TWO new BMWs, the X5 M and X6 M, are setting a new benchmark.

The company says that the marque has never offered such powerful and dynamically-capable vehicles in a four-wheel-drive package.

As the first xDrive four-wheel-drive cars, the X5 M and the X6 M are a journey into new territory for BMW, while the twin-turbocharged 555hp V8 engine heralds the most powerful road-going M car the company has ever launched.

This equates to a 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds – comparable to the BMW M3.

The X5 M and X6 M, courtesy of twin-scroll, twin-turbo technology, are also capable of near diesel-powered engine flexibility with a peak torque of 680Nm from a minimal 1,500rpm right up to 5,650rpm.

In a world first for an M badged vehicle, both the turbochargers and the catalytic converter are located within the vee of the powerplant.

This apparently results in an engine that breathes better and operates at a higher efficiency due to the shorter exit manifold. And it’s more compact.

The 4.4-litre engine features High Precision Direct Injection technology with piezo crystals for optimal fuel efficiency and combustion characteristics.

As a result, the powerplant for both cars meets the latest stringent EU5 emissions regulations.

Transmitting the power to the road is a drivetrain incorporating a new six-speed M Sport Automatic transmission, the class-leading xDrive four-wheel drive system and Dynamic Performance Control, all refined to suit the new high-performance vehicles.

Enhancing this is Dynamic Performance Control on both vehicles.

This is a new type of differential, that first appeared on the BMW X6, which diverts power to the driven wheels rather than brakes the spinning wheel. It’s been tweaked to allow greater cornering capability. Despite the sporting nature of the vehicles, both still offer practicality.

The BMW X5 M has a possible luggage storage capability ranging from 620 litres to 1,750 litres while the X6 M manages 570 litres to 1,450 litres of boot space.

A standard six airbags and impact-activated head restraints, with High Beam Assistant and Adaptive Headlights as an option, on top of five-star Euro NCAP ratings underscore the safety credentials. The X5 M and X6 M go on sale October 24, 2009 with prices to be announced.