BMW updates X5 and X6 for mid-year arrival

BMW has updated its X5 and X6 large SUV range with revised looks, increased technology levels and refreshed drivetrains, with the first Australian deliveries expected to commence in June or July of this year.

Visually, the facelifted X5 and X6 are identified by a flatter headlight design with updated graphics, new taillight design, a restyled grille with Iconic Glow illumination (new for X5 models) and a reprofiled front bumper.

In the cabin, several stylistic elements have made it across from the recently updated X7 including the dual curved infotainment and instrumentation screens (12.3 and 14.9 inches respectively) running BMW’s up-to-the-minute iDrive OS8 software with 5G SIM connectivity.

The dashboard is reworked to include additional touch controls (like those found in the new 7 Series) and an illuminated designation badge, while additional upholstery options, augmented reality head-up display and an illuminated panoramic glass roof are also available.

It is under the bonnet that the biggest differences in the X5 and X6 are found. Turbocharged petrol and diesel units are again offered, alongside renamed and more powerful plug-in hybrids based on six-cylinder engines paired with sll-wheel drive.

Six- and eight-cylinder petrol engines gain 48-volt mild hybrid technology, which adds 9kW and 200Nm to the system via a transmission-mounted starter/generator. 

Petrol-powered xDrive 40i variants gain 35kW and 90Nm, now 280kW and 540Nm, shaving three tenths from the 0-100km/h dash (now 5.4 seconds) and a minor reduction in fuel consumption.

A petrol-electric PHEV is again available in the X5 range, the xDrive50e offering an all-electric driving range of up to 110km (WLTP) due in part to a larger 25.7kWh battery (up 3.4kWh).

The model’s petrol unit develops 20kW more than before (now 230kW) while the electric motor has been boosted by 62kW (now 145kW), bringing total system power to 360kW (up 70kW) and 700Nm (up 100Nm). The model is said to cover the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds.

X5 M50i xDrive and X6 M50i xDrive models continue to offer turbocharged V8 power, their 4.4-litre unit adding a mild-hybrid system like that of the 3.0-litre ‘six’ but continuing to offer the same output as before at 390kW and 750Nm.

That drivetrain can accelerate the SUV duo to triple digits in 4.3 seconds.

Diesel models score steel pistons, a revised injection system and improved oil circulation but continue to offer the same power as before (210kW and 650Nm). The 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds as well as the models’ fuel consumption remains unchanged.

BMW has yet to announce specifications or pricing of its updated X5 and X6 range for the local market. Currently, the X5 is priced from $109,900 to $227,900 plus on-road costs with the X6 ranging from $132,900 to $233,900 + ORC.

The BMW X5 and X6 compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz GLE wagon and coupe locally, as well as the Audi Q7, Genesis GV80, Jaguar F-Pace and Lexus RX, to name but a few.

In 2022, the BMW X5 sold 3111 units against the X6’s 690, while Merc’s twins sold 3093 and 781 units in wagon and coupe form respectively. The X5 and GLE wagon topped the SUV Large over $70K segment last year, finishing well ahead of the Audi Q7 (1205), Genesis GV80 (251), Jaguar F-Pace (316) and Lexus RX (1352).

The German duo also successfully outpace the Land Rover Range Rover Sport (908), Maserati Levante (436), Porsche Cayenne wagon (858), Porsche Cayenne coupe (723), Volkswagen Touareg (1222) and Volvo XC90 (1258).