This gives the new flagship X6 model some 49bhp more than its predecessor and a stout 93bhp more than the X6 M50i. For added perspective, it is also 74bhp more than that served up by the Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo and 24bhp more than that offered by the Audi RS Q8 – both of which use the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine in differing states of tune.

Drive is channelled via an eight-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox with steering-wheel mounted shift paddles to an M xDrive four-wheel drive system that accommodates an M differential to apportion drive individually between the rear wheels. Together, they are engineered to provide the X6 M with a distinct rear-wheel-drive bias. In the words of M: “It only brings the front wheels into play when the rear wheels aren’t able to transmit any more power to the road and additional tractive force is required.”

Suspension changes over the X6 M50i include a substantial brace at both the front and rear for greater rigidity, increased track widths, extra camber for the front wheels and subtle tweaks to the active roll stabilisation system, which uses electric motors to suppress lean in corners. Standard wheels are 21in up front and 22in at the rear, with 295/35 ZR21 and substantial 315/30 ZR22 tyres respectively.

If you’re looking for finesse, you best look elsewhere in the M line-up. Although the X6 M is engaging, its driving appeal is not exactly centred on its delicacy of control. Rather, it is the brutish nature of its power delivery and the ability of its gearbox and four-wheel drive system to place its reserves to the road in any one of its various driving modes that make it so memorable.

The M5’s powerplant endows the new BMW SUV with the sort of relentless energy associated with only a select group of top-flight supercars, as evidenced by its official 0-62mph time of just 3.8sec.

Remember to tick the M Driver’s Package option when you order and you’ll also receive the bragging rights to a 180mph top speed. In addition to this, the Competition model emits a delicious baritone exhaust note that growls with anger on the overrun in its most potent driving mode.

Backing up the new M model’s sheer pace is its monumental grip. Although it hits the scales at 2295kg, the X6 M’s ability to string together a series of corners at speed is quite stunning. You can sense the drive being transferred between the front and rear axles as the M xDrive system and M differential work together to find optimum purchase. And even with a nominal 213mm of ground clearance, it remains reassuringly flat, with only moderate body roll on all but the most aggressive of direction changes.