With 2024 comes a bright new look, better efficiency and a complete restyle for these top-selling mid-size SUVs. From exterior changes to new power options and a plug-in hybrid, the updated X5 and X6 have gotten even more desirable! The host of upgrades, including interior enhancements and key design changes, as well as technology advancements, are all for the asking when these vehicles make their public debut at the Amelia Cocours d’Elegance in March.
Here’s more!
Design changes abound!
The X5
An illuminated kidney grille is among the many key changes in the all-new X5’s front fascia, also featuring signature BMW headlights, the outlines of which are 35 millimeters narrower. The illumination, which can be specified for the first time as an option on the X5 xDrive50e, X5 sDrive 40i and X5 xDrive40i, is activated when one of the doors is opened and allows the driver to switch on and off manually via the iDrive menu.
This unique grille is also bordered by sculpted surfaces, adding a modern look and feel on the front end.
Also realizing a design change are the air breathers in the front side panels of the X5, featuring a dynamically curved element in the front, finished in either chrome or black, and three horizontal blades at their trailing edge.
Newly designed rear lights boast striking contours of fiber-optic light elements.
The X6
An impressive front-end design and standard M Sport package are among the great changes in store for the the all-new X6, as well as the creation of the Sports Activity Coupe segment. A long, swooping roofline and crisp contour lines in this model also creates a dynamically stretched silhouette.
In addition to the powerful rear styling with slim lights, M-specific side skirts and M High-gloss Shadowline trim speak to all-out character when it comes to the look.
Both vehicles sit on 20-inch wheels, with the choice of upgrading to 21- or 22-inch wheels with performance tires.
A peek inside!
At the heart of the interior design in both the X5 and X6 is the fully digital BMW Curved Display, comprised of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches. Both of these features are located behind a sleek single glass surface. Just a touch of the finger, minus a large number of buttons and controls, helps the driver realize the functionality within.
A newly designed dashboard is also the perfect space and stage for this curved display, with its horizontal structure emphasizing the width of the cabin. Surfaces in standard leather-like Sensation add to the all-out luxurious character of both of these models. In addition, slimmer
central air vents integrate seamlessly into the instrument panel, so much so they are nearly out of sight!
Beautiful ambient lighting is also found within in the form of a light bar with a crystalline surface structure and sharp and crisp LED backlighting integrated below the trim element in the front passenger area. Through the iDrive menu, drivers can choose from 15 colors as well as adjust brightness and light distribution. Among this lighting system’s range of functions is also a Welcome Light Carpet which projects a cool graphic on the ground alongside the vehicle when the doors are unlocked or opened. In addition, pulsating light signals appear on the inner panelling of an open door when the engine is running.
Outstanding comfort is found within both of these models, starting with standard sport seats as well as the ability to add multi-contour front seats and massage functions. Stunning and luxurious quilting within can be customized in colors like Silverstone, Coffee, Cognac or Black, with a sharp Tacora Red available on the X6. Extended Merino leather is also available in Ivory, Coffee, Black and Tartufo.
Power packed!
The biggest change comes in the form of power with the X5 and X6 realizing a completely updated range of engines, newly enhanced with electrification. All of these changes enable the X5 and X6 to deliver the top in driving performance and pleasure. The V8 engines in the M60i models now realize the benefit from 48V mild-hybrid technology, while the all new X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid receives an immensely upgraded combustion engine and eDrive technology that endows it with nearly 100 more horsepower while increasing its range of purely electric driving by 10 miles.
In the X5, drivers will feel the enjoyment of a substantially revised gasoline engine and an electric drive unit, with the new powertrain producing a maximum system output of up to 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque while permitting an electric-only range of up to 40 miles.
The new V8 result in 523hp/553 lb.-ft torque for the X5 and X6, resulting in both of them reaching from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.
Both of these engines have 48-volt hybrid stems with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmissions. xDrive all-wheel drive remains standard on all but the X5’s base sDrive40i model, which has rear-wheel drive
