BMW Germany officially launched the mid-term facelift of the German X5 and X6 SUV models. Although the appearance of these two models has only been slightly changed, the power changes following the minor facelift make them more powerful and easier to drive.
Although the facelifted BMW X5 and X6 did not introduce the split headlight design of the flagship X7, they were replaced with a new, more slender headlight group and an arrow-shaped daytime running light design. The X5 is replaced with a new design front bumper with vertical vents, and the previous X6-exclusive trim water tank guard is optional; the X6 comes standard with the M Sport body kit and is equipped with an octagonal air bully black kit for the front bumper .
Different from the miniature appearance, the interior of the facelifted BMW X5 and X6 has undergone a more obvious upgrade this time. The facelifted X5 and X6 models are all equipped with BMW’s latest large-area curved screen that combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch infotainment system touch screen. Users can use voice or touch screen to operate the iDrive 8 system. The traditional gear knob has also been replaced by a paddle gear, and the cockpit has also introduced an atmosphere light bar similar to the 7-Series and X7 flagship models.
In terms of power, the rear-wheel drive X5 sDrive40i, four-wheel drive X5 xDrive40i and four-wheel drive X6 xDrive40i models are all equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six-cylinder gasoline engine combined with 48V mild-hybrid light oil-electric technology. It has increased by 40 horses to 375 horses, and has a peak torque output of 55.06 kgm. The xDrive four-wheel drive model accelerates from 0 to 96 kilometers per hour in 5.2 seconds. In addition, the new X5 M60i and X6 M60i are equipped with a 4.4-liter S68 V8 gasoline engine combined with 48Vmild-hybrid light oil-electric technology. This power system has a maximum horsepower of 523 horsepower and a peak torque output of 56.39 kgm.
The new X5 xDrive50e PHEV plug-in gasoline-electric power model is also equipped with the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight 6-cylinder gasoline engine body, combined with an electric motor that can provide 194 horsepower and 45.79 kg-meter torque, which is similar to the xDrive45e before the facelift The new system adds 83 horsepower compared to the model’s electric motor. The new PHEV system can provide 483 combined horsepower and 52.62 kgm peak torque output. According to the original factory, the acceleration of the new X5 xDrive50e PHEV from 0 to 96 kilometers per hour only takes 4.6 seconds, which is 0.7 seconds faster than the acceleration of the xDrive45e model before the facelift.
In addition to the power upgrade, the pure electric driving distance of the new X5 xDrive50e PHEV plug-in gasoline-electric model has also increased by 16 kilometers, reaching a cruising range of 64 kilometers. This is because the new car is replaced with a new 29.5 kWh battery pack, which increases the system’s capacity by 8.1kWh. The X5 xDrive50e PHEV is also equipped with a new on-board charging device that can handle a load of 7.4kW (the old car only had 3.7kW), and users can read and operate the charging function through a smartphone.
But there is no such thing as a free lunch. With so many functions enhanced, the price of the new X5 xDrive50e PHEV model has also increased by US$6,800 compared to the xDrive45e, reaching a starting price of US$73,495 (approximately NT$2.229 million). The price increase for other powered models is regarding $3,800.
All models of the facelifted X6 are equipped with an active suspension system as standard, while the X5 xDrive50e is equipped with an air suspension system as standard and provides options for other models. The X5 M60i and X6 M60i are also equipped with Integral Active Steering integrated active steering system with rear wheel steering function. In terms of driving assistance systems, the Highway Assistant package provides Level 2+ driving functions that can be used on certain pre-mapped main road network sections with hands-free (maximum speed of 137 kilometers per hour).
Other new technologies include 5G connectivity, phone key functionality for Apple and Android phones, augmented reality navigation, and enhanced voice operation of vehicle functions, including window and climate control. The facelifted BMW X5 and X6 also come standard with Reversing Assist that automatically guides you out of poor-view parking spaces, while the smartphone-controlled Parking Assist, listed as an option, can store up to 10 different positions parking operation.
The facelifted 2024 BMW X5 and X6 models will be officially produced at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, USA from April this year.
