist, rear seat entertainment systems, and more importantly increased safety and protection, BMW claims that the Advanced package will do just that.

If that’s not enough to tickle your fancy, you can go for stand alone options like 21-inch double-spoke style wheels, panorama glass roof, carbon fibre interior trim finishing, and Bang & Olufsen surround sound system.

For a brand that pioneered sidecars that only lunatics would sit in for improved cornering, the new BMW X5 M and X6 M is a homage to that same “M-adness” for speed.