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BMW tweaks its V8 SUVs

BMW has confirmed new M Performance versions of its latest X5 and X7 SUVs set for SA later in the year. Both M50i-powered machines get an updated 390kW 750Nm version of BMW’s biturbo 4.4-litre petrol V8. 

That’s 50kW and 100Nm up on the older version of said lump thanks to a stiffer aluminium block, pistons graphite-impregnated resin coated pistons and a crankshaft damper feeding the regular eight-speed torque converter autobox with bespoke mapping and launch, and rear-biased xDrive all-wheel drive with a Dynamic Stability managed electronic M Sport differential able to transfer all drive to the rear wheels in certain driving conditions. 

Expect 0-100km/h 4.1 seconds for X5 and 4.5 seconds for the X7 that will join the rest of the range due to be launched here next week, with the regular 250km/h top end for both. X5 gets Adaptive M suspension with adaptive damping, while the X7 rides on air suspension with variable ride height. Add suspension tweaks, 20 inch wheels with optional 21 and 22-inchers, two-piece compound steels discs brakes with revised M division callipers and the expected styling and interior tweaks.