Just like Mercedes-Benz did a few days ago with the GLE and the GLE Coupé, BMW renews its own weapons in the segment, the X5 and X6. Usually these mid-life changes (LCI in BMW language) are cosmetic, but BMW took the opportunity to install some extra improvements in all areas, in order to maintain global leadership in its segment. It is especially noticeable in the interior and in the powertrain.
changes outside
Starting with the cosmetic packs, the BMW X5 now comes standard with some elements typical of the xLine kit to gain robustness, with satin aluminum colored elements on the grille, window frames or roof bars. In the case of the X6, it’s the M Sport package (optional for the X5) with more aggressive fascias, M sills and trim, gloss black finishes and trapezoidal-shaped exhaust trims.
Both models sport new arrow-shaped LED DRL headlights and they also act as turn signals. These bulbs can be equipped with Matrix LED technologies with adaptive control and BMW Selective Beam anti-glare high beam, in addition to M lights in Shadowline black. The BMW Iconic Glow (Grille Illumination) is now offered as an option for the six-cylinder variants of the X5 and X6.
Finally, the X5 receives changes in skulls, also with an L-type signature, but duplicated and invertedwhich from afar causes both bulbs to create an X-shaped motif.
All model variants are now available with the M Sport Pro Package. The new body finishes M Marina Bay Blue metallic (BMW X5 M60i xDrive) and M Isle of Man Green metallic (BMW X6 M60i xDrive) are available exclusively for the top-of-the-range models. New for all models are Blue Ridge Mountain metallic, Brooklyn Gray metallic, Skyscraper Gray metallic, Frozen Pure Gray metallic and around 40 special BMW Individual paints.
changes inside
If outside the changes are more discreet, inside they are much more marked, with a more futuristic look.
- BMW Curved Display, the brand’s curved panel with two screens of 12.3 and 14.9 inches, now replaces the previous instruments. Of course this considers the integration of the BMW ID8 operating system with iDrive control.
- Standard Live Cockpit Plus interface and optional Live Cockpit Professional with Head-up Display and augmented reality.
- When the car is stationary, the driver and front passenger can also stream YouTube content and access the Bundesliga in-car app (for viewing content from the German soccer league) on the control screen.
- BMW Digital Key Plus digital key for smartphones.
- The digital services of BMW Charging for the BMW X5 xDrive50e have now been integrated into the My BMW App.
- 5G support
- New Sensafin material: synthetic leather, which we see in the seats, doors and also as a lining on the dashboard.
- There is BMW Individual Merino upholstery as an option, in extended or complete application.
- Seats can be equipped with massage or ventilation
- LED backlit ambient lights and X5 or X6 badging as applicable.
- optional:
- Front temperature comfort package
- heated coasters
- LED-illuminated panoramic roof (Sky Lounge)
- crystal knobs
- Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Audio System
- New transmission selector: goodbye lever.
Additional systems and assistance:
- Enhanced features for the standard Forward Collision Warning systemwhich can now also reduce the risk of collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming traffic when exiting a road
- Automatic speed limit assistant
- lane departure notice
- active navigation
- speed control en route
- Recognition of traffic lights (depending on the market).
- emergency stop assistant
- lane change assist
- Onboarding Wizard
- Parking Assistant as standard with extended functions:
- reversing camera
- parking sensors
- check out
- tow assistant
- Automated parking assistant (Parking Assistant Professional) with remote exit
- Level 2 semi-autonomous management
mechanical offer
The new BMW X5 and the new BMW X6 can be ordered with an eight-cylinder petrol engine, a straight-six petrol engine and a straight-six diesel engine (xDrive30d, not available in all markets), all from the latest generation of powertrains, both of which debuted in the X7. All engines are now paired with the new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system transfers power to the road or, if necessary, to off-road surfaces.
All drive units now feature 48V Mild Hybrid technology, which can add up to 12 Hp and 148 lb-ft in the engines where it is equipped. The range opens with the X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i and X6 xDrive40i models, motivated by a 375 Hp and 348 lb-ft engine. They can reach 0 to 100 in 5.4 seconds with the xDrive system.
Then we meet the X5 xDrive50e PHEV which replaces the xDrive45e. It uses a motor similar to the one already mentioned, but with the help of a more powerful electric motor, with 194 Hp and almost 332 lb-ft of torque. In total, the system delivers 483 Hp and 516 lb-ft of peak torque. In addition, an innovative pre-reduction stage – used to increase the effective torque produced by the electric motor to a maximum of 332 lb-ft at the transmission input to the engine – helps provide even more defined power delivery. The BMW X5 xDrive50e accelerates from rest to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.
The amount of usable energy that the high-voltage battery integrated in the underbody can store has increased by almost 25% over the previous generation, to 25.7 kWh. A new combined charging unit doubles the maximum charging speed in alternating current to 7.4 kW. The electric autonomy of the new BMW X5 xDrive50e is 94 to 110 kilometers in the WLTP cycle.
Finally they appearThe new M60i that replace the M50i in both models. They are motivated by a new S68 M TwinPower Turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 523 Hp. Both models reach 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.
Both the BMW X5 and X6 will continue to be manufactured from Spartanburg in the United States and should be released globally in April of this year.
