BMW is updating its X5 and X6 at the same time, with notable cosmetic changes inside and out and a plug-in hybrid version of the X5 that’s more powerful and efficient.
Appeared in 2000, the X5 is the dean of SUVs at BMW. And in 23 years, it has evolved a lot! Over the generations, it has undergone a real move upmarket, and received the reinforcement of an X6 “coupé” variant from 2008. This year, the two models receive at the same time a slight mid-career restyling, the generations current X5 (G05) and X6 (G06) having been launched in November 2018 and January 2019 respectively.
On the outside, the update focuses on the front end, with thinner headlights and losing a bit of relief at the front, like the facelifted 3 Series. The luminous signature in rounded double brackets disappears in favor of arrow quotes. The fascia is also reworked, with an optional illuminated grille on the X5 six-cylinder and more angular air intakes. BMW specifies that the X5 is delivered as standard with the xLine adventurer finish equipped with satin aluminum inserts, while the X6 is delivered automatically in the M Sport finish, with a sportier look. At the rear, the lights evolve on the X5 with an X-shaped LED signature opting for more relief, which is reminiscent of that of the restyled X3 in 2021.
New curved screen
On board, the X5 and X6 adopt a new Sensafin vegan faux leather dashboard as standard, with a wooden insert and a backlit bar facing the passenger incorporating the name of the model or an M logo. The two SUVs receive double latest generation BMW Curved Display. The slab is made up of a 12.3-inch screen for the digital counters, and a 14.9-inch screen for the multimedia system. A new control for the gear lever is integrated on the center console, which can receive optional glass controls.
BMW specifies that new colors appear in the catalog, including the Isle of Man Green of the M3 and M4 on the X6 M60i xDrive or the Blue Ridge Mountain of the 3 Series and X7. Rims up to 22 inches are also available. New options also arrive such as a Comfort Pack with heated and cooled drinks holder, a panoramic glass sunroof illuminated by LEDs, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System audio system or a new Travel & Comfort System. BMW still offers two additional seats in the third row as an option to transform the X5 diesel xDrive30d into a 7-seater. But the PHEV models still do not have it.
Micro-hybridization for all and renewed V8
On the engine side, things are moving too. All engines are now paired with a new eight-speed Sport transmission, xDrive all-wheel drive and at least 48V micro-hybridization. The electric motor integrated into the transmission generates up to 9 kW (12 hp) and 200 Nm of torque. The power of the 3.0 six-cylinder diesel increases from 286 to 298 hp for the 30d variants, thanks to adjustments such as steel pistons instead of aluminum elements or a new common rail direct injection system with solenoid valve injectors . The twin-turbocharged 4.4 petrol V8 is slightly reworked for the X6 M60i xDrive, but retains an output of 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque. The coupe SUV reaches 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.
The most powerful and efficient plug-in hybrid
The plug-in hybrid is the one that changes the most. Became X5 xDrive50e, this version receives a 313 hp (+ 27 hp) six-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor integrated into the 197 hp eight-speed Sport automatic transmission. The set develops 490 hp, 96 more than the old X5 PHEV. The combined torque is increased to 700 Nm, 100 more than before. Thanks to this, the X5 xDrive50e sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds despite its weight of 2.4 tonnes. The battery capacity has been increased by 25% and now reaches 25.7 kWh, thus offering 94 to 110 km in the WLTP cycle.
The commercial launch of the restyled BMW X5 and X6 will take place in April 2023, but we already know the French prices for German SUVs. The X5 starts at €88,500 in 30d diesel with xLine trim, while the X6 asks for a minimum of €92,650 for the same engine in M Sport trim. The X5 plug-in hybrid is placed just under €100,000, and the X6 M60i xDrive reaches €113,600.
Restyled BMW X5 price (February 2023):
- BMW X5 xDrive30d xLine : 88 500 €
- BMW X5 xDrive 30d M Sport : 92 650 €
- BMW xDrive50e xLine : 99 900 €
- BMW xDrive50e M Sport : 103 350 €
Restyled BMW X6 price (February 2023):
- BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport: €96,650
- BMW X6 M60i xDrive: €113,600
Photo: BMW.
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