BMW presents updated X5 and X6

It was already a sneak preview at the Brussels Motor Show, now BMW officially presents the updated editions of its successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) X5 and Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) X6. The refreshed drive system line-up includes new combustion engines, a latest-generation plug-in hybrid system, and 48 V mild hybrid technology for all other models.

Also coming are the new systems for automated driving and parking and the fully digital iDrive control/operation system with BMW Curved Display based on BMW’s Operating System 8. BMW hopes that the update will provide the BMW X5 with everything it needs to maintain the worldwide market leadership in its segment and enable the BMW X6 to secure its position as number one ahead of competitors from other premium German manufacturers.

The two models will be built at the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA, the competence center for BMW X models, and their global launch gets underway in April 2023.

Slightly updated design

Designwise, BMW has executed some light changes in the shape of the headlamps and the kidney grill, which can now be illuminated (‘Iconic Glow’) on all models. At the rear also, the contouring of the lights has been sharpened. The new X6 gets the M Sport package as standard. The latter is available as an option on the X5. All models will now also be available with the M Sport package Pro as an optional feature.

The changes in the interior are dominated by the introduction of BMW Operating System 8 and BMW’s ‘Curved Display’. It comprises a 12,3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14,9 inches, both located behind a single glass surface.

Revised ICE engines with mild hybrid

The BMW X5 and X6 with ICE engines can both be ordered with the choice of an eight-cylinder gasoline engine, a six-cylinder in-line gasoline, and a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine. The two range-topping models M60i xDrive now have a new 4,4 liter V8 gasoline engine with 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque. The revised six-cylinders now develop 380 hp/540 Nm in gasoline guise and 298 hp/670 Nm in diesel spec.

All of the engines now link up with the likewise new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, complete with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. They send their power to the road via the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

All the drive units now feature 48 V mild hybrid technology. This across-the-board application of electrification comes in the form of an electric motor integrated into the transmission. This motor generates an output boost of up to 9 kW/12 hp and 200 Nm (147 lb-ft) of torque.

Optimized plug-in hybrid X5

The drive system for the plug-in hybrid variant has also been completely reworked. A latest-generation six-cylinder in-line gasoline engine and a similarly new electric motor team up to develop a system output of 360 kW/490 hp (up 96 hp over the outgoing model) and combined torque of 700 Nm (up 100 Nm).

A pre-gearing stage, used to increase the effective torque produced by the electric motor to a maximum of 450 Nm at the transmission input for the motor, helps to provide even sharper power delivery. The BMW X5 xDrive50e now accelerates from rest to 100 kph in 4,8 seconds.

The usable energy of the high-voltage battery pack has been increased by almost 25% to 25,7 kWh. The electric range of the new BMW X5 xDrive50e is now 94 – 110 kilometers, according to the WLTP cycle.

Chassis changes and driving/parking aids

Adaptive suspension is now fitted as standard. Adaptive M suspension, which comes as standard on both the range-topping models as well as all other variants of the new BMW X6, provides a particularly firm connection to the body. Adaptive two-axle air suspension and the xOffroad package are offered as options. The range-topping models are equipped as standard with Integral Active Steering.

Updates of the driving aids include enhanced capabilities for the standard front-collision warning system, which can now also reduce the risk of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians, or oncoming traffic when turning off a road. Among the options now available are automatic Speed Limit Assist, exit warning, Active Navigation, route speed control, traffic light recognition (depending on the market), Emergency Stop Assistant, Lane Change Assistant, and Merging Assistant.

As well as the Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant, the standard Parking Assistant now also comprises the drive-off monitoring and Trailer Assistant functions. And the new, optional Parking Assistant Professional enables automated parking into and out of spaces and complete maneuvers over a distance of up to 200 meters to be controlled from outside the car using the My BMW App on an Apple iPhone.

The new dashboard has a ‘Curved Display’ screen, and everything works with BMW’s Operating System 8. The X6 SUV Coupé gets the same technical changes as the X5 and a higher standard level of equipment