BMW has just taken the covers off the sportier, M performance versions of its X5 and X7 SUVs – the X5 M50i and the X7 M50i. Both SUVs have received minor design changes on the inside and out, with major changes on the mechanical front.

The biggest change on the M50i variant of the two SUVs is the 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol V8 which produces 530hp and 750Nm of torque. This additional power comes courtesy of the host of engine updates, which include a revised aluminium block, a refinement boost and graphite resin-coated pistons. The engine is paired to an 8-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox that comes with a launch control function. The power is sent to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which BMW claims can send up to a 100 percent of power to the rear wheels in certain driving conditions.

BMW also claims that both the SUVs have also been fitted with newly tuned suspension with firmer springs and dampers. It’s worth noting that the X5 M50i features an Adaptive M suspension featuring adaptive damping, while the X7 M50i rides on air suspension with variable ride-height control. The X5 can, however, be optioned with air suspension. The German carmaker also claims that the X5 M50i and the X7 M50i can do the 0-100kph sprint in 4.1sec and 4.5sec, respectively, and they both have a limited top speed of 250kph.

Visually, the two SUVs now feature sportier styling with larger cooling ducts, new sills underneath the doors and a revised rear bumper, among other subtle exterior design tweaks. On the inside, changes are limited to the addition of an illuminated M50i logo, aong with M Sport steering wheel, sports seats, gear lever and instruments. The rest of the features match the higher variants of the standard cars.

The X5 M50i and the X7 M50i are expected to go on sale in the international market by the end of 2019 and they will sit at the top of their respective ranges. BMW has not yet confirmed if and when it will bring the M performance version of the SUVs to India. Although BMW recently launched the new X5 in our market with a starting price of Rs 72.90 lakh.

The standard X5 comes with a 265hp, 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo-diesel unit in two variants – the xDrive30d Sport and the xDrive30d xLine. Meanwhile, the X5 xDrive40i comes with a 340hp, 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo-petrol unit in a single M Sport trim. The X7 will also make its way to India, in two variants – the xDrive40i and xDrive30d – by the end of the year.