The new 2010 BMW X6 M is the type of crossover performance vehicles that are difficult to calculate on paper. A 555-horsepower twin-turbo V8, hatchback body style, SUV ride height, four seats, limited ability to retrieve – it sounds like a recipe for irrelevance. But the X6 M bears the distinctive “M” badge of BMW Motorsport division, and that is something not lightly to be BMW. Purists may scoff at not one but two SUVs in the ultra-exclusive club performance (the mechanically identical X5 M is also new this year), but one of the X6 M drive should be enough to help convince you this is a worthy member.

Why? Two simple reasons. Firstly, it’s really fast. Including the 555 hp with 501 pounds-feet of torque of the V8 2.5-ton vehicle that motivate. In fact, the 555 horses of more than 5 gonzo Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, manage, and the Porsche is not dark. To a sprint between the two is probably a wash – no small feature X6 M data costs about $ 35,000 less.

Secondly, the handling capacity as a sports sedan. Standard 20-inch performance tires, and a special sport-tuned adaptive suspension certainly help, but many have features such as crossovers today. X6 M’s strength here is what BMW Dynamic Performance Control, an advanced torque distribution system that works in combination with all-wheel drive power to aid traction and handling the overall balance of funding requests.

On the other hand, the X6 M is one of the most versatile crossover SUVs we tested. Maximum payload is only marginally more than what hatchback economy. Has room for only four live, so you can forget about wearing 1 / 5 people in a pinch. At least the V8′s 501 lb-ft of torque a healthy appetite highest ratings 6600 lbs. Still, that’s about the only practical function provides X6 M-edge over, say, five-M5 sedan. More to the point, her sister X5 M offers the same superior performance and functionality.

AC Schnitzer’s body kit elements are all produced using the same material the BMW Group uses to produce its original components. Within both galleries you will spot similar parts, such as the wheels, a carbon engine styling optic package and new exhaust tips.

Front spoiler, rear roof spoiler and design elements for the front skirt and chromed front grille are all part of the exterior packages for both cars. The X6 M can also be outfitted with a carbon rear wing and carbon rear diffuser. The body kit for the X6 M consists of add-ons such as bumpers, side-skirts, spoilers, diffusers, bonnets, exhausts and alloy wheels, as well as items such as engine covers, pedals, gauges, wheels, floor mats and gear knobs. Otherwise, while the exterior is heavily changed, the well-outfitted stock interior is largely untouched.