Even with the car market turning tough, there’s expectation the baddest editions of BMW’s X5 and X6 will do well.

TWO bigfoot BMW M models whose hugely potent engine is already defying the downsizing trend are strong enough to beat off Covid-19.

That sentiment about the X5 M and X6 M is aired by BMW Group New Zealand as it opens the order book for the updated editions of the juggernaut sports activity vehicles, which share the same mighty twin-turbo V8 engine.

BMW Group New Zealand has stuck to tradition by deciding only the best will do for its customers.

Thus it is only bringing in the Competition, which in return for being the most expensive of the two specifications is also – with 460kW and 750Nm - the most powerful and best-kitted.

With the country gripped by a national shutdown of undetermined duration and also bracing for a severe economic impact, will the buyer base still have the discretionary spend to afford models that respectively price at $219,900 and $225,600?

BMW Group New Zealand managing director Karol Abrasowicz-Madej says it’s a fair question, but he’s optimistic the big stompers don’t become showroom queens.

In part, it’s because the M brand following is incredibly strong here. “We have a lot of loyal customers and we have a lot of interest coming from them.”

Also, there’s clear recognition that the models are pretty much without rival in their category. “They are very extrovert in their character.” So, even in this time of national inaction, there’s been plenty of “good inquiry” coming from owners of competitor cars.

So while it’s all a matter of wait and see until the lockdown lifts and business can resume, “we think they will find a place in Kiwis’ hearts.”

“I’m hopeful of a good take-up though, at the same time, any prediction at the moment about volume is going to be really hard.”

So they’ll survive, and so will the engine that also slots into the also NZ-available M5 sedan and M8 coupe and, in the sport activity vehicle application, lends ability to hit 100kmh in a claimed 3.8 seconds, 0.4 sec quicker than their forebears, aided by an extra 37kW of thrust.

Is this the final swansong for the V8? As much as BMW recognises that it’s becoming every challenging to maintain this kind of engine in the face of ever-tightening environmental regulations, in Europe especially, it says there’s still a good case for having it.

While acknowledging that various emissions rules are making his life more difficult, the head of powertrain project management for the X5M and X6M, Axel Theiling, reminds his team’s opus is far from being an old-school donk.

Built around a 90-degree vee angle and a sleeveless closed-deck crankcase, the 4.4-litre motor is a very sophisticated motor, with Valvetronic variable valve lift and direct fuel injection, as well as a pair of high-flow twin-scroll turbochargers.

Those ingredients allow for some reasonable emissions and economy. For a V8.

Still, make no bones: It is an engine designed foremost for performance rather than eco purity. Hence the forged crankshaft and a lubrication system built to cope with the rigours of track use. Also why the eight-speed automatic has manual modes and the M sport exhaust features four outlets so you can hear what the V8 has to say.

Other highlights include Adaptive M Suspension Professional with various modes, M Servotronic steering with Comfort and Sport settings, a rear-biased 4wd system, Active locking M differential and M Sport brakes with six-piston calipers acting on 395mm drilled and vented discs up front. A 100-0kmh emergency stop of 32 metres is claimed.

The M-spec X models stand out from the mainstream editions through adopting extrovert design features such as enlarged air intakes and an oversized wheel and tyre package (295/35R21s up front and 315/30R22s rear). They also have laser lights.

The cabin includes M multifunction powered and heated sport seats finished in full leather ‘Merino’ and Alcantara headlining, along with four-zone air con and head-up display. A panoramic sunroof, wireless charging and Apple CarPlay are included.

Safety and convenience items include BMW Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant Plus and BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a pair of 12.3-inch LCD colour displays.

Deliveries are set to begin next month.