BMW‘s M division today previewed the second generations of their X5M and X6M high-performance crossovers in advance of a world premiere at the LA auto show.

Your first question would be what’s powering the two crossovers and the answer to that is a tweaked version of the previous models’ 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that brings improvements in power (+3.6 percent), torque (+10 percent) and performance while lowering fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by over 20 percent.

As a result, output is boosted by 20PS (20hp) from 555PS (547hp) to 575PS (567hp) between 6,000 and 6,500 rpm and peak torque by 53 lb-ft (72Nm) from 680Nm (500 lb-ft) to 750Nm (553 lb-ft), making the two SUVs the most powerful all-wheel drive BMWs ever.

A new 8-speed M Steptronic automatic takes over from the previous 6-speed auto channeling power to all four wheels through BMW’s xDrive system that employs an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch allowing for a fully variable distribution of drive between front and rear axles, though it normally operates with a rear-biased torque split.

BMW quotes a time of 4.0 seconds for the 0-60mph sprint, 4.2 seconds for the 0-100km/h and a limited top speed of 250km/h or 155mph for either model.

On the European cycle, the two M models return a combined fuel economy of 11.1 l/100km, equal to 21.1 mpg US (EPA estimates are pending) and 25.4 mpg UK with CO2 emissions of 258 g/km.

To keep things civilized on the road (don’t expect to see theses SUVs doing any off-roading), the Germans have outfitted the two cars with all sorts of electronic helpers such as the optimized Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), while the suspension setup includes double-wishbone on the front and a self-leveling rear air suspension with electronically adjustable dampers.

Both models ride on low-weight non-run-flat (is that clapping we hear?) 21-inch forged wheels wrapped around with Michelin Pilot Super Sport UHP tires size 285/35 front and 325/30 rear.

Besides the massive staggered wheels and M badges, the new X5M and X6M get new wider bumpers, the front with larger air-intakes, the rear with a diffuser and four pipes, wheel arch extensions, unique mirrors and “gills” on the front fenders. The display cars are featured in the two new and exclusive M paint finishes named Long Beach Blue Metallic and Donington Grey Metallic.

Their interiors are sported up with a number of M styling cues ranging from the steering wheel and aluminum gear lever, to the Alcantara headliner, sports seats and dashboard trim in carbon fiber.

In the United States, the 2015 X5 M will be offered at $99,650 and the 2015 X6 M will start at $103,050, both including a $950 destination and handling charge.

UK sales will start in April of 2015, with the X5 M and X6 M priced at £90,170 and £93,070 respectively.

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