CARS.COM — Automakers continue to love blackened special editions that look menacing, classy or both. The latest are from BMW: a pair of Black Fire Editions for its M performance versions of the X5 SUV and X6 four-door coupe SUV.
BMW fans can be the only ones on their blocks with these sinister M models — about 200 will be available in the U.S. later this year, according to BMW. The price is still to be announced; the standard X5 M starts at $101,695 in the U.S. and the X6 M at $105,095 (prices include destination).
The Black Fire Editions freshen the M models’ exteriors with an all-black design look that would be a good fit for a crime boss, including Sapphire Black Metallic paint, black-finish 21-inch forged-alloy wheels and an exclusive blacked-out BMW double-kidney grille.
Inside, the M power-adjustable sport seats and console are fully clad in black Merino leather with red seam accents, and there is a fancy black headliner from the upscale BMW Individual customization unit. Trim is piano black with red accents. And of course, there are M Black Fire Edition logos. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard, but buyers can opt for an M Performance wheel wrapped in grippy, suedelike Alcantara.
Power is unchanged but remains plenty to back up the aggressive appearance: the 567-horsepower, bi-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 with eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive that BMW says is good for zero-to-62 mph in 4.2 seconds.
Washington, D.C., Bureau Chief
Fred Meier
Former D.C. Bureau Chief Fred Meier, who lives every day with Washington gridlock, has an un-American love of small wagons and hatchbacks.