BMW has announced its new, more powerful, M-badged versions of the X5 and X6 will go on sale in the Middle East in October.

Both vehicles will get upgraded iterations of the 4.4-litre twin turbocharged V8 that was used in the X6. Power is boosted up to 555bhp and torque is bumped up from 450 to 500lb ft with BMW claiming that peak torque is available from a mere 1500rpm.

All this means that despite weighing 2380kg the M SUVs can reach 100kph in 4.7sec - that’s the same as a Cayenne Turbo S. The pair are electronically limited to 250kph but if you choose to equip the M Driver’s Package, this rises to 275kph.

Both cars receive a six-speed M automatic transmission, which has full auto and M driving modes, the latter being controlled via steering wheel paddles or the lever. Couple the ability to rev all the way up to the 6800 red line with the xDrive AWD function and these cars become blisteringly quick from standstill.

Having proven themselves on the straights, these two will have to carry speed through the corners. BMW hope that the Dynamic Performance Control from the X6 will help keep grip and stability to a maximum and with a weight distribution close to 50:50 cornering performance shouldn’t be an issue.

As with M-division’s other projects the X5 M and X6 M get subtle makeovers for a beefier appearance; larger air intakes and two twin exhausts at the rear make for the biggest changes. 20-inch alloys finish off the look.

Prices aren’t yet announced, but the two are likely to be a cheaper alternative to the Cayenne Turbo S.