Car Guy Magazine Car Guy Magazine Issue 1114 | Page 45

with Drivelogic, which closely follows the operating philosophy of
the M Double Clutch Transmission used by other M models. With its
instantaneous responses, rapid gear changes and direct reaction to
load changes, the torque converter automatic transmission links up
seamlessly with the new higher-torque turbocharged engine and
showcases its talents. At the same time, its wider ratio spread allows
it to offer a clear drop in fuel consumption over the six-speed transmission offered in the previous generation, as well as an increase in
driving comfort and improved performance.
The new eight-speed M Steptronic transmission allows drivers
to sit back and enjoy automatic shifts or change gear manually using the gearshift paddles on the M leather steering wheel. And for
the perfect getaway, the driver can activate the Launch Control system adapted from use in racing vehicles. Here, the driver keeps their
foot on the brakes and pushes the accelerator down almost to the
floor, which prompts the system to dial in the ideal getaway rpm.
Releasing the brakes prompts Launch Control to let the vehicle off
the leash, and it accelerates off the line with maximum propulsion.
The driver can also use the three-stage Drivelogic function to
choose whether to prioritize fuel economy, comfort or Sport performance. This functionality is available both in automatic and manual
shifting modes.
Intelligent all-wheel drive.
BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive and Dynamic Performance Control play a key role in the outstanding dynamics of the X5
M and X6 M. The xDrive system employs an electronically controlled
multi-plate clutch to allow fully variable distribution of drive between
the front and rear axles – from 100 percent at the rear to up to 100
percent at the front. This ensures the best possible traction in all road
conditions. In the interests of greater agility, xDrive normally operates
with a rear-biased torque split-in the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M.
Dynamic Performance Control oversees the continuous distribution of torque between the rear wheels – both under load and
on the overrun – regardless of engine output. Working in combination with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the result is a whole
new bracket of dynamic flair, agility and traction. The vehicle follows
the course set by the driver far more accurately, whatever the road
surface, and the system also reduces the amount of wheel work
required of the driver: the steering responds more directly and far
fewer corrections are necessary. Moreover, the inherent propensity
of conventional all-wheel-drive vehicles to understeer is eliminated.
An improvement in traction is also impressively noticeable (on road
surfaces with differing friction levels, in particular), and active safety is
markedly enhanced as a result. The driver can see how Dynamic Performance Control is operating on the display, with arrows at all four
wheels visualizing where the engine power is currently being sent.
An open door to controlled drifts.
Among the other highlights of the overall concept behind the
new X5 M and X6 M is Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). The control
functions of DSC have been Optimized over previous versions of
the system to improve driving dynamics further still. The extra functions which have become part of DSC enhance active safety (Brake

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