The most powerful car the BMW M division has ever built, the BMW X6 M, will hit New Zealand showrooms later this year, announced BMW New Zealand today.

The BMW X6 M Sports Activity Coupe is the first xDrive BMW model to get the M treatment, with the M version of the BMW X5 to follow in 2010.

The BMW X6 M premiered at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, revealing its new BMW M TwinPower Turbo engine. Delivering 408kW / 555hp and 680Nm, the X6 M achieves the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, which is quicker than current segment leading Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.

The V8 high-performance engine displaces 4,395 cubic centimetres and is the world's first power unit with a common exhaust manifold, joining both rows of cylinders, as well as M TwinPower Turbo Technology. The turbocharger and the catalytic converters are positioned in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders ensuring the spontaneous and direct response so typical of BMW M as well as a linear surge of power for a consistent flow of torque at all times. As a result, peak torque of 680 Newton-metres is maintained consistently all the way from 1,500-5,650 rpm.

The new BMW M TwinPower Turbo engine is hailed as having the fastest and most direct response characteristics of any turbo-charged engine available in the world. So unique is this technology, that it is patented, enshrining it as an innovation exclusive to BMW.

The gear shift paddles on the steering wheel command the M 6-speed Sports Automatic transmission while Launch Control delivers maximum acceleration from a standing start.

Intelligent all-wheel drive ensures variable distribution of drive power front-¬to-rear. Dynamic Performance Control, in turn, varies the distribution of power between the two rear wheels and allows particularly dynamic acceleration when leaving a bend. BMW xDrive, Dynamic Performance Control, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) featuring M Dynamic Mode, M Servotronic and Adaptive Drive are all coordinated by Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) as the central control unit.

The M Servotronic steering developed specifically for the BMW X6 M provides individual steering assistance related to the speed of the car and varied by two control maps. Substantial steering support at low speeds, for example, allows comfortable parking manoeuvres, while exact feedback through higher control forces at higher speeds ensures a superior style of motoring and greater steering precision when travelling fast. Apart from the standard configuration of the M Servotronic steering, the driver is also able to call up the Sports Mode by means of the EDC or M Drive button, activating an uncompromisingly sporting control map for particularly dynamic requirements.
The BMW X6 M comes as standard with self-levelling air suspension on the rear axle as well as Adaptive Drive with electronically adjustable dampers (EDC) and active anti-roll control.

The BMW X6 M's formidable on-road presence is unmistakable thanks to the massive front air intakes, and M twin tail-pipes, required by the high performance engine, tailored front side panels with M-gills and 20-inch M light-alloy wheels.

Dealers are taking orders now for what will be strictly limited production for New Zealand.

Pricing for the BMW X6 M starts at $240,000 with cars due to arrive in dealerships in November.