BMW Unveils Updated X5 and X6 Crossovers With Powerful Powertrains, New Equipment

BMW announced updated versions of its X5 and X6 crossover vehicles Tuesday, with refreshed powertrains, some new equipment, and minor styling tweaks. The vehicles will start at $3,000 to $4,000 more than the previous models.

The changes to the interior and exterior of the vehicle are mostly found in the cabin, including an updated infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 14.9-inch central display. The system uses BMW's iDrive 8 controller. Both models now come standard with faux leather sport seats.

Some of the equipment available on the previous models has been shuffled around or made standard on certain models. For example, BMW's electromagnetically controlled Adaptive M Suspension is now standard on the X5 M60i, X6 xDrive40i, and X6 M60i models and optional on X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i. The Driving Assistant Professional package is also now available with Highway Assistant, allowing for hands-free driving on certain limited-access highways at speeds of up to 85 mph.

The updated powertrains for both models have been integrated with BMW's 48-volt electrical architecture. The 3.0-liter I6 in both 40i variants now produces 375 horsepower (up from 335 on the outgoing model) and 383 pound-feet of torque (a bump of 51 lb-ft). The 48V mild-hybrid system kicks in another 16 lb-ft of peak torque, but can contribute up to 147 lb-ft under certain circumstances (mostly to supplement and smooth the torque output of the ICE engine). BMW says this is good enough to propel the AWD-equipped xDrive40i models to 60 in just 5.2 seconds. The 4.4-liter V8's power output carries over despite its mechanical improvements; It produces 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque and makes the M60i variants (previously M50i) 8/10ths of a second quicker to 60 (4.2 seconds) than their I6 equivalents.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain in the X5 has undergone significant revisions. The new xDrive50e (previously the 45e) makes 483 hp (up from 389 hp in the old 45e) and 516 lb-ft of torque with a preliminary electric-only range estimate of 40 miles (up from 30) thanks to a 25 percent larger battery. BMW says it's good for a 0-60 sprint in 4.6 seconds; the 45e's estimate was 5.3 seconds. It also includes a new combined charging unit that can handle single- and three-phase charging, doubling AC throughput to 7.4 kW on a level 2 setup.

Here is the cost breakdown for each model and trim level, with an additional $995 for destination charges:

• X5 sDrive40i - $66,195
• X5 xDrive40i - $68,495
• X5 xDrive50e - $73,495
• X5 M60i xDrive - $90295
• X6 xDrive40i - $74895
• X6 M60i xDrive - $94595

BMW has said that the X5 and X6 for the 2024 model year will start being produced in Spartanburg, South Carolina in April.

Source: BMW